SUMMER CONCERTS AT GOODSPEED BY THE RIVER

What better time or better season to sit back and savor summer with Goodspeed by the River’s tempting schedule of concerts from now until August 1. You know you are anxious to embrace entertainment and this series of events in a large tent on the Connecticut River in East Haddam, in the shadow of the Goodspeed Opera House, are a perfect place to start living again. First up was the spirited vocal team of Dee Roscioli and Ben Clark who helped “Turn Back Time” to the 1970’s, 1980’s and Beyond. They hopscotched through their favorites, lighting on Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, the Bee Gees, and Prince, with sounds as sweet and smooth as Tennessee whisky. On a mean guitar, Ben shared some of his tunes from his musical “The Circus in Winter” that played at the Norma Terris Theatre, where he first met Dee. She also vocalized her hits garnered from playing Elphaba in “Wicked” and Cher in “The Cher Show.” The iconic Pearl Bailey will be immortalized as “The Ambassador of Love" from June 22 to July 18 as Broadway and Goodspeed favorite Rashidra Scott takes center stage. She will surely shine a beacon on the legendary hits that punctuated Bailey’s decades of successes. Hopefully she will alight on Pearl’s wonderful turn as Dolly Levy in “Hello, Dolly!” Who could ask for more than the impressive pairing of Tony Bennett and Barbara Streisand’s songs, courtesy of Jackie Burns and Joe Cassidy in their savory salute “Bennett & Babs: The Songs of Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand” taking center stage from June 23 to July 4. The American Songbook will surely explode with red, white and blue fireworks. If you were fortunate enough to see and hear the Goodspeed musical “Passing Through” you will remember its stars Max Chernin and Celeste Rose. They are "Together Again: Max and Celeste Sing Their Broadway Favorites” and you can be in the audience to delight in every tune. Be sure to attend from July 7 to July 18 for a front row seat. Complementing the roster of hits is a foot stompin’ down-home jamboree of joy as the finest fiddler in Georgia pits his wits against the devil himself in the concert version of “Johnny & the Devil’s Box” from July 22 to August 1. You may find yourself levitating right out of your seat as the music grabs you and spins you into the atmosphere. Just added is "Little Girl Blue: The Nina Simone Musical" in the tent August 4-29 and you don't want to be left out of the musical magic. Broadway's Laiona Michelle will do the honors royally, as writer and singer, telling the story of the legendary performer and activist through her exuberant story. With tunes like "Feeling Good," "Ooh Child," "My Way" and many more, this "High Priestess of Soul" will be revealed in all her glory. For tickets ($45, or buy tickets for 3 or more shows and save $5 a ticket), call 860-873-8668. First responders, healthcare workers and teachers are invited to Hero Wednesdays with a $5 discount on Wednesdays. For $69, enjoy a Gelston Dinner Package on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Go to goodspeed.org for more information.Check times, 2 p.m and 7 p.m., for all shows, performed rain or shine. Make your summer memorable by participating in one or all of Goodspeed’s parade of concerts, sponsored by Community Health Center, Inc., that are guaranteed to make you feel alive once again.