We found this beautiful local venue and began to check on its history and what was currently playing. The Goodspeed Opera House is definitely a return to a more elegant time. It is nestled into a small corner in the quaint, small village of East Haddam, right on the Connecticut River. So, I got online and ordered our tickets to see Oliver!
The Goodspeed Opera House
The building was built in 1876 and despite the name is not a place for operas, but plays. The theater itself is in the top two floors within the five-story building. Since it is an old building, we had to walk up five flights to our balcony seats. A decent workout.
It is interesting that as we have traveled over the Northeast, many small towns will have an elegant old opera house. Very commonplace. No opera although, but many music and play performances.
Many theatergoers dine or have drinks at the old hotel/restaurant next door. The Gelston House dates back to 1736 when it was built as a riverside hotel. Having already eaten at home, we just stepped in to look around. Beautiful interior and obviously some fine dining.
Oliver Musical
This was a very good musical. An adaption by Lionel Bart of the classic Charles Dickens tale. It lasted about three hours with a 20 minute intermission. And they had full bar service!
East Haddam, CT
East Haddam is a very small (9,000 pop), but busy town as it seems to be a crossroads and is located by one of the few Connecticut River bridges in the area.
The river bridge itself is interesting in that it is a swing bridge that swings outward to open up for tall boat river traffic. At the time of its construction, it was reputed to be the longest swing bridge of its kind in the world. It was completed in 1913 and eliminated the ferry service that was used since 1694.
East Haddam was settled by three tribes of Indians until 1650. One tribe was called the place of noises due to the many eathquates that rocked the area from 1638 through 1899. Loud rumblings, the “Moodus Noises,” could be heard from miles around. The land was purchased by English settlers for 30 coats.
Our campground is located in Moodus, CT and I don’t think I have heard any earthquake noises. Interesting history.
Thanks for following along! I have a couple more blogs to publish from this location including a day trip down to Mystic CT. Today, we have a longish relocation to Lake Ariel, PA as we travel across Connecticut, through the edge of NY, then into the Poconos of Pennsylvania. About 250 miles and many route changes. Most of the trip on I-84.
Have a great Labor Day holiday and be sure to say happy birthday to my bride as today she says that she is 39. Take care and God Bless.
Looks like a great town to visit as you head south. While you are enjoying them, I bet that you guys are getting excited about nearing home base for a visit.
Robert
Yes, we find that most all small communities have something to offer. Going back to VA will be very nice, although it will be another stop with many things to get done.