Tag Archives: Westport Country Playhouse

Now Playing At The Library

Posted on May 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

In 1931, Broadway producers and Weston residents Lawrence Langner and his wife Armina Marshall transformed an old red barn into the Westport Country Playhouse.

Now 80 years old, the iconic establishment is honored with a display at an even older institution:  the Westport Library.

Downstairs — across from the River of Names tiles — posters, photos and memorabilia celebrate 8 decades of entertainment, enlightenment and education.

Included is a shot from the 1st-ever show:  “The Streets of New York,” starring the legendary Dorothy Gish (and the long-forgotten Rollo Peters).

Only a tiny smidgen of stuff is on view.  To see more — including a show — go to the Playhouse itself.

A scene from the first-ever play: "The Streets of New York."

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Westport Country Playhouse

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Tiger Mother Comes To Town

Posted on April 14, 2011 | 24 Comments

Amy Chua is coming to Westport.

Amy Chua

Unless you’ve been living in a country like China with a censored internet — or too busy ferrying your kid to piano lessons, violin lessons and math tutoring sessions — you know who she is.

Chua is the author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. She took time from her day job (professor at Yale Law School) to describe her secret parenting skills.

Chua’s daughters were never allowed to:

  • attend a sleepover or have a playdate
  • be in a school play (or complain about not being in one)
  • watch TV or play computer games
  • get any grade less than an A
  • not play the piano or violin.

Chua also rejected birthday cards of insufficient quality, and demanded new ones.

On Tuesday, May 3 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) she’ll be at the Westport Country Playhouse.  The event is a fundraiser and book signing for the Read to Grow literacy program.

Chua will be interviewed by Roxanne Coady, Read to Grow’s founder and a contributor to Faith Middleton’s NPR Book Show.

The press release didn’t say if Chua will take questions.  If she does, Westporters might ask if her child-raising methods aren’t just a wee bit out of line.

Or tell her they don’t go far enough.

(Tickets are $75, which includes a copy of the book, and $125, which includes priority seating, 2 copies of the book, and a pre-event reception with Chua.  To register, call 203-227-4177 or click here.)

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Posted in Education, Organizations, People, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remembering Elizabeth Taylor

Posted on March 23, 2011 | 5 Comments

Liz Taylor — who died this morning in Los Angeles at 79 — had a Westport connection.

Liz Taylor

The Oscar winning actress — whose films ranged from “National Velvet” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” to “Cleopatra” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia  Woolf?” — rented a home here in the 1950s and ’60s.  She lived on Long Lots Road, across from the Fairfield County Hunt Club.  She was a frequent visitor to local restaurants and stores — and the Westport Country Playhouse.

If you’ve got a personal memory, story or anecdote about Liz Taylor, click “Comments” to share.

(Posted 9:35 a.m.)

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Posted in Entertainment, People, Westport Country Playhouse

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The Westport (Ireland) Country Playhouse

Posted on March 16, 2011 | 9 Comments

Did you know there’s a Westport Country Playhouse in Ireland, too?

Amazingly, it looks just like ours here in Westport — except it’s green, not red:

Okay, that’s a bit o’ blarney.

The special effect was created by Alysia Miller of the Westport Country Playhouse patron services staff.

The one in Connecticut, to be sure.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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The Next Picture Show

Posted on March 7, 2011 | 32 Comments

Westport, we keep saying, is a community closely connected to the arts.  We point with pride to our filmmakers and film lovers.

We’ve also watched our community go from 5 movie theaters in the 1990s, to 0 in 2011.

Fairfield has theaters.  Norwalk has many.  Even Bethel has a movie theater.

Now — just like a John Ford western – a cavalry rides to our rescue.

This one is called the Westport Cinema Initiative.  Despite its unglamorous name, its goals are grand:  Bring a state-of-the-art, independent 2-screen movie theater to town.

The Initiative has already incorporated as a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3.  There’s a board of directors, a movie-ish logo, a Facebook page and a Twitter account.

