Michael Gennaro Will Assume Leadership of Goodspeed Musicals

Michael Gennaro will succeed Michael Price in the role of executive director at Connecticut's Goodspeed Musicals in February 2015. Price retires at the end of this year after spending 46 seasons at Goodspeed.

Gennaro, the son of legendary choreographer Peter Gennaro, has worked at several regional theaters, including Paper Mill Playhouse and Steppenwolf Theatre. Since 2007, he has served as executive director of Trinity Repertory Theatre, in Rhode Island.

A graduate of University of Notre Dame and Fordham University Law School, Gennaro appeared on Broadway in Godspell, and later practiced entertainment law. His father choreographed the original productions of Annie and Annie II, both at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre.

"We are thrilled to welcome Michael and his wife, Donna Lee, to Goodspeed," said John F. (Jef) Wolter, president of Goodspeed's board of trustees, in a statement. "He is a worthy successor to Michael Price and, more importantly, the right choice for Goodspeed at this point in its history."

"It is a great honor that Goodspeed's Board of Trustees has chosen me to lead this remarkable institution at this specific moment in its acclaimed history," said Michael Gennaro, "and an even greater honor to follow Michael Price who has had such an enduring influence on musical theatre. As I have followed Goodspeed's evolution over the years I have always been struck by its singular commitment to fostering creativity across the bridge between established and emerging forms of musical theatre. It is my hope that in the years to come Goodspeed will continue to be an unparalleled resource for the development and inspiration of future artists who will define the American Musical Theatre in the 21st century."

Goodspeed's 2015 season includes Guys And Dolls, La Cage Aux Folles, and The Honeymooners. Additional titles will be announced.