Posted onMarch 14, 2023|Comments Off on Jane Green, Gabi Conti: Very “Bad Influencer”s
In nearly 2 decades since graduating from Staples High School, Gabi Conti did a lot.
At Emerson College she studied broadcast journalism, and writing for TV and film.
She moved to Los Angeles, worked as a production assistant for Comedy Central, did stand-up and sketch comedy, wrote videos and editorials, and blogged about her comedic musings. She hosted shows on Snapchat, YouTube and other platforms.
Gabi wrote “20 Guys You Date in Your 20s.” (The first guy was actually a fellow Stapleite, when she was 16. But he made the cut, because they reconnected a decade later.)
Gabi Conti, with her book.
Then came the wedding of her longtime friend and fellow Staples Player alum Emily Hardin, in Los Angeles.
Gabi noticed a woman with “great style.” They chatted; the woman said she loved Gabi’s dress, and introduced herself: “I’m Jane Green.”
Staples High School Class of 2005 graduate Gabi Conti.
They talked about their Westport connections, Jane’s friendship with Emily’s parents, and that Emily’s new husband Tommy Lombardi had written with Jane before.
After the wedding, Gabi and Jane followed each other on social media. Jane told Gabi she was developing a podcast network of original scripted fiction with another Westporter, Spencer Brown. (It always comes back to this town.)
One of the shows was called “Bad Influencer.” A “13 Gong on 30″/”Big”-style romantic comedy set in New York, it’s about a wannabe nobody who makes a wish, wakes up as a famous influencer — and finds herself caught in non-stop scandals.
Gabi knew a lot about the influencer world. Jane asked her to write the series.
Bingo!
Writing for audio only is not easy. Yet Gabi learned quickly. She banged out 9 episodes, each 20 to 30 minutes long.
“It’s written for millennials like me,” Gabi explains. “But Generation Z will enjoy it too.”
There are “nods to traditional rom-coms. If you love pop culture and celebrity scandals, you’ll love this.”
Gabi took on a producing role, helping secure actual, real-live influencers and celebrities.
Then she headed to Gemini XIII‘s Emerald Audio studio in New York, for production.
The episodes were finished in 2 days, plus another in L.A. Gabi played a few of the characters herself.
She is pleased with the project. “Jane and I are on the same page,” she says. “It all just came together, like what I had in my head.”
Of course, there’s one more Westport connection.
When Gabi was part of the casting process, she noticed a familiar name: Adam Kaplan.
Could he be the same Adam Kaplan who was a freshman in Staples Players when she was a senior — and went on to fame in shows like “Kinky Boots,” “Newsies” and “A Bronx Tale“?
He was indeed.
Jane — who, as the mother of a Staples Player, knew of Adam too — agreed with Gabi and the casting director: He was their first choice.
From left: Adam Kaplan, Jane Green, Gabi Conti.
“He’s such a pro,” Gabi says. “He played his role” — the best friend of the nobody wannabe, before she becomes famous — “so well.”
“Bad Influencer” will be released this spring.
By then, there may be more Westport connections to report.
(“06880” is truly “Where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support our hyper-local work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Jane Green, Gabi Conti: Very “Bad Influencer”s
Staples High School teachers have a lot on their plates. Instruction, lesson plans, meeting students for extra help — there’s not much time in the school day to leave their classrooms and offices.
But Jeff Castaldi found some the other day. The biology teacher headed downstairs, to the World Language wing.
Where, in Louisa D’Amore’s room, he sang Italian opera.
Back in his 20s, Castaldi had to decide between a career in music or education. He had studied at the Metropolitan Opera with a Bulgarian basso profundo, and was teaching at New Haven’s Hillhouse High.
He chose the classroom. But he continued singing — everywhere from soloing in church, to the national anthem while coaching football and baseball (including last year’s girls basketball state final at Mohegan Sun, while teaching at Holy Cross-Waterbury.)
A couple of his Staples students knew he sang. They asked D’Amore, their Italian teacher, to invite him in.
So during World Language Week, he belted out “Canto Degli Italiani (Fratelli d’Italia)” — the national anthem — and “Caro Mio Ben.”
D’Amore’s students loved it. “They thought it was so cool!” she reports.
“This is who I am,” Castaldi says. “I think if you have a gift, you should share it.”
Così bello!
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In the aftermath of the death of Matthew Balga — the chef killed on Riverside Avenue last Saturday night, after leaving work at The Whelk — his co-workers and family have organized a fundraiser. Money raised will support culinary education in Connecticut.
“Chef Matteo” had worked for For the Food restaurant owners Bill Taibe and Rachel Golan for over 18 years. Friends said he loved classic cars, played the guitar, had a sarcastic wit, and “most of all, was a loving man who loved to cook.”
