On the one hand, Staples Players’ summer productions had an advantage: Young actors could concentrate on their show without the distractions of school.
On the other hand, directors David Roth and Kerry Long had much less time to pull everything — acting, choreography, staging, sets, costumes, music — together.
The results were (of course) off-the-charts smashes.
Previous Players’ “nutshells” — highlight reels, compiled lovingly by former Staple High media teacher Jim Honeycutt, who taped all the shows — featured “Les Misérables” and “Rent.
This week it’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” from the summer of 2011. Click here or below to see.
In the 15 years since the show, many of the actors have gone on to careers in entertainment. Among them:
Johnny Shea(Jesus) is a New York based actor. He has appeared in “Spring Awakening” and “Peter Pan” and more, at Goodspeed, Shakespeare Theater Chicago, Portland Stage Company and others.
Clay Singer (Judas) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).
Max Samuels(Pilate, Thaddeus) is a stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”
Audrey Twitchell (Annas) has appeared in many commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006 she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.” She lives and works in New York City.
Charlie Greenwald (Priest 3, Nathaniel, Tribe, Guard) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the Academy Award-winning film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” (2018).
Matthew Van Gessel (Matthew) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”
Michelle Pauker (Mary Magdalene, Tribe) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On July 5, her band Back to the Garden 1969 will perform at the Levitt Pavilion.
If it’s (almost) the beginning of July, it’s time for … taxes.
Most Westporters received their new real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes, plus any sanitary sewer use and assessment charges, yesterday. They’ll be available online too, beginning tomorrow (Wednesday).
First quarter payments are due July 1. Fortunately, we’ve got until August 3 to pay them, without penalty. Late fees are 1.5% per month.
Payments may be made by credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a checking account on-line at www.westportct.gov. The tax collector’s PO box has been closed, but checks made payable to “Town of Westport” can be mailed to Tax Collector, Room 109, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Payment can also be made in person (Town Hall Room 109), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Speaking of the beginning of July: Westport’s annual fireworks display is Thursday (July 2).
Just a few tickets remain for the town’s biggest and best bash of the year.
The pyrotechnics begin just after 9 p.m., at Compo Beach. But hours earlier, residents begin partying — eating, playing, strolling, meeting friends and strangers. They keep going all night long.
The event is sponsored by longtime residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein, the Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department.
This year they promise new, never-before-seen fireworks effects, plus an extended, extraordinary finale.
You need a ticket to park at the beach. Thanks to the Bernsteins, every purchase includes a “FlowArt Guided Art Pad” — custom-designed for Westport.
Ticket proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs and scholarships serving thousands of youngsters. The few remaining tickets are available at Police headquarters on Jesup Road (24 hours a day) and the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore, near the first tee (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Speaking of the fireworks … Seen on social media, and posted without comment:
“Looking for someone to set up a group of beach chairs early in the morning this Thursday July 2nd at Compo. Please DM me if you are interested or have a college kid home for the summer who would be! Thank you.”
As a heat wave settles in, the Westport Farmers’ Market will open this Thursday an hour earlier than usual (9 a.m.), and close promptly an hour earlier too (1 p.m.). Vendors who can set up by 9 will do so. Some may arrive later.
Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early, in the cooler morning hours.
The heat wave will send droves of Westporters onto (hopefully cooler) Long Island Sound.
Here’s an important reminder from Michelle Larson. She went boating yesterday, and writes: “We picked up at least a dozen Mylar balloons between Compo and Peck’s Ledge. Most are Father’s Day, Graduation Day and a few red and blue stars.
“Might be a good reminder on tying tight and disposing of properly. Or better yet: Just don’t buy balloons!”
Reagan Larson, age 9, with her bounty of balloons.
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As The Inn at Longshore and La Plage restaurant get set to reopen (soon!), they’re looking to fill positions, of all kinds.
A job fair will be held on-site today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday), from noon to 6 p.m.
Questions? Email mryan@innatlongshore.com.
Putting the finishing touches on The Inn at Longshore.
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“Bernstein’s Wall” — Westport filmmaker Doug Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa’s documentary about Leonard Bernstein — earned rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival, then at its theatrical premieres in New York and Los Angeles.
Now — finally — it will be screened locally.
The one-night-only event is July 9 (7 p.m., SHU Community Theatre, Fairfield).
Extra special highlight: Tirola and Bernstein’s daughter Jamie will take part in a post-show talkback, moderated by longtime film critic (and Westporter) Susan Granger.
“Bernstein’s Wall” traces the composer/conductor’s lifelong struggle to create social change and bring people together through his work.
While towering over the worlds of classical music, Broadway, television and culture, he advocated for progressive political change. He lent his name to numerous causes and groups, at great personal risk.
