“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — opened last week.
It’s unique.
Once audiences enter the fully transformed Opera House (formerly Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street), they trace the steps of the Opera Ghost, who has terrorized performers and management.
It’s quite an experience. Making it extra special for Westporters is Clay Singer. The Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate is one of 6 actors playing the Phantom.
He’s also the youngest performer to play the role fulltime in New York.
Clay’s portrayal is deeply influenced by Kevin Gray’s renowned interpretation — a favorite of his, for more than just its artistic brilliance. Kevin was a 1976 Staples (and Players alum). He died in 2013 — the year Clay graduated — of a heart attack. He was just 55.
The show operates in 6 “pulses,” beginning every 15 minutes. Clay performs in the 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. (matinee) pulses. (Select one of those time slots when buying tickets.)
“Masquerade” is in previews through September 6. Tickets are available through October 19, with an extension likely.
Clay Singer
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The O’Dell Group and Eva Amurri’s net-zero smart home build at Compo Beach is more than just cutting-edge construction.
Amurri — an actress (“Californication”), designer and lifestyle blogger — is documenting the process in a web series: “The Westport Project.”
“Think HGTV meets ‘Love It or List It’ meets ‘Southern Charm,” she says.
It’s available on YouTube and Instagram.
As part of the series, Amurri invites Westporters to celebrate “the best local gems.” Winners will be featured in upcoming episoes. Click here — but hurry! Nominations close tomorrow — Thursday.
Categories include best breakfast sandwich, iced coffee, workout class, kids’ activity, boutique, girls’ lunch, blowout, mani/pedi, pizza, date night dinner, dessert, bar scene and local creator.
Screenshot from “The Westport Project”: Chris O’Dell and Eva Amurri.
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After months of major, urgent agenda items, the Representative Town Meeting took a break in August.
Members gathered at the Ned Dimes Marina for a BBQ, casusal conversation, and a chance to enjoy the sunset just like their constituents often do.
(Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
Meanwhile, Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-3411105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov
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Calling all high school artists!
MoCA CT announces an open call for their 11th annual scholastic exhibition, “the Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.”
It explores the effects of contemporary music on youth culture. Music today is more immediate, interactive and personal than in previous generations. This shapes the way young people communicate, form communities and express themselves, from slang and style to activism and identity.
Artists will select a song from 2020 to now, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
Click here for more details, and an application form.
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The Westport Rotary Club’s recent instrument collection project was a resounding success.
Yesterday, 225 guitars, clarinets, a piano and more were shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
But the music continues.
Diego Carneiro — a Brazilian cellist and Rotary Peace Fellow who travels the world, promoting peace and understanding through music and community empowerment — headlines an evening of classical music (August 13, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
He’s joined by soprano Jurate Svedaite, and the church’s msuic director Dylan Sauerwald.
The concert is free, but donations to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador are greatefully accepted. Click here, then scroll down for more details, and to donate.
Diego Carneiro
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Hundreds of classic and exotic cars — and thousands of auto enthusiasts — will fill the parking lot at 148 East Avenue in Norwalk this Sunday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
It’s a benefit for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Penna died unexpectedly in 2020 at 51, leaving behind a wife and teenage sons. He was a highly respected Westport Police officer for 26 years, rising to deputy chief before retirement.
Admission is free, but there is a $20 fee to enter a car (no cutoff years). The day includes live music, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors, the Italian American Police Society of Southern Connecticut will give away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.
Classic cars like these will be on display Sunday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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One of Westport’s best — and most underrated — music venues rocks this Saturday (August 9, 7 to 9 p.m.).
New Yacht City brings their smooth sounds and good vibes to VFW Post 399, as part of a high-energy “Yacht Rock Tribute.”
The VFW says, “Enjoy the Saugatuck River and marina views, drink specials, and an upbeat, laid-back summer atmosphere.”
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purhase, and for more information.
New Yacht City
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As one group tries to buy the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan tribe — for a league record $325 million (and relocate it from Mohegan Sun to Boston) — another group has countered with over $300 million (and a move to Hartford).
That second group is led by Westporter Marc Lasry. He’s got the money — he’s a billionaire businessman and private equity manager.
But he’s also got basketball chops. He was a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2023.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Marc Lasry’s Beachside Avenue estate includes this full-size basketball court — with the Bucks’ “Fear the Deer” motto.
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Last week, “06880” noted there was a large American flag, stuck in a tree branch near McDonald’s.