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. It provides education for future restaurant industry professionals, workforce development opportunities and scholarships. Click here to contribute. (Hat tip: Westport Magazine)
The Westport Library offers plenty of innovative spaces and technologies, aimed at 21st century models of literacy and learning.
This spring, there will be more.
The Library is launching “Verso University.” The year-round series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures will further education and “learning for a lifetime.”
Offerings include one-time lectures, ongoing courses, and classes that meet weekly or monthly. They cover a wide variety of topics, with appeal to all ages and interests.
“Spring semester” includes
Launch Lecture: Martin Yellin on Space (Monday, March 13, 1 to 2 p.m.): Longtime Westporter and scientist Martin Yellin will provide an overview of the fascinating and unexpected discoveries made in space, and how we’ve begun to understand where we are and how we got here. Click here for more information.
The Range of Literary Realism: 4 Masterpieces of 21st Century Fiction, with Dr. Mark Schenker (Tuesdays, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16, 2 to 3 p.m.): The noted lecturer in English at Yale University examines novels that reflect the range of literary realism as portrayed in 21st century fiction:
April 4: Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel
April 18: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
May 2: Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson
May 16: Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan
Got Problems? Think Them Through for Better Problem Solving! (May) Problem-solving coaches Mike Hibbard and Patricia Cyganovich will teach problem-solving processes to use in any area of life.
Fiction Writing Master Class, with Gabino Iglesias (May): Renowned noir writer and Westport Library StoryFest alum Gabino Iglesias teaches a master class-style writing workshop.
Crew Call (Rolling admission, spring through fall): Crew Call is a training program focused on live media production skills. Volunteers of all ages gain real-world experience in video recording and production. Crew Call participants support many Library productions.
Marty Yellin launches the Verso University series.
Rowers love to hate the erg machine. That’s the fitness machine they use relentlessly on land.
But recently, junior members of Saugatuck Rowing Club eagerly jumped on board. The occasion: a “Row for Dough Erg-a-thon” fundraiser for Homes with Hope. The local non-profit provides supportive housing and a food pantry, in downtown Westport.
Both boys and girls teams participated in individual 10K races (over 6.2 miles), and raised over $6,500.
SRC junior rowers also volunteer at the Gillespie Center food pantry, and helping with other Homes with Hope projects.
Saugatuck Rowing Club captains (from left): Jack Kiely, Lauren Schramm, Hannah Clemens, Dylan Halky, Cooper Levinson, Janna Moore.
Over 200 fans filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum for last night’s Blue Coupe concert. The band includes former Alice Cooper guitarist Dennis Dunaway, and Joe and Albert Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult.
The event — a benefit for VersoFest, the music and media festival that kicks off March 30 — was co-produced by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
They’re collaborating on upcoming shows too, including Verso Fest‘s Sunflower Bean (March 30), the Smithereens (March 31) and the Johnny Folsom 4 at “Supper & Soul” (May 13).
Blue Coupe, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong got up early yesterday, for an important session: He addressed the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club’s meeting at Greens Farms Church.
Tong discussed his role as the chief civil attorney for the state, including notable litigation on tobacco, opioids and gun control.
Attorney General William Tong at Westport Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
And finally … in honor of the very entitled dude who doesn’t know how to park his motorcycle (story above):
(Two important things to do before bed tonight: 1) Turn your clocks ahead; 2) Thank “06880” for reminding you. Please click here to make a contribution. Thank you!)
Posted onMarch 11, 2023|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #152
A couple of colorful abstracts, a collection of work by 1962 Staples High School graduate (and online art gallery newcomer ) Holly Miller Watts, and regular contributor Steve Stein’s 11-year-old granddaughter’s water color highlight this week’s submissions.
This is your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!
“Heron” (Ellin Spadone)
Collected works of Holly Miller Watts (Staples High School Class of 1962)
Steve Stein’s 11-year-old granddaughter Esther Lichtman painted this water color after a recent visit to Westport. She calls it “Over the River and Through the Woods — Off to Grandma in Westport We Go” — even though, as Steve notes, “there are no mountains and no truly pristine river views here. She either has a great imagination, or is wishful thinking!”
“Espuma de Mar (Sea Foam)” — acrylic abstract (Patricia McMahon)
“On the Fence” — Peter Barlow explains, “This photo anticipates spring, which we may get after the April blizzards.”
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted that several trees near Linxweiler House — on the Post Road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s — have been marked with pink tape.
Alert “06880” reader Andrew Colabella adds this information: “Those trees are proposed to be cut down for sidewalk installation and lane expansion.
“The state Department of Transportation also wants to cut down the 2 beautiful cherry blossom trees at Sakura.