The film captures the sweeping arc of Bernstein’s life, sharing his private thoughts about America, politics, race, family, media, sex and religion. Click here to purchase tickets.(Hat tips: Fred Cantor and Caroline Owens)
Nina Bentley — the very creative, always whimsical Westport artist — is featured all month in a Senior Center art show. The title is “I Do, Or Maybe Not.”
Thirty pieces of art — some including her trademark typewriter — are on display during operating hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The other day, Michael Chait snapped this intriguing view of the downtown Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
No, the town has not put the iconic span up for sponsorship.
That’s just a (very long) truck crossing the bridge.
Although, come to think of it, maybe a corporate sponsor for that other bridge over the Saugatuck River could fund its renovation, without surrendering to the state …
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There is always something special to see at Sherwood Mill Pond.
Judith Katz captured extra-special light the other day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … David Clayton-Thomas, “a homeless Toronto runaway who learned guitar in prison and went on to become the lead singer of the gritty, blues-inspired band Blood, Sweat & Tears,” died Wednesday in Toronto. He was 84.
The third time was not the charm for lights on 2 athletic fields.
The Planning & Zoning Commission once again delayed a decision on the Parks & Recreation Commission request, for the Wakeman B and PJ Romano Fields.
At last night’s Zoom meeting, Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri and recreation superintendent Carmen Roda presented charts and graphs showing field usage, the number of participants in current programs (including those turned away because of lack of space), the impact of 50-, 60- and 70-foot poles, and the deterioration of grass fields due to overuse (without the availability of lit, synthetic turf surfaces).
They cited the support of several hundred youth sports families, and groups like the Westport Soccer Association and Westport PAL.
Rendering of 4 70-foot light poles at Wakeman B Field.
However, the majority of speakers — nearly all of them neighbors — objected to the plan. Many cited a lacrosse tournament last weekend, sponsored by a private organization, that brought noise, traffic, even outdoor barbecues to the Wakeman fields.
Other objections included the height of the poles, the effect on the environment, the length of time lights would stay on, field usage by adults and outside (non-school and town) groups, and how well Parks & Rec would manage oversight of the lights.
Attorney Joel Green, representing the ad hoc “Lights Need Limits” group, questioned whether the lights plan met the P&Z’s own requirements.
But one neighbor — John Sabino, who said he is the second-closest neighbor to Wakeman — spoke in favor of lights. The sound of children playing, even air horns, was preferable to “the deafening silence” of youngsters using cellphones and computer screens, he said.
Rendering of 70-foot light poles at PJ Romano Field.
Though 2 fields are in the Parks & Rec proposal — and the P&Z agenda included both Wakeman and PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School — nearly all of the discussion centered around the Bedford Middle School property.
The P&Z voted unanimously to continue the hearing to July 20.
Artificial intelligence has ushered in a new world. And several Staples students are taking full advantage of it.
They’re using AI to turn innovative ideas into reality … using AI itself. Here are stories of 2 intriguing startups.
Noah Tomasovic is a rising junior. He’s runs track , plays rugby, is a member of Service League of Boys, started a club that monitors water safety, competes nationally with Future Business Leaders of America, and is working this summer at a commercial real estate firm.
Noah is also the founder of Pilotier. The company installs custom AI systems into local Fairfield County businesses. They handle many details a small business owner has no time or talent for, like building a website, organizing and responding to emails, and scheduling. It’s all done through a dashboard he devised.
Some of those tools already exist, of course. But, Noah says, configuring email through, say, Google Cloud can be difficult. His system allows a user to click one button to connect.
Pilotier integrates many functions into one.
One local client, the owner of Alma Mexican Foods, had trouble reaching decision-makers at large outlets like Big Y and Stop & Shop. Noah built a system that personalizes emails, and ensures they reach the right executive.
His agent also reads all emails that come in. It summarizes them, suggests follow-up actions — then handles them.
Pilotier also handles lead follow-ups for every inquiry and quote, so “nothing falls through the cracks”; social media content, drafted in the client’s voice on a pre-determined (yet flexible) schedule, and invoicing.
Every morning, there is a “briefing,” with to-do lists and suggestions.
Noah Tomasovic offers a free AI audit for businesses.
“The whole goal of AI is to automate tasks, and help you scale up,” he notes.
“A lot of businesses don’t know too much about AI — or they’re intimidated by it. They don’t know how to use it, but they’re worried about being surpassed by it.”
Noah charges a set-up fee, and a monthly retainer.
It’s all explained in a comprehensive, clear website. Built by Noah — with, of course, help from AI.
In the financial world, 4 students have spent a year building a tool for wealth management firms.
Right now, they say, advisors spend hours reading Department of Labor filings and data to find companies whose plans are not performing well, then write custom outreach by hand.
