Westport Country Playhouse kicks off 2025 with a Script in Hand reading of “How the World Began.”
The drama explores the clash between science and faith in a small Kansas town torn apart by a tornado.
When a science teacher makes a casual remark about the origins of life, she triggers a fierce confrontation with a bright but troubled student. A cultural battle threatens her safety, and the fragile unity of the community.
Tickets for the January 13 (7 p.m.) event are $30; $25 for series subscribers. Click here to purchase.
The Playhouse then celebrates Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 20 (7 p.m.), with “King in the Wilderness.”
Produced by novelist/screenwriter/playwright/professor/essayist Trey Ellis — a Westport resident — the Emmy-winning documentary film follows Rev. Dr. King during the last year’s of his life.
Tickets are free. Click here to reserve a seat, and for more information.
On January 23-26, “Broadway’s Bad Boys” take the Playhouse stage. The high energy evenings with rebellious heroes include a Pride Night (January 23, 6 p.m.) and Together at the Family Table (January 24, 5:30 p.m.). Tickets start at $35; click here to purchase.
In addition, the Playhouse offers free tours at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, January 17-18 and February 7-8.
Archivist Bruce Miller will take attendees behind the scenes — to the costume room, dressing rooms, green room and more.
Tours last 90 minutes, and are limited to 25 guests. Click here to book a spot.
Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller, with some of the 500 head shots near the dressing rooms underneath the stage. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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‘Tis the season for Wreathing for Community.
The group is low-key. But their work is highly visible.
Volunteers create beautiful wreaths, centerpieces and similar items. Some are donated to local non-profits for their fundraising. Others are given as gifts, to organizations and individuals.
Wreathing for Community recently presented a wreath to the Gillespie Center, our town’s homeless shelter and food pantry which is reopening after renovations.
The wreath was made by a Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport member, using products donated by local residents.
The Gillespie Center — part of Homes with Hope — was nominated by community members to receive the handsome decoration.
Alma Sarelli, Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport president (left), and Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, with the new Gillespie Center wreath.
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Westport’s Longshore Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association opens registration soon for their 2025 season. Westport residents have priority to become new members.
Check the Longshore website for registration information on January 2.
Mary Beth Neraas, Longshore Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association member chair.
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Dogs are allowed on Compo Beach from October 1 through March 31. The rest of the time, they’re limited to Soundview Drive, on leash.
There are no rules about cockatiels.
But until Christmas Day, Matt Murray had never seen one there.
As today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, there’s always a first time.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finally … today is the birthday of Roebuck “Pops” Staples (1915-2000) …
… Edgar Winter (born 1946) …
… Alex Chilton (1950-2010) …
… and John Legend (born 1978).
(It’s not our birthday. But you can give “06880” a gift anyway. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. We thank you!)
The Staples singers with The Band at The Last Waltz singing The Weight is the best version of one of the greatest songs ever. (Thanks to Robbie Robertson for the music, miss you)