Donna Feore has directed and choreographed some of the Stratford Festival’s most popular and critically acclaimed productions.

Writing in the Toronto Star, Richard Ouzounian said this about Donna Feore’s 2013 Stratford production of “Fiddler on the Roof:”

“Forget every “Fiddler on the Roof” you have seen. This is something special, a show that makes you laugh and cry. You’ll leave the theatre marvelling at the entertainment quality of the Stratford Festival at its best, yet pondering the essence of the human condition the show reveals underneath.”

Donna Feore first appeared on the Stratford Festival stage in 1990 and has since risen to be one of its most consistently successful directors. Feore’s 2018 “Rocky Horror Show” became the longest running production in Stratford Festival’s 66-year history, with performances from June to December.

In 2022, after directing a smash hit production of “Chicago,” that was extended due to popular demand, Feore announced she would take a break from directing and choreographing revivals mostly at Stratford to work on new projects elsewhere.

Chelsea Preston. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann 

Donna Feore Directs Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals

This summer, Feore is directing and choreographing “Summer Stock” at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut. Goodspeed has launched over 50 musicals, including “Come From Away,” which debuted at Goodspeed in 2013 as a staged reading, four years before its 2017 Broadway debut.

“Summer Stock” at Goodspeed is adapted from the 1950 MGM/Warner Bros. Technicolor film of the same name starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.

 

The film’s most famous scene is the now-classic song-and-dance number “Get Happy,” performed by Garland in a tuxedo jacket, black fedora, and black nylons.

 

Donna Feore’s world premiere of the musical comedy “Summer Stock” at Goodspeed Musicals stars Corbin Bleu and Danielle Wade.

Bleu is known for his role in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” a mockumentary on Disney +.

Corbin Bleu with Liza MinelliDanielle Wade originated the role of Dorothy Gale in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of “The Wizard of Oz,” and starred in Feore’s 2018 Stratford Festival production of “The Music Man.”

Wade went on to make her Broadway debut in “Mean Girls” later starring as Cady Heron in the first North American tour of the show.

Danielle Wade backstage at Goodspeed 

Cheri Steinkellner wrote the book for “Summer Stock.” Steinkellner’s credits include collaborating with her husband Bill on the Tony Award-nominated “Sister Act” and the hit TV series “Cheers.”

Music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations are by three-time Tony Award-winner Doug Besterman (Fosse, The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie).

Donna Feore’s Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals Video

Feore’s choreography is on exuberant display in the new musical.

It’s impressive work, and surely inspired by Feore’s traing in a variety of dance styles. True to form her choreography not only brings the characters to life but also advances the narrative.

There’s no doubt Feore is Broadway bound, she’s had a remarkable trajectory in musical theatre.

DETAILS DETAILS
Summer Stock
On now through August 27th
Goodspeed Musicals
6 Main St, East Haddam, CT 06423
Book Online: https://www.goodspeed.org/shows/summer-stock
Call the box office: 860-873-8668

Donna Feore on The Performers Podcast with Keith Tomasek

Come From Away writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein on The Performers Podcast with Keith Tomasek

Come From Away producer Michael Rubinoff on The Performers Podcast with Keith Tomasek