The quartet — Mikael Nagy, Ignacy Nieweglowski, Pranav Tamilselvan and Lucas Nilsson, all rising seniors and juniors interested in computer science and finance — make the prospecting process faster. They use AI to scan public data and create full pitches, score plans automatically, and help advisors land more clients.
Their company, Polamin (the name combines their Polish, American and Indian backgrounds), analyzes hundreds of thousands of retirement plan filings to help advisors find underperforming plans, then generates data-backed proposals.
They say all 146,000-plus plan sponsor in the country is profiled and searchable. More than 152,000 plans are scored, 0 to 100, against size, industry and regional benchmarks, using 3 “proprietary layers”: advisory, core and risk.
AI does all the (very) heavy lifting.
The 4 friends talked for a while about starting a company. They considered analyzing crypto, but realized it was complicated and scam-filled.
From left: Mikael Nagy, Pranav Tamilselvan, Ignacy Nieweglowski.
Speaking with a local wealth management analyst, they learned he spent an enormous amount of tedious time prospecting, looking for poorly performing plans, then reaching out to convert clients.
“We didn’t realize how massive the retirement plan industry is,” Ignacy says.
The proposals Polamin creates are tailored to a prospect’s experiences and interests. They use a variety of voices and styles: conservative, modern or data-heavy.
Screenshot from the Polamin website.
They were accepted to present at last month’s Yale Innovation Summit. “There were a lot of adults — really, really smart people,” Mikael reports.
They did not win. But they picked up a ton of tips, and networked well.
Since its March launch, the founders have added new features. It’s being tested by a Westport client now. Other interested users can test it for free, too.
Mikael, Ignacy, Pranav and Lucas are decades away from retirement. They haven’t even been to college, or landed their first full-time jobs.
But thanks to their start-up, retirement may become more affordable for countless older men and women they’ll never meet.
(“06880” reports often on local businesses — and the achievements of Staples students. Sometimes they intersect. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Everyone knew America’s 250th birthday celebration would be hot.
And tickets to Westport’s July 4th-ish fireworks are always a hot ticket.
But no one figured they’d both be this hot.
As several days of possible record-breaking heat and humidity cruise head toward town, our Emergency Management team urges residents to prepare.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch, and Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol effective tomorrow (Tuesday) through at least Sunday.
Heat index values — the “feels like” temperature that combines heat and humidity — could reach the upper 90s Wednesday, and soar to between 100 and 110 degrees Thursday and Friday. “Dangerously hot conditions” could continue through the Independence Day weekend.
Overnight temperatures will remain in the upper 70s and lower 80s, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses by limiting the body’s ability to recover.
“This prolonged stretch of dangerous heat poses a significant risk, particularly for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning,” says Chief Nicholas Marsan, Westport’s Emergency Management director.
“We encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, check on family members and neighbors, and take advantage of the Town’s cooling centers if needed.”
Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (indoors), 10 a.m. to o4 p.m. (outdoors); Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents needing transportation to a cooling center or additional assistance should call 211, or visit www.211ct.org.
Heat safety tips:
Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities between noon and 6 p.m., when temperatures are at their highest.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
Never leave children, older adults or pets inside parked vehicles.
Check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and anyone who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.
Not every demolished home was old and/or dated-looking.
And not every replacement looks the same.
Dave Matlow’s journey through Westport’s teardowns, and the homes that replace them, is always fascinating. This week’s photos are particularly interesting, because the architectural styles of new construction are more diverse than we often think.
A few more days remain in Westport’s Patriotic Home Décor Contest. The community celebration honors America’s 250th anniversary.
The idea is to decorate your home in red, white and blue — flags, bunting, lights, flowers, window displays, lawn décor, or any other creative expression of patriotic pride.
The contest is open to all Westport residents. Displays should be completed by July 5.
The winner receives a parking pass for the 2027 Westport PAL Fireworks — our 251st anniversary — including reserved VIP parking.
For more information and to submit an entry, click here.
We’re not sure if this house on Bradley Street at Compo Road South is part of the Patriotic Home Décor Contest. If it’s not, it should be. (Photo/Ed Simek)
Meanwhile, VFW Post 399 hosted a “Westport 250” picnic yesterday.
They — and American Legion Post 63 — welcomed 100-plus veterans, their families and community members to a “Spirit of America” celebration.
Celebrating at the VFW (from left): Buyile Rani, VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado, Frank Veno and Patty Kondub,
.“America’s 250th Birthday reminds us of the sacrifices made throughout our nation’s history and the importance of the freedoms we enjoy today,” says VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado.
“Together, we and all our volunteers proudly honored America’s past while looking forward to its future.”
Thanks to both great groups, for kicking America’s birthday week off in style.
The Kondub family was out in force yesterday. Nancy Kondub Harris and her brother John Kondub greeted guests — and Patty Kondub took their photo.
Speaking of the Levitt: Last night was extra special.
