“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — has officially opened.
It certainly is different.
When 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.
It’s sold out through the end of this month. Click here for dates through February.
Clay Singer as The Phantom.
==================================================
Speaking of spooky: Westport Country Playhouse’s classic film series presents “Psycho” — Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1960 horror film — Friday (October 10, 7 p.m.)
Mark Shanahan — the Playhouse artistic director, who taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 20 years — will offer pre- and post-show insights, from details to watch for to hidden moments you may have missed.
Shanahan taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 20 years.
Tickets are $20 each. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
===============================================
Vanity Fair says: “New York Times photographer [and 1991 Staples High raduate] Lynsey Addario has captured some of the most powerful images from conflict zones around the world. But in the new documentary ‘Love+War,’ it’s her turn to step in front of the camera.
Oscar-winning directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin capture her journey as she travels to some of the most dangerous places in the world — from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Ukraine — to photograph the stark realities of war. In the new trailer for the National Geographic Documentary Films project ,,, Addario is seen running from danger and explosions in Ukraine as her husband and 2 young sons wait back home in London.
“The film explores the central tension of Addario’s life. ‘I’m a conflict photographer,” she says. ‘Very few people understand why we do what we do.’” (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)
Lynsey Addario on assignment at a refugee camp in Chad. (Photo/Caitlin Kelly for Vanity Fair)
==================================================
The Board of Education’s Finance & Facilities Committee holds a work session on Tuesday (October 7, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The agenda includes reviews of several proposed capital improvement projects:
District Wide Painting Exterior Facade Components
- Staples High School auditorium
- Install wireless access points to Staples athletic fields
- Concession stand for Staples fields, and bathrooms
- Renovate Staples girls locker room (new team room)
- Upgrade science labs at Bedford Middle School
- Roof replacement and repair, exhaust fans at Greens Farms Elementary School
- Replace motorized folding partition (gym) at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Repairs have not been made to the Staples High School auditorium in over 30 years.
==================================================
All “Warriors, supporters, caregivers, medical heroes and friends” are invited to Jesup Green on Monday (October 6, 11 a.m.), to raise the Pink Aid flag.
The ceremony will raise something else: awareness of breast cancer, during this special month.
==================================================
And After a decade away, Jane Pimentel returned to competitive sailing last weekend — in a big way.
Representing Longshore Sailing School, she and partner Jessica Koenig earned a silver medal, at the US Para Sailing Championship in the Martin 16 class, at Coronado Yacht Club in California.
It was the team’s first time sailing together — and their first time in the Martin 16 — with only one day of practice ahead of the event.
Pimentel will continue to compete, nationally and internationally. She will launch a fundraising campaign to cover travel expenses and entry fees.
Jane Pimentel (right) and Jessica Koenig.
============================================
Lift Wellness, NeuroMind and The Neurodivergent Collective invite all Westporters to a “Halloween-themed Open House.”
The October 22 event (3 to 6 p.m., 8 Myrtle Avenue) includes food, drinks, tours, and a chance to mingle with teams from the 3 providers.
Click here to RSVP. Costumes are optional.
==================================================
Longtime Westport resident Martha Lucci died peacefully in April, in Norwalk. She was 76.
She worked for many years at Burndy Corporation. She met her husband, native Westporter Sal Lucci, there in 1969.
Later, she brought her artistic talents to the studios of her father-in-law Patrick Lucci, working as a creative artist in New York and Westport.
Martha was a familiar presence at Compo Beach and Longshore. For over 35 years, took early morning walks with friends Sharon Smith and Susan Goldman. She often stopped to help injured birds and lost dogs.
Martha took pride in cultivating flower and vegetable gardens. Her home was filled with hand-knitted pieces, shelves of books, homemade Christmas cards and the bustle of holiday gatherings.
She and Sal hosted an Independence Day party for over 20 years.
Martha is survived by her husband of 49 years, Sal; brothers Cary Muenzen of Danbury and Mark Muenzen (Theresa) of Fairfield; several nieces and nephews, and her cats Cinnamon and Penny. She was predeceased by her brother Bryant Muenzen, and felines Lassie, Peach and Simon.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society, ASPCA, Wildlife in Crisis, or Peaceful Valley Donkey Reserve.
Services were private. Condolences may be left online.
Martha Lucci
===============================================
Let’s end this week with a beautiful “Westport … Naturally” photo. It reminds us that when nothing seems right with the world — nature wins.
(Photo/Jay Walshon)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of Jay Walshon’s wonderful image above:
(Just as elusive as a butterfly: helping people understand that “06880” relies on the support of its readers. We need you. Please take a moment to click here, and show us some love. Thank you!)