“Want to save the Linxweiler trees, or have comments or concerns about the cherry blossom trees at Sakura? Email Joseph.Aiello@ct.gov.”
One of the trees possibly slated for removal near Sakura.
Sixty Artists Collective of Westport members recently received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 6-inch square section randomly selected from a single iconic music-themed painting.
Their assignment: Created an individual piece, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style.
The catch: They would not know what the final painting would look like until it was revealed at an opening reception.
That reception came last night. A large crowd was there to see the finished, 10 foot-by-6 foot work.
The reveal!
Contributors include Miggs Burroughs, Katherine Ross, Michael Brennecke, Nina Bentley, Susan Fehlinger, Eric Chiang and Elizabeth DeVoll.
“Piece by Piece” runs is on display at the Library through May 9.
Westport Library director Bill Harmer addresses last night’s reception, before the reveal. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
Speaking of the Library: Their 2023 “Booked for the Evening” honoree is …
… Laura Linney.
The award-winning theater, film and TV actress will appear in person at the annual gala on July 13. Tickets go on sale in May.
For 24 years, “Booked for the Evening” has highlighted someone whose work “reflects the purpose of the Library: to nurture a love of learning, and to enhance our understanding of the world.”
Library director Bill Harmer says: “Laura Linney is not only one of the great actresses of her generation; she is also a lifelong supporter of the power of the arts and creativity, a humanitarian lauded for her work on behalf of cancer patients and their families, and a champion for women in film.”
Her film credits include Genius, Nocturnal Animals, Mr. Holmes, Kinsey, You Can Count on Me, Mystic River, Love Actually, and The Truman Show. Among her Broadway productions are The Crucible, Time Stands Still, Sight Unseen, and Six Degrees of Separation. On television she has starred in The Big C and the mini-series John Adams, as well as Tales of the City and Frasier. She currently stars as Wendy Byrde in Ozark, a role for which she has earned Emmy and SAG Award nominations.
Linney has been nominated for 3 Academy Award, 5 Tonys, and 8 Golden Globes.
Linney holds honorary doctorates from her alma maters, Brown University and The Julliard School. She has been honored for her work in cancer advocacy, and speaks often on reconsidering the arts as essential for success, easing the pain of cancer, finding beauty in tragedy, and navigating gender inequality in the film industry.
Previous “Booked” recipients include Shonda Rhimes, Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Barry Levinson, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu and Itzhak Perlman.
Leonard Schine Aspetuck Land Trust Preserve on Weston Road was the site of a majestic owl release on Sunday.
Three barred owls — all found injured in Westport over the past two months — were freed. Joint rescues had been performed by the Westport Police Department and Animal Control. They were transported to Wildlife in Crisis for rehabilitation.
Animal Control officer Peter Reid says, “It is common for owls to be struck by cars at night. They often hunt in the ‘edge habitat’ by the roadside. Once they are on their glide path, they have little peripheral awareness of approaching cars.
“They can also be dazzled by headlights, become disoriented, and side-slip into a car. Fortunately these 3 suffered only minor injuries — head trauma and concussion — and were ready for release fairly quickly.
“This species is an early nester. They are courting right now, so the release gives these owls a chance to get back into the owl dating pool.
“One of the barred owls was from Partrick Road, one from Compo Road North by Winslow Park, and one from Bayberry. The Weston Road property was a good central release point, and relatively close to their points of origin, as the owl flies.”
Three WPD members helped with the release: Chief Foti Koskinas, Lieutenant Matthew Gouveia and Officer Dominique Carr.
Also involved: Reid’s wife Dara, director of Wildlife in Crisis, and their resident owl expert.
The theme for this year’s Memorial Day parade is: “Veterans Serving the Community.”
Certificates will be awarded in 6 categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and the Best Overall Float.
Groups should concentrate on the first 5. The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have won the last 2,2462 “Best Overall Float” competitions, dating back to the Peloponnessian War.
The Memorial Day parade steps off on Monday, May 29 at 9 a.m.
The Y’s Men’s 2021 award-winning Memorial Day float. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Rick Kalmans was concerned about the slow pace of reconstruction on the Bayberry Lane bridge.
He contacted town engineer Keith Wilberg. He quickly responded:
“The construction of the bridge is now in the phase called the Connecticut Department of Transportation shutdown period, from December 1 through March 31.
“That doesn’t mean that no work can be done in that period, but the nature of the work tends to be limited.
“Also, as asphalt plants have closed for the season as of the second week in December, we cannot reconstruct and pave the roadway until they open. That will most likely be at the end of March, give or take.
“The contractor has about a month’s worth of work left to finish, so my estimate is that they will be done by the end of April. The ‘on paper’ finish date is the end May 31. It is my belief they will be done and have the road open long before that, again, end of April.”