Wynton Marsalis brought his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to the riverside theater. He’s the latest in a 50-plus-years list of stars to entertain here, under the — well, stars.
One view of the Lincoln Center Orchestra … (Photo/Susan Garment)
We wondered if the town could get rid of at least some of the irrelevant, superfluous, outdated and/or idiotic ones that seem to be everywhere.
One reader noted that some signs — the ones that say “Construction Ahead” (even when there is none) — are the responsibility of the state. He provided a couple of helpful contacts there: Sal.Hussein@ct.gov and Elona.Coppola@ct.gov.
He also sent his own “favorite” sign, from Easton Road near the Merritt Parkway:
No, you’re not missing anything. That’s what it looks like.
The state Department of Transportation told the reader it would be taken care of — 2 years ago.
He’s still waiting.
FUN FACT: This stands at about the same spot where, for many years, a sign gave the distance to “Upper Stepney.”
No one here could figure out why, of all the places to travel to, that was singled out.
Part of the puzzlement also came because very few people had any idea where it is. (Part of Monroe, thank you.)
We wondered too: Was there a sign in Upper Stepney, noting the distance to Westport?
First Folk Sunday — the 1st-Sunday-of-the-month afternoon folk series — begins its 4th season this week (July 5, 12:30 p.m. Saugatuck Rowing Club).
The Hot Club of Black Rock is the headliner, paying homage to legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. The group specializes in jazz manouche (gypsy jazz) and “hot swing,” popularized in 1920s and ’30s Paris.
Suzanne Sheridan will be back for all shows, starting August 2. The Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu at each show.
Speaking of singing: A Cappella Central — the summer singing camp for students entering grades 3 to 12 — has just signed another star instructor.
Broadway performer Mia Gentile — a 2007 Staples High School graduate — returns home this summer.
From August 17 to 22 she’ll lead a masterclass, offer individual and group feedback, and host a Q-and-A.
The “Kinky Boots” star will also take the sage alongside campers in the final concert (and perform solo selections of her own). The Westport community is invited to the show.
Mia was recently seen on the Metropolitan Opera House stage with Sting and Shaggy in Sting’s musical “The Last Ship.”
Also teaching a masterclass: former Staples choral director Luke Rosenberg. Other teachers include Gedalia Penner-Robinson of The Community Synagogue, Sara Hoefer (Fairfield Ludlowe High School) and Will Mandelbaum (Wilton High).
The camp is run by Danielle Merlis — a Staples graduate, performer, film composer and founder of The Cello Camp — and Robert Kwan, an organist, pianist, choir director, piano instructor, and former Staples accompanist.
For the 2nd year in a row, a pair of barn swallows made a nest at Tricia Summers’ home, above her security camera.
Four babies have now hatched. The parents take good care of them. They have learned that the humans coming and going past the door (including Amazon delivery people) are harmless.
Tricia sends along this photo — an intriguing candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … the upcoming Levitt Pavilion concert featuring Early Clover (item above) sent us down a YouTube rabbit hole. Here’s what we found:
(What’s going on? Just the usual: 24/7/365 coverage of everything Westport, on “06880.” We hope what’s also going on is our readers clicking here, to support our work. Thanks — see you at the Levitt!)
If there’s one thing that unites Westporters today, it’s the past.
From this blog’s “Friday Flashback” and “Then & Now” teardown features, to comments from readers, we think of our town in terms of landmarks that no longer exist.
Relative newcomers do it too. In just the past couple of days, I’ve heard folks lament the loss of Saugatuck Sweets and Carvel. (No one mentioned Savvy Smoker. Go figure.)
(Photo/Jennifer Izzo)
This summer, MoCA\CT examines the past.
And Westporters are invited to play a key, fun — and very interactive — role.
Inspired by the new exhibit “Looking for History,” featuring Ellen Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” — with themes of memory, loss and place — a special program on July 16 will look at our own history.
Harvey created 4 new paintings, based on local submissions: The Remarkable Book Shop, Cedar Brook Café, Bloodroot and Allen’s Clam House. They’ll serve as starting points for a broader community dialogue.
The Remarkable Book Shop
On July 16 (at MoCA\CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike), “06880” founder Dan Woog will chat with Harvey, and Westport preservationist Ed Gerber. We’ll talk about the cultural and emotional significance of lost places. It’s called “The CORA Foundation Community Conversation with Ellen Harvey + Dan Woog.”
And we’ll include your favorites. Or the ones you miss the most.
We want you to submit your choices in any or all of 4 categories:
Gone Too Soon
Place You Thought Would Last Forever
What a Cool Hangout!
Just One More Bite.
Email your choices (and, if you’d like, a story to go with them) to 06880blog@gmail.com.
At the end of the evening the audience will vote, to crown one favorite missed location.
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