Goodspeed Presents Works From Jason Robert Brown, Elizabeth A. Davis, Kathleen Marshall, and More for 2015 Festival of New Musicals

Today at Goodspeed's 10th annual Festival of New Musicals, the two-time Tony Award-winning theatre announced plans for three new musicals to be produced at The Norma Terris Theatre in 2015.

The Theory of Relativity, a 2014 Goodspeed Festival favorite, features Music and Lyrics by Neil Bartram and Book by Brian Hill. This exciting musical described by some as "A Chorus Line for Millennials" will run May 7 - May 31.

My Paris will bring the world and subjects of Toulouse-Lautrec's most famous works to life through Music and Lyrics by Charles Aznavour, Book by Alfred Uhry, and English lyrics and arrangements by Jason Robert Brown will run July 23 - Aug 16.

The compelling tale of a beauty pageant queen and a homeless man, Indian Joe, featuring Music and Lyrics by Elizabeth A. Davis and Book by Davis and Christine Henry, will complete this full season with a run October 22 - November 15, 2015 at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Connecticut, Goodspeed's home for new musicals.

Developing new works is at the heart of the Goodspeed Musicals mission and the cornerstone of this effort is The Norma Terris Theatre. Established over 30 years ago, this intimate theatre is dedicated exclusively to the creation of new musicals. Here Goodspeed provides the resources, guidance, time and support to artists -established and emerging - as they develop original musicals. Audiences at The Norma Terris are often the very first to see their work on the stage. Many of the musicals that began in Chester, Conn. have since gone on to be produced far and wide, including Broadway, London's West End and at theatres across the country.

THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY:

Music & Lyrics by Neil Bartram (Goodspeed/Broadway: The Story of My Life)

Book by Brian Hill (Goodspeed/Broadway: The Story of My Life)

Directed by Brian Hill

This unconventional new musical by Drama Desk Award nominees Neil Bartram and Brian Hill is a joyous and moving look at our surprisingly interconnected lives. Through a seemingly unrelated collection of songs, scenes and monologues, The Theory of Relativity introduces a compelling array of characters experiencing the joys and heartbreaks, the liaisons and losses, the inevitability and the wonder of human connection. Whether you're allergic to cats, in love for the first or tenth time, a child of divorce, a germaphobe, or simply a unique individual, you're sure to find yourself in this fresh new musical!

Supporting sponsor will be Sheridan College.

MY PARIS:

Music and Lyrics by Charles Aznavour

Book by Alfred Uhry

English lyrics and arrangements by Jason Robert Brown (Goodspeed/Broadway: 13)

Directed and Choreographed by Kathleen Marshall (3 TimeTony Award-winner/Goodspeed: Swinging on a Star)

A new musical about the life and times of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the artist who captured the gaiety, color and heartbreak of Montmartre, Le Can-Can, and the world of Le Moulin Rouge. Inhabited by the colorful people he painted, it's the story of a great artist who loved a world that never quite loved him back. Music and lyrics are by legendary French performer Charles Aznavour. The book is by Oscar, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner, Alfred Uhry, with English lyrics by three time Tony winner, Jason Robert Brown. Tony winning director/choreographer, Kathleen Marshall, brings it all to whirling, spinning and sassy life. C'est magnifique!

INDIAN JOE:

Music and Lyrics by Elizabeth A. Davis (Tony Nominee, Once)

Book by Elizabeth A. Davis & Christine Henry

Directed by Kim Wield

This brand new musical tells the unlikely story of a homeless Native American man and a Texas beauty queen who never should have been friends. He's looking for a fight. She's looking for a cause. As they stumble toward friendship, both ultimately discover that the look of a family is not always what you think. Inspired by true events, it's a uniquely American story with an Americana beat. You'll never forget Indian Joe.

The Norma Terris Theatre is located at 33 North Main Street in Chester which was recently voted "Best Small Town in Connecticut" by Connecticut Magazine. Season tickets are on sale now through the Goodspeed Box Office. Single tickets will be available starting March 29, 2015. For more information call the Goodspeed Box Office at 860.873.8668 or visit www.goodspeed.org.

Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, the first regional theatre to receive two Tony Awards for outstanding achievement, produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn., and additional musicals at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., which celebrated 30 years of developing new musicals in 2014. In addition to the two theatres and production facilities, Goodspeed maintains The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre. Goodspeed Musicals gratefully acknowledges the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development with support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts.