Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Collection |
THS Theatre Affiliates |
Title |
CT-East Haddam-Goodspeed Opera House |
Catalog Number |
TAP-2017-0024 |
Format |
Registration |
Scope & Content |
Current Name: Goodspeed Opera House Previous Name: N/A Street Address: 6 Main St., East Haddam, Connecticut 06423 Opening Date: October 24, 1877 Architect/Firm: General Contractor, Jabez Comstock and Construction Superintendent, Charles Arnold Restoration: Architects, Frederic C. Palmer and Henry Sage Goodwin of Schutz & Goodwin Architecture Style: Second Empire Chain Affiliation: N/A Theatre Organ: N/A Seating Capacity: 398 (current) Screen Count: N/A Current Programming: Musical theatre revivals and new musical development Current Projection: N/A Previous Renovations/Work or History: Work on the restoration began in July of 1960. Frederic C. Palmer, who designed the reconstruction of the interior of the Opera House, in collaboration with Henry Sage Goodwin of the firm Shutz & Goodwin, architects, of Hartford, never deviated from the original concept of restoring the auditorium and the exterior as faithfully as possible to their former elegance. The theatre itself is a gem of architectural accomplishment and decorating genius. As a concession to modern theatre requirements, a sunken orchestra pit was included in the restoration plan and a projection booth installed at the rear of the balcony. So-called creature comforts have not been overlooked; the theatre has modern heating facilities and, of course, air conditioning. The foyer and grand staircase, just inside the front doors, is a focal point of this amazing restoration. The staircase did not exist in Goodspeed's time; it is the product of the designer's imaginative and fertile mind. The inspiration stems from the lavish staircase treatment so prevalent on the side-wheelers and steamers that churned the river and coastal waters more than a century ago. The overall effect of the Goodspeed auditorium, however, is that of the intimate European palace theatres of the 18th century. Their elaborate decoration was simulated here by the use of available wallpaper borders and chromo-prints so popular in Victorian times. The exterior of the Goodspeed Opera House is basically of late 18th century design, but the neo-classical decoration is replaced with restrained use of ornaments produced on a jigsaw - that new mechanical invention in whose use the Victorian builders reveled. Website: http://www.goodspeed.org |
Search Terms |
Connecticut East Haddam CT-East Haddam-Goodspeed Opera House Theatre Affiliates Palmer, Frederic C Goodwin, Henry Sage Schutz & Goodwin |