If you’ve wondered what to do with grandma’s suitcase that you found in the attic or the 1954 copy of Ladies Home Journal tucked away in a drawer or a vintage rhinestone brooch, give it to Goodwill and it could make a splash off-Broadway.  “My Catskills Summer,” an original musical written by Nashville’s Jay Kholos, debuts in Nashville in March before hitting the road and landing in New York in early 2011.  

The show takes place in the mythical Hotel Belsky in the Catskill Mountains in the summer of 1954.  Kholos has partnered with Goodwill to buy the show’s 1950s-era props and costumes.  Those items will be used throughout the show’s run to New York.

“Goodwill is the greatest source I’ve ever seen as far as availability of costumes and props,” says Kholos.  “This is a dream come true for me, as a theatrical producer, with such a large inventory of items to choose from.  The cast will look amazing!”

Kholos wrote 18 original show tunes for the musical which is about young love, food, a no-nonsense grandfather, the busybodies staying at the hotel, and well, more food! The production includes a cast of more than 30 and stars Barry Williams, better known as Greg from the 1970s TV show, “The Brady Bunch.”

Williams and Kholos have worked together on past productions, and Williams has been quoted as saying, “My favorite role through my long career is not that of Greg from “The Brady Bunch,” but as Abe Lipton, in “My Catskills Summer” by Jay!”  

Williams plays an 88-year-old grandfather living at the Hotel Belsky, who longs to return to Manhattan.  In the second act he sings, “My Manhattan,” which has been dubbed the show-stopper.  “The song caught the attention of multi-platinum selling entertainer, Michael Feinstein, and is under consideration for inclusion in his next album,” says Kholos.

The show also boasts Broadway veteran, Kimberly Dawn Smith, who was Val in the original production of “Chorus Line.” Smith will choreograph “My Catskills Summer” which will include a cast of more than 30 actors, singers and dancers.  After Nashville the production will tour Atlanta, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Cleveland and Columbus.  There are additional bookings in Las Vegas, San Diego and Orange County, CA.  Before heading to New York, the show will spend three months in South Florida.

Want tickets to see “My Catskills Summer” and Barry Williams?  The musical runs Thursday, March 11 through Sunday, March 14 at the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville.  All seats are reserved and may be purchased online at www.mycatskillssummer.com or by calling 615-269-4592.