The Democratic Women of Westport celebrate Women’s History Month with a special panel: “Women Leading in CT: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.”
The event (March 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club) features Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas (a Norwalk resident), former PepsiCo senior vice president Lori Tauber Marcus, Staples High School senior (and National Merit Semifinalist) Lilly Weisz, and League of Women Voters president Laura Smits.
The event is free. Light refreshments and wine will be served.
Longtime Westporter Carol Frawley died Saturday at St. Joseph’s Manor, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. She was 86.
The Norwalk native was employed part time as a cashier at Peter’s Bridge Market when her children were in school. She also enjoyed working weekends at Planter’s Barn in Darien and Geiger’s Nursery in Westport, where she indulged in her love of plants and flowers, and shared her knowledge.
In 1977 she joined Pepperidge Farms’ headquarters in Norwalk, and stayed until she retired.
She was a lifetime member of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Ladies Auxiliary.
She is survived by her children Colleen (Edward) Mezerewski of Shelton, Debbie (Philip) Grabell of Milford, William of Shelton, Edward (Karen) of Milford, Michael (Stephanie) of Westport, James (Donna) of Fairfield; grandchildren Casey (Trinh) Mezerewski, Colby (Glendys ) Mezerewski, Jacob (Rachel) Grabell, Nicole (Thomas) Cadigan, Helen Frawley, Alex Frawley, Kyle (Elicia) Frawley, Katie (Scott) Frawley, Kenzie Frawley and Kieran Frawley, and great-grandchildren Trinity, Edward, Leia and Ethan Mezerewski, Kaylie, Adriana and Logan Mezerewski, Charlotte and Chase Cadigan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Harold, andsisters Marcella Palinkas of Oklahoma, Georgianna Bolton of Norwalk and Joan Goulart of Norwalk.
Funeral arrangements will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
And finally … speaking of owls (see story above), Canned Head’s co-founder, co-lead singer, guitarist, harmonica player and primary composer was Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson. (It was either this, or a “Who” reference…)
(Today — like every day — “06880” rounds up every bit of news, big and tiny. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Staples Players’ spring production is “Twelfth Night.”
People might think: “Teenagers doing Shakespeare. I’ll pass.”
Don’t!
For one thing, Players is no ordinary high school troupe. Their near Broadway-quality shows always entertain, excite and inspire.
For another — and this is key — this “Twelfth Night” is not really Shakespeare. It’s a big, bold musical, filled with singing and dancing.
Ben Herrera as Malvolio, with “Twelfth Night” ensemble.
It’s funny. It’s fun. It’s accessible.
And it zips along: 12 songs are packed into a quick — and very engrossing — 90 minutes.
Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long knew they were taking a risk. “Twelfth Night” — whether familiar Shakespeare, or an unfamiliar musical — is a tough sell.
(From left): Charlie Watson, Matthew Bukzin, Jackie Peterson and Henry Carson in “Twelfth Night.”
But they loved Shaina Taub’s music. They knew that the cast recording was popular with theater people. (When the Public Theatre debuted the show in 2018, the New Yorker called it “less an interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy than a block party sprinkled with iambic pentameter.”)
And when the directors announced it this winter, they challenged Players cast members to listen to the jazz-funk-pop score with open ears.
The next days, the young actors were singing in the halls. (Click below for senior Sophia Betit, singing during rehearsal.)
During their 65-year history, Players have tackled Shakespeare before. Roth and Long directed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2005, and “Romeo & Juliet” 3 years later.
As with much of The Bard’s work, despite being over 400 years old, “Twelfth Night” remains timely.
The plot deals with “our perceptions of gender — what it means to be a man or a woman, and how women are perceived in society,” Roth says.
(After a shipwreck, a woman dresses as a man to get a job. And of course, there are love complications.)
Quinn Mulvey as Viola. (All photos/Kerry Long)
“The message of the show is about walking in another person’s shoes, and seeing how the world perceives you,” Long explains. “There’s not a lot of equity.”
“Twelfth Night” is not “Mamma Mia!” or “Grease.” But — like those Staples Players blockbusters — it too will thrill audiences of all ages.
“We want to expose people to shows we love,” Roth says. “Take a 90-minute leap of faith with us!”
(“Twelfth Night” performances are March 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and March 19 and 25 at 3 p.m. Youngsters 12 and under get a sweet swag bag, including a coupon for a free ice cream cone donated by Saugatuck Sweets, plus a button proudly announcing “My first Shakespeare!”
(Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below to hear the original cast recording music.)
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for Westport entertainment news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The pedestrian struck by a motorist on Saturday night has died.
Matthew Balga of Norwalk succumbed at Norwalk Hospital, He was 54.
The Riverside Avenue crash, near the William F. Cribari Bridge, remains under