Yesterday, we reported a crew freed it, to wave proudly again.
Ooops! We spoke too soon.
Arthur Hayes says McDonald’s solved the issue a different way: They cut down the entire tree.
And put up a new — and much larger — flag.
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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Staples High School Class of 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario was a guest on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today.
The New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist/author/MacArthur “genius grant” winner discussed US aid to Sudan, and the impact of budget cuts.
Addario noted that images must be repeated and seen multiple times, for them to have an effect on people.
(Hat tip and photo/Richard Fogel)
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Also in the media: Delano Melvin was on national television yesterday.
The 11-year-old Westporter asked “Today” show guest MrBeast — one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People — what he most likes about being a YouTuber.
Delano had an in for his question. His father, Craig, is a co-host of the NBC morning show.
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Insect (monarch butterly) meets flower (zinnia), in today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” photo:
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … when you saw the first item in today’s Roundup, you knew this was coming, right?
(“Floating, falling, sweet intoxication; touch me, trust me – savor each sensation…” Or, you can just click here to support “06880.” That’s cool too. Thank you!)
If you have been asked to run for RTM and the sales pitch included words that resonated with you like “Don’t worry, it’s not a lot of work,” then please do not run.
The town does not need any more “RTM Tourists.” Not my phrase, the phrase of a very high profile RTM member.
The RTM is outdated and out of touch. They are the easiest social club to join in town, and throw nice parties like the one they had last night (I guess my invitation got lost in the mail), but it is not a valuable or needed part of Westport town government. A smaller and more focused group would accomplish more and be more accountsble. Way past time for a change in the town charter.
Do either of the 1st Selectmen candidates have an interest in making real change happent?
I don’t disagree about the sheer bullshittery of the RTM: The few dedicated, informed members are vastly outnumbered by prop comedians, microphone hogs, and mansplaining bros who operate in a hermetically sealed chamber of self-regard.
But until the Town Charter can be revised, it makes sense to at least elevate the discourse with sentient new members. It seems as if District 3 needs another candidate, but so far, no one is petitioning to get on the ballot. District 8 needs TWO candidates, and no one is apparently circulating a petition there, either.
Paging someone with an extremely low tolerance for overlords and overlings! Someone? Anyone?
Tom,
Yes, others have raised this “new blood in the RTM is all we need” point with me. I don’t agree. The RTM has a very strong tradition of taking new, very capable people with good ideas and intentions and turning them into:
1. “mansplaining bros who operate in a hermetically sealed chamber of self-regard” (your words.)
or
2. Rubber stampers
or
3. “I see both sides, but haven’t studied the issue enough” wafflers.
or
4. Disaffected and discouraged people who thought they were going to make a difference. These people move on quickly, and we then welcome them into the Royal Order of Obstructionists (to use Jen’s word.)
This is harsh and is not all-inclusive, obviously. Just the observation of one who spent 6 years on the RTM. Your mileage may vary.
And yes, I am self-aware enough to also put myself into the “mansplaining bros who operate in a hermetically sealed chamber of self-regard” club. Great line, by the way.
You two are made for each other.
what a nice thing to say. thank you.
Seeing as we are on the subject of the RTM. Is it possible for them to vote to undo the text amendment that opened the doors for developers to blow up Saugatuck? I’m not familiar with the rules and regs. Thanks in advance.
No. there is a very narrow window for the RTM to reject a text amendment, and that window has passed. The P&Z can decide to amend it or do away woth it. But the RTM now has no say on this.
Thanks John…
The point, ultimately, is that people aren’t running for the RTM in great enough numbers for voters to pick and choose and for democracy to work. In the last election, 24 of 36 RTM members waltzed into office unchallenged. Six of nine districts were saddled with whoever “ran.” Voters don’t have choices; they have inevitabilities.
District 9, one of the most active districts with vibrant engage citizens, has had competitive races for RTM, and it looks like we will again as a new 20-something young man just knocked on my door to introduce himself as a candidate for RTM. I believe most of the District 9 reps stand up for what they believe, and get beat up routinely by their peers for doing so.
I do not understand why other districts do not have interested citizens to step up, especially given the caliber of those who hold those seats year after year.
We need more 20-something’s and a few more sixty-somethings to join these races.
I’m looking at you, Districts 1-8, and especially 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7.
I may not live in those districts, but I will do my best to help you unseat the low caliber incumbents.