The Westport Country Playhouse is dark. But it lights up on both Facebook and the Playhouse’s own YouTube channel on Friday, April 17 (7 p.m.).
It shines with Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara, and 10 randomly selected Fairfield County High School students. They’ll chat with the Broadway star, and perform musical theater selections.
Students can click here between tomorrow (Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m.) and Wednesday (April 8, 10 a.m.). Upload a video of yourself performing any musical theater song.
In addition to the 10 students chosen, 10 “understudies” will be selected to submit a question for Kelli to answer during the show.
“I’m a firm believer in the healing magic of the arts,” the Tony Award-winning (“The King and I”) actor says. Most recently, she earned a Tony nomination for “Kiss Me, Kate.”
All videos submitted will be featured in a compilation, released on Playhouse social media channels. For more information, email education@westportplayhouse.org.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
First “06880” encouraged Westport students to do artwork while they’re home from school.
Now Friends of Westport Public Art Collections is doing the same. Here’s the hook: If your work is accepted by Friends, it will be featured in the public schools’ 2020-21 calendar.
Submissions can be new — or something already painted, drawn, photographed or digitally created. Click here for details.
Many people have seen this photo from Yale New Haven Health. Front line personnel are pleading with everyone to keep physical distance.
But you may not know that the nurse in the far left of the front row is Nick Kiedaisch. The 2012 Staples High School graduate — and varsity baseball star — is among the medical heroes. Let’s do all we can to make his and his colleagues’ jobs easier. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Lifelong Westporter Deborah Johnson is a well-known designer and decorator, with her own drapery business.
Over the years she has assembled plenty of extra fabric. Now she’s using it to make face masks. If you’d like to help, or know someone in great need, email wsptgirl@yahoo.com. (Hat tip: Steve Crowley)
Speaking of masks: Yesterday’s Roundup story on Virginia Jaffe’s project raised immediate funds, delivered 4 sewing helpers — and brought a request from the director of STAR Lighting the Way. Today, Virginia and her crew are donating 80 masks for their staff. Well done!
Virginia Jaffe, in her workroom
It’s looking increasingly unlikely that the spring high school sports season will happen.
That’s devastating news to hundreds of Staples athletes — and hundreds of thousands more across the country.
Which brings up this local/national news: In a just-released preseason poll, the National High School Baseball Coaches Association ranked the Wreckers 31st, in the entire country.
They’re defending state champions. But they may never get their chance to defend their title.
They might also lose the opportunity to see how much further they’d climb in the rankings. Normally at this time of year, anticipation and excitement would be high.
Opening day was supposed to have been today.
Instead of “Play ball!” it’s “Keep away!”
So right now, guys, we’re sorry. Congratulations on being #31 in the nation will have to suffice. (Hat tip: Vince Kelly)
And finally, what’s Saturday without a dance party?
C’mon! It’s time to throw down. Nobody’s watching! And even if they are …
Dan- Thanks for being a community resource during this trying time.
Kelli O’Hara- We saw you in 2005 in Light in the Piazza at Lincoln Center and thought you were great. Now we know you have the heart of an angel, the voice of a songbird and are the personification of generosity. Thank you.
I was not a rock fan but there was often a catchy tune that I really liked, and not for the lyrics. The Gentrys “Keep On Dancing” was one. I still have that 45 rpm record. Good to hear it here, again.
I understand we received madks from Virginia Jaffe
Thanks!!!
Stay well!
Sent from my iPhone