Most importantly, starting Saturday, March 26, there will be screenings at venues around town.  The 1st event is a 4-show extravaganza:  the original “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (9:30 a.m.); the Academy Award-nominated documentary “Waste Land (1 p.m.); “Big Night” (7:30 p.m.), and a 10 p.m. showing of the cult classic “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

The Cinema Initiative hopes those films — and additional ones, at the Levitt Pavilion or other locations – will create an audience, and help an actual theater become reality.

The biggest challenge, of course, is money.

“Most independent art cinemas have been initiated by a philanthropist,” says Cinema Initiative director Sandy Lefkowitz.  She cites Stamford’s Avon Theater (2 screens) and the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, NY as examples.

Both started as existing buildings — and that’s another area of concern.

Board member Doug Tirola and Lefkowitz recently attended a conference in Utah.  They learned that many community theaters started in storefronts.  Others shared space with an organization like a museum.  Every theater — of the 200 represented — had a dedicated space.

“We don’t have that here,” Lefkowitz says.  Some locations that have been suggested — like the Playhouse and library — are not suitable.

But, she adds, “we get the feeling that merchants and townspeople want this.  Wherever there’s a theater, there’s a stronger sense of community.  There’s more going out for dinner, for drinks — more togetherness.”

Creating a theater “is doable,” Lefkowitz believes.  “But it will take a while.”

Angels will help bring "Chainsaw" -- and other cult films to Westport. Along with indie films, art films, and foreign films.

Instead of waiting to find a spot, then raise money, the Cinema Initiative is conducting a pilot run.  Last month they emailed people who already expressed interest in a theater.  The Initiative asked for angels:  50 people who could contribute $1,000 each, to cover this year’s budget.

Within 20 minutes, they’d raised $8,000.  It’s now over $22,000.

“Avatar” cost $280 million to produce.  “Cleopatra” cost $44 million — that’s $300 million, in today’s money.

A Westport movie theater would be expensive — in land, construction and operating costs.

But think of what it costs us now to not have one.

(Tickets for each March 26 film –$10 for adults, $5 for children — are available at the Westport Country Playhouse box office; phone 203-227-4177.  For information on helping the Cinema Initiative — or becoming an angel — click here, email sandy@westportcinema.org, or call 203-434-2908.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Organizations, People

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Westport Bridges Film Gap

Posted on February 7, 2011 | 1 Comment

Sometimes a big event changes someone’s life.  For 2 Bridgeport teenagers it was attending Sundance last year, meeting directors and actors, and returning home with confidence that they too can make films.

Sometimes a little event is life-changing.  Another group of Bridgeport students needed a police officer and his car for their PSA on graffiti.  One morning spent with a real cop opened their eyes to a whole different world.

None of those experiences — and many more — would be possible without the help of Sandy Lefkowitz, and a committed group of Westporters.

Sandy Lefkowitz

Sandy is a longtime educator.  When she was coordinator of the Westport Youth Film Festival, she created filmmaking curricula.  The Westport Sunrise Rotary asked her to help with their project involving youth from disadvantaged areas.

Sandy worked with Sarah Litty — an art teacher at Bridgeport charter school  Bridge Academy — to develop a 35-week, seniors-only Art of Filmmaking course.  An after-school club for all students soon followed.

Help came from many sources.  Sunrise Rotary, the Fairfield County Community Foundation, MSG Varsity and others donated money.  Award-winning screenwriter Patrick McCullough — a Staples grad  — was hired.

Now armed with Macs, cameras and other equipment, the Bridgeport students leaped in.  They studied scriptwriting, storyboard creation, film shooting and editing.

They learned well.  The more they accomplished, the more opportunities they earned.  After Sundance, Sandy took students to the Berkshire International Film Festival.  Two were chosen for a prestigious Wesleyan program.

They walked through every door that opened.  Perhaps not confidently at first — but by the time walked back out they felt independent, and aware of all they can do.

