Weekend Pick

East Haddam, CT - - - Starting this Sunday, some Connecticut theatergoers will step back in time and take an unusual trip to see a Tony-Award winning musical about a hilarious train trip aboard the famed New York Central express train, The Twentieth Century.

For four Sundays in May, passengers can board a steam-powered train in Essex, ride the rails to Deep River and then transfer to make the last stage of their journey by riverboat. They’ll arrive at Goodspeed just like travelers did a century ago when the Connecticut River – and not I-91 – was this state’s transportation artery.

After arriving at Goodspeed in style, these theatergoers will enjoy a box dinner on the Goodspeed lawn and see the 6:30 P.M. performance of On The Twentieth Century. After the show, a bus will whisk them back to their cars in Essex.

"This is the first time the Goodspeed Opera House and the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat have collaborated. Working together, these two historic attractions are offering a unique and memorable experience – one you just can’t get by taking MetroNorth to the City and seeing a show on Broadway," Connecticut River Valley & Shoreline Visitors Council Executive Director Jackie LaBella said.

"Where else can you start off on a steam train, cruise up a beautiful river, picnic next to an ornate Victorian opera House and then enjoy a stylish production of a classic American musical?" she asked.

On The Twentieth Century is a song and dance filled musical comedy portraying the interaction between an extravagant theater producer, a tempestuous star and a host of flamboyant fellow passengers as they travel from Chicago to New York City aboard the famed train.

With book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman, On The Twentieth Century is a series of outrageous situations woven together with music and dancing.

The special 20^th Century Package is available May 2, 9, 16 and 23 with purchase of a ticket to the 6:30 P.M. performance. The special package costs $25 and includes departure from the Essex Depot at 3 P.M.; passage aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat; a box diner prepared by the Landing Market Café & Bakery of East Haddam; and a shuttle bus back to the Essex Depot after the show. Reservations may be made through the Goodspeed Box Office at 860.873.8668.