Goodspeed Musicals will host "Shakin' the Blues Away: A Virtual Gala Concert for Goodspeed" starting at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

This online concert benefitting the two-time Tony Award-winning theater will feature stars of Goodspeed and Broadway performing songs from classic musicals. They will perform on the Opera House stage and in various locations throughout the historic theater in East Haddam.

The night will include Klea Blackhurst, who played Dolly Levi in Goodspeed's "Hello, Dolly!"; Bryan Thomas Hunt, whose Goodspeed credits include "The Drowsy Chaperone"; Gizel Jimenez, who played Ado Annie in Goodspeed's "Oklahoma!" and Nessarose in Broadway's "Wicked"; Rashidra Scott, who played Reno Sweeney in Goodspeed's "Anything Goes" and whose Broadway credits include "Company" and "Ain't Too Proud ..."; Kelly Sheehan, who was in "Anything Goes" at Goodspeed and "White Christmas" on Broadway; Alysha Umphress, who was Hildy in Broadway's "On the Town"; and Nicholas Ward, who was Mufasa in Broadway's "Lion King." Additional performers will be announced. 

The evening will feature work by choreographer Kelli Barclay, who has choreographed numerous shows at Goodspeed.

All proceeds from the gala will go to supporting Goodspeed until the theater can reopen for performances.

All tickets purchased and gifts made during the event will be matched, dollar for dollar, by the Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts. 

New and renewing Goodspeed members who sign up by Oct. 23 will receive a free ticket for their household to watch the gala concert. For all others, tickets are $25; visit www.Goodspeed.org/gala.