Their filmmaking has impacted all of Bridge Academy.  Their peers see them as successful, while teachers in other subjects incorporate their talents into lesson plans.

An English class, for example, used film in a project on the civil rights movement.  Before beginning, students learned how to conduct an interview.

Junior girls in another class made a film on nutrition.  Sandy took them to an organic meat farm, and a hospital to meet a nutritionist.  “They’re using resources outside their community, to bring something back to their community,” she notes.

Another resource is Westporter Anita Schorr.  The Holocaust survivor met Bridge students at a Westport Country Playhouse production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.”  They invited her to their school, and filmed her presentation.  Now they’re creating a documentary on her experiences, with hopes of distributing it to classrooms nationwide.

The Academy’s film program has been a true bridge — between students and the rest of the school and city, and between Bridgeport and Westport.  Two Bridge students now sit on the WYFF board.  Others are collaborating with WYFF (and Westport writer/director Doug Tirola) on a promotional film about the arts.

“They see themselves as colleagues,” Sandy says proudly.

And — one day — they may be back at Sundance, debuting a film to an international audience.

(The Art of Filmmaking and Westport Youth Film Festival are programs of the Westport Arts Center, and receive funding from WAC’s fundraising efforts.)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Organizations, People, technology, Teenagers, Westport Country Playhouse

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Anne Frank’s Blog

Posted on September 11, 2010 | 1 Comment

Anne Frank wrote a diary — not a blog.

But this is the 2010s, not the 1940s.  And when Molly Ephraim — the actress who plays the teenager in the Westport Country Playhouse‘s upcoming performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank” — wanted to write about her experiences in the role, she turned to a device as natural today as a journal was during World War II.

Molly Ephraim

“An Actor’s Diary” appears on “The Playhouse Blog.”  Ephraim’s 1st entry chronicles her mad dash from Los Angeles to Westport; her less-than-dramatic initial read-through of the script, and another quick trip back to the West Coast.

Ephraim plans to describe the rehearsal process, performances, and life off stage.

Anne Frank’s diary provided an important look into the human condition.

Molly Ephraim’s blog tackles the creative process.  Along the way, we’re sure to learn more about Anne Frank too.

(“The Diary of Anne Frank” runs from Sept. 28 through Oct. 30.  For more information or ticket purchases, call 203-227-4177, or click here.)

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Posted in Arts, People, Westport Country Playhouse

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Gene Seidman Mixes It Up

Posted on July 26, 2010 | 3 Comments

Young, old, black, white, married, divorced, gay, straight — once a month or so, they all get together at a restaurant, theater or yoga studio.

They dance to great music, sing with the band, and have a funky time long past midnight.

It’s a movable Mix party.  And it takes place not in the Meatpacking District.  Not in Williamsburg.  Not even New Haven.

It happens right here in Westport.

The Mix parties — or MIX, as the word appears on posters and the website — are the brainchild of Gene Seidman.

Gene Seidman dances with Dr. Barbara Siminovich, an Argentine living in Bridgeport who attends every MIX.

A graphic designer with an interest in eco-friendly products who’s directed projects for IBM, the New York Times, Verizon, UNICEF and the USTA — and held important posts at Priceline, MOMA and Unilever — Seidman started his after-hours events a year ago.

The Saugatuck Rowing Club wanted to attract more diners.  Seidman proposed a dance party.  Word-of-mouth advertising drew 135 people.

Seidman realized he’d found an unfilled need.

“We have a problem,” the longtime Westporter (and current RTM representative) said.

“Fairfield and South Norwalk are on the up-and-up.  They’ve got more restaurants, more nightlife.  There’s not a hell of a lot to do here after 10 p.m.  We need to light a fire.”

His MIX parties provide the heat.

They’ve been held at Splash and the Dressing Room.  When they got too big for Michel Nischan’s restaurant, they moved next door to the Westport Country Playhouse barn.

