The Terris Theatre 2025 season includes About Time and The Great Emu War
Tickets go on sale on April 8, 2025
Two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals announces a season of two brand new musicals at The Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn. One is the latest from a Tony, Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriting team who have a long history with the theatre, and the other is a new musical homegrown through Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals. Both musicals are at the early stages of their lives, and the teams will focus on developing the work throughout their time at The Terris. With audience feedback, changes will be made to both the book and score, which is a hallmark of The Terris Theatre. To allow as much flexibility for change as possible, the set and costumes will be kept simple so the show can change daily if necessary.
The season will open with the heartfelt new musical revue About Time, which will run May 24 – June 15. At first, they were Starting Here, Starting Now. After a few years, they were Closer Than Ever. Now, decades later, the legendary award-winning writing team of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire complete the trilogy they didn’t know they were creating…About Time. From long-ago love affairs and ambitions of the past to tech-savvy grandkids and lost keys, this funny and touching revue features all new songs about people navigating the joys and challenges of growing older while staying young in spirit.
About Time features music by Academy and Grammy Award-winner David Shire (Broadway: Baby, Big; Off-Broadway: Starting Here, Starting Now; Closer Than Ever; Film: Norma Rae (Academy Award for Best Song), Saturday Night Fever (two Grammy Awards for Album Of The Year)) with lyrics by Tony Award-winning director Richard Maltby, Jr. (The Terris: The Story of My Life, The 60’s Project; Broadway: Miss Saigon, The Story of My Life, Fosse, Big, Baby, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical)). Maltby will also direct the musical. About Time completes a trilogy about life by Maltby and Shire that began in 1976 with Starting Here, Starting Now and continued in 1989 with Closer Than Ever. The production will feature choreography and musical staging by Tony-nominated Marcia Milgrom Dodge (The Goodspeed: On the Town, Broadway: Ragtime).
The season will conclude with a new “EMUsical” comedy The Great Emu War, which will run Oct. 3 – 26. Remember that one time that the Australian government sent their army with machine guns to wage war on emus in Western Australia? Neither do most people…but when Edith, the headstrong warbler, and her flock begin to feed on the wheat of local farmers—the humans take up arms against Australia’s favorite feathered friends. Think of it as Cats, but with emus. It’s the most emusing 90 minutes you’ll have in any theatre…don’t miss it!
The Great Emu War features a book by Cal Silberstein, a West-Australian writer, performer, producer, and dramaturg whose works have been performed in the United States and beyond. Music and lyrics are by Paul Hodge, an award-winning writer-composer from Brisbane whose work has been produced Off-Broadway, in London, Edinburgh and Australia, including at the Sydney Opera House. The Great Emu War will be directed and choregraphed by Amy Anders Corcoran (The Goodspeed: Christmas in Connecticut; Broadway: Escape to Margaritaville, associate director; Off-Broadway: Unexpected Joy).
“We are proud to play a significant role in the future of musical theatre through our commitment to new musical development,” said Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton. “At The Terris Theatre, there is a wonderful synergy of writers putting their work in front of an audience for the first time and an audience that is eager to see something new and help shape it through their feedback. The result is not just an entertaining evening, but an investment in the future that comes with bragging rights to tell the world ‘I saw it first at Goodspeed!’”
For the past 41 years, The Terris Theatre has been Goodspeed’s home for developing fresh, innovative and original new musicals. Many new and reimagined musicals have been developed in Chester, Conn., before moving on to Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours and other Regional Theatres. Audiences are invited to “see it here first” and enjoy being part of creating brand new musicals.
Season tickets for shows at The Terris Theatre are on sale now for just $66. Tickets will go on sale to the public April 8th. Goodspeed Memberships for 2025 are available now and provide many benefits to donors at both The Terris Theatre and at The Goodspeed. For more information, call the Goodspeed Box Office (860.873.8668), open weekdays 10 a.m-5 p.m., or visit goodspeed.org.
The Terris Theatre is supported by The Norma Terris/Albert D. Firestone Foundation.
About Time
About Time
A New Musical
May 24 – June 15
Music by David Shire
Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Choreography and Musical Staging by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.
At first, they were Starting Here, Starting Now. After a few years, they were Closer Than Ever. Now, decades later, the legendary award-winning writing team of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire complete the trilogy they didn’t know they were creating…About Time. From long-ago love affairs and ambitions of the past to tech-savvy grandkids and lost keys, this funny and touching revue features all new songs about people navigating the joys and challenges of growing older while staying young in spirit.
Age Rating: 15+
The Great Emu War
The Great Emu War
A New EMUsical Comedy
October 3-26
Book by Cal Silberstein
Music and Lyrics by Paul Hodge
Directed & Choregraphed by Amy Anders Corcoran
Remember that one time that the Australian government sent their army with machine guns to wage war on emus in Western Australia? Neither do most people…but when Edith, the headstrong warbler, and her flock begin to feed on the wheat of local farmers—the humans take up arms against Australia’s favorite feathered friends. Think of it as Cats, but with emus. It’s the most emusing 90 minutes you’ll have in any theatre…don’t miss it!
Age Rating: PG-13
Don’t Miss
• Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella comes to live at the Warner Theatre
• Goodspeed Musicals announced the cast for Ragtime
• Yacht Rock set sail for third year at the Warner Theatre
Share your Chester experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here for the latest news in Chester
Click here for the upcoming events in Chester
Click here for the latest news in Middlesex County
Click here for the upcoming events in Middlesex County
•••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Connecticut Merch
If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.
Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
AMG Catering & Events Spring Cooking Schedule
3/26 – Spring Cocktail Party – Click here for more information
4/9 – Boozy Brunch with sipstirs – Click here for more information
4/30 – Cinco de Mayo Class – Click here for more information
5/14 – Spring Sauce Class – Click here for more information
5/21 – Hibachi / Blackstone Class — Click here for more information
The Record Company Live at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den on April 12, 2025
Don’t miss the chance to see The Record Company perform live at the legendary Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den on April 12, 2025. Known for their electrifying blend of blues, rock, and soul, The Record Company delivers an unforgettable live performance every time. Click here for more information.
Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving
Celebrate Jersey Mike’s 15th Annual Month of Giving! Make a donation all month long at your local Jersey Mike’s and make sure to stop by March 26 for Day of Giving, when 100 percent of sales will be donated to Make-A-Wish Connecticut. Learn more at Eat a Sub: Help Make A Wish Connecticut
Fairfield Theatre Company March Events
3/25 – Improvement Movement – Click here for tickets
3/27 – Concert to benefit Caroline House – Click here for tickets
3/27 – Ryan Montableu – Click here for tickets
3/28 – Pink Talking Fish – Click here for tickets
3/29 – Gabe Dixon – Click here for tickets
3/30 – Sam Greenfield – Click here for tickets
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Google News • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
March 2025 • April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House