Now through May 30, Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House is being hit with Both Barrels. That's the name of a new five-person revue of songs by John Forster which began performances May 6 at the theatre and runs through May 30, said Goodspeed spokesperson Jennifer Wislocki. The revue plays at the company's second space at the Norma Terris Theater in Chester, CT, and then intends to move to an Off-Broadway venue in New York directly afterwards.

Forster, who writes both the music and lyrics for the revue, is best known for the book and lyrics to the Mary Rodgers musical Freaky Friday. Recently he was nominated for a Grammy Award as co-producer of Tom Chapin's children's album "In My Hometown." Both Barrels is described as "20 miniature musical plays" poking fun at a variety of societal topics.

Paul Kreppel will direct Both Barrels, with Steve Orich acting as musical director. In the cast are Wanda Houston, Mark Martino, Kevyn Morrow, Jim Newman and Elisa Surmount.

Designing the show are Kenneth Foy (set), Jason Kantrowitz (lighting) and Mariah Hale (costumes). For tickets and information on Both Barrels call (860) 873-8668.

-- By Robert Simonson