Musicals return to Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre

Goodspeed Musicals will hold its first season of new musicals at The Terris Theatre in Chester since 2019.

The Terris, which opened in 1984 for the development of new musicals, will feature one show celebrating Dolly Parton and another inspired by the true story of a deaf Welsh sniper in World War I.

“Here You Come Again,” which will run July 26-Aug. 27, brings the character of Dolly Parton together with a diehard fan going through a trying time. With her wit, humor and trademark charm, Dolly teaches him about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. The score features hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream” and more.

“Here You Come Again” is written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio. Barre will also direct and choreograph.

In “Private Jones,” running Oct. 13-Nov. 5, a deaf solider displays remarkable skill as a sniper while hiding his profound hearing loss. Driven by an ensemble of deaf, hearing and hard-of-hearing actors and a Celtic score, the show explores how one man’s journey through war becomes all the more treacherous because he can’t hear what’s coming next.

“Private Jones” is written and will be directed by Marshall Pailet.

Now in her third season as Goodspeed’s Artistic Director, Donna Lynn Hilton stated, “We are thrilled to re-open our Terris Theatre for the first time since 2019. Please join us as we develop our next big hit so you can say, ‘I saw it first at Goodspeed!’ With our GoodWorks commissioning program, Mercer Writers Grove and Festival of New Musicals all serving as a direct pipeline to the Terris stage, Goodspeed’s commitment to new musical theatre development is stronger than ever.”

Goodspeed has supported the development of “Private Jones” since its inception and as it has moved through Goodspeed’s new musical pipeline. It was conceived at the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove on the Goodspeed campus, presented in Goodspeed’s 2020 Festival of New Musicals, continued developing through creative workshops and now it will make its debut at The Terris Theatre.

Season tickets for both shows at The Terris Theatre are available now to members and start at $90. Single tickets will go on sale April 5. Call the box office at (860) 873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.