The most recent event — held earlier this month at Kaia Yoga — featured a Cuban band from New York (and belly dancing).  The after-party at Manolo lasted until 2 a.m.

The mix of people is key.  The crowd skews over-40, but attitude counts more than age.

The MIX parties take place in Westport, but the crowd is more diverse — in terms of race, sexuality, even clothing styles — than you usually see here.

And everyone has fun.

For proof, check out the YouTube video.  “The best bands and best music,” someone says.

“Dynamic people,” another offers.

“Kick-ass band.”  “Everyone is smiling.”  “I came by myself, and I’m dancing.”

Ah, dancing.

A mix of a MIX.

“I love to dance,” Seidman says.  “It’s a great way for people to interact.  These days, people are so concerned about money and everything else.  They text and email each other.  But that’s not connecting.

“People have to get out.  When you dance, you connect.  When you dance, you’re beautiful and alluring.”

Lest you get the wrong idea, Seidman is married — and has been for 24 years.

“But I still want to get out,” he says.

Seidman works closely with MIX musical director Crispin Cioe.  The Westport saxophonist/composer/producer has toured and recorded with the Rolling Stones, Tom Waits and Ray Charles.

Cioe’s classic/nouveau soul band — Cracked Ice — has also played at MIX parties.

This Friday (July 30), Cracked Ice plays at the Levitt Pavilion.

Seidman is organizing the after-party — from 10:30 p.m. on, at Manolo.

It’s not a full-fledged MIX.  But everyone’s invited.

Provided you want to have fun.

(To find out more — and get on the MIX mailing list — click on www.mixct.com)

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Posted in Entertainment, People, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Fight The Power’s

Posted on July 14, 2010 | 21 Comments

To the too-long list of grammatically incorrect Westport street signs, add:

The Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court.  The Dressing Room restaurant is adjacent:  27 Powers Court.

That’s “Powers” Court — named for (I am told) the Powers family who once owned the land.

Not “Power’s” Court.  It’s not named for the actor Tyrone.

Even if he did appear at the Playhouse, back in the day.

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Posted in Totally random, Westport Country Playhouse

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Following Theatrical Footsteps

Posted on July 7, 2010 | 6 Comments

This summer’s 11 interns came to the Westport Country Playhouse through various routes, both literal and figurative.

Gwen McKenzie’s was by the womb.

Her grandfather — Jim McKenzie — was a Playhouse fixture from 1959 to 1999.  He served most of those 4 decades as executive producer.

Her father, Kevin — now in technical theater — worked at the Playhouse in the 1980s.

Gwen McKenzie with a portrait of her grandfather, Jim McKenzie.

Gwen’s path to the Playhouse began in Florida, where she attended an arts middle and high school.  She worked in props, set design and technical direction, and stage managed “West Side Story.”

She came north for NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts BFA program in theater design and technology.  This year, she was wardrobe supervisor for “The Who’s Tommy.”

Last summer, Gwen interned at another theater where her grandfather was a longtime executive producer:  Peninsula Players in Fish Creek, Wisconsin.

But Westport holds a special fondness.

“I came up when I was little to visit Grandpa,” she says.  “I don’t remember which show I saw, but I thought it was pretty good!”

Her involvement with theater came despite her father’s advice.

“He knows there’s not a whole bunch of money in it,” she says.  “But he’s supportive now, and he knows there are so many good people in theater.”

Stage management appeals to Gwen because it touches all areas:  sound, lights, scenery and costumes.  She’s also learning about marketing and development.

Right now she’s the production assistant for “Happy Days,” which opens tonight.  Her next project:  “I Do!  I Do!”

“A few” interns know about her legacy, she says.  They should:  Many of the old posters plastered on the walls bear his name.

Anne Keefe knew Jim McKenzie well.  On Gwen’s 1st day, the artistic advisor mentioned his name to her.

Gwen would love to be stage manager of a regional theater.

“That was my grandfather’s 1st job,” she notes.  “He’d love it!”

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