If you love animals and musicals, prepare to be amazed by Goodspeed Musicals' latest gift to the theatrical community, a tavern yarn set in England just prior to World War II. Based on a novella by Paul Gallico penned in 1941, “The Snow Goose” tells the bittersweet story of a young girl, a teen named Frith, sensitively portrayed by Ashlyn Maddox, who finds a wounded snow goose imaginatively created by master puppeteer Leah Hofmann and her two “wing" friends. It soars with spirit until Sunday, October 18 and it should not be missed.
Despite her friends Wilf (Charlie Webb), Clara (Ayanna Nicole Thomas) and Farley (Gabriel Marcus Omlor), Frith turns to a disabled and feared artist Philip who lives alone in a lighthouse, cloaked in his own loneliness, and called a freak and a monster by the villagers. Philip, a friendless recluse Eric Raise, initially refuses Frith’s request for help to heal the wounded goose. Ultimately the incredible goose honks her way into his long frozen heart.
The pair name the goose Princess and proceed to heal her while they heal themselves. Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie have created a beautiful story of the redemptive qualities of kindness, friendship and love that is guaranteed to touch your heart. Sam Sherwood is the Bard, the troubadour who sings their story while Amy Hillner Larsen, Ally Bonino and David Aron Damane play Frith’s concerned guardian, choral leader and another villager.
As Princess returns every year from Canada to England’s shores, this folk tale becomes increasingly involving, with their relationship at stake in the midst of an active conflict: war. Marshall Pailet directs this musical with energy and emotion, with choreography by Misha Shields and musical direction by Adam Souza. This project was an act of love for Goodspeed Musical’s Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton who oversaw each feather and honk with concern and care, to make this world premiere so special.
For tickets ($35-103), call Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main Street, East Haddam at 860-873-8668 or online at goodspeed.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.,Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
“The Snow Goose” is an unforgettable theatrical triumph. It will fly into your heart and soar into infinity with the power of friendship and love and forgiveness. Learn bravery with each wonderful honk of the snow goose.
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