Staples Players’ astonishing production of “Les Misérables” concludes its 10-show run this afternoon (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; click here for information).
Before the (spectacular) set is struck, however, it’s worth praising Players once again.
Today, kudos go to the tech crew: the young men and women who seldom get the credit they deserve, but without whom there would be no show at all.
These very talented, tremendously hard working, incredibly dedicated students build sets, oversee lighting and sound, create costumes, and do much, much more.
Once the play begins, it’s run entirely by students. They are responsible for keeping things moving smoothly — even when they go awry.
Colin Walker says, “I have the fortunate privilege of being the technical director. I get to be with these students on a daily basis. I see how hard they work. They make invaluable contributions to the success of the show.”
They sure do. Take a bow, “Les Mis” tech crew!
Staples Players tech crew, on set. (Photo/Colin Walker)
==================================================
The Zoning Board of Appeals is looking for a registered Democratic alternate for the board.
An alternate serves for 4 years, and is called to sit for a member who is absent or needs to recuse themselves from a specific application.
If interested, email jimezzes@gmail.com.
==================================================
Jillian Elder’s Westport Holiday Lights Collection features local landmarks like the Cribari Bridge, Minute Man monument and Compo Beach cannons. Each piece is available on shirts, prints, mugs and totes.
New at the online shop: Westport Is my Happy Place. It’s a tribute to the town’s charm and creative spirit.
A few suggestions.
==================================================
The “stop sign ahead” sign on Bayberry Lane, near Easton Road, has a new look these days:
(Photo/Baxter Urist)
It doesn’t mean the stop sign is gone.
Just that this old sign is ready for a replacement.
==================================================
Meanwhile, here’s the scene at Sherwood Mill Pond.
I sure would not want to be the guy that had to climb down that ladder, all the way to the bottom.
(Photo/John McCarthy)
==================================================
Esterina D’Amico, who was born in her parents’ Westport home, and was a lifelong resident, died Thursday, in Norwalk Hospital. She was 95.
Ester spent more than 40 years as an administrative secretary for PerkinElmer in Norwalk. She was a faithful parishioner of Assumption Church. She loved traveling the world, and was an accomplished skier.
She is survived by her brothers Anthony and Peter D’Amico; sister Geraldine Stauss; 17 nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers Edward, Rudolph and Anthony, and sisters Adeline Coviello, Margaret Incerto, Mary Aldrich and Josephine D’Amico.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday (November 25, 11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in Ester’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
==================================================
The crowds are gone from Sherwood Island.
But there are still visitors. They enjoy a very different state park — quiet, cold, and beautiful.
Pam Docters captured the scene the other day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Dress warmly — and enjoy!
==================================================
And finally … in honor of one of the items above:
(While someone’s been working on the railroad, we’ve been working on “06880.” Our daily Roundup — and everything else — doesn’t fall from the sky! Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
My leashed pup loves walking at Sherwood Island all winter. The sidewalks get cleared of ice & snow all season, so it’s 300 + acres to enjoy. Bundle up and go!
I believe it’s 234 acres…love biking their daily year round!
Condolences to Esters family. I definitely knew at least one of the family and I’m sure she knew Frank (Chip) Cieplinski who worked at Perkin-Elmer for 40 years. He was married to my cousin Barbara, born in 1938, who is still alive and one of my last cousins still living.
Where is cousin Barbara these days?
Right behind Fairfield Ludlow there’s an assisted living called Sturgess Ridge and she’s there alone now because Chip died n 2021 at age 88.
My best to her continued health.
Thank you so much, Emma. Her sister, born in 1936, and one born in 1943 are also still alive. I correspond regularly with the one born in 1943. I’m the baby. I was born in 1947.
might the ladder be for someone that falls in so they can get out?
Small world. My mother worked at P/E with Esther for at least 20 years of the 40. Her nephew Bruce Coviello and I singlehandedly held down the 2nd tenor sections of the Staples Sophomore Chorus, A Capella Choir, Boys Glee and Orphenians (plus I sang in the shower after wrestling practice – it ensured my privacy – I was very self conscious about my youthful physique – I still am). My deepest condolences to the D’Amico family (my Italian is pretty rusty but I think D’Amico means “of a friend). She certainly had many of them and she deserved them.
Great roundup! Always love seeing the spotlight on the students working behind the scenes, tech crews rarely get the recognition they deserve. Also enjoyed the local updates and snapshots of Westport life. Thanks for keeping the community connected!
Didn’t one D’Amico own a gas station not too far from Calises? I can picture the guy, but I can’t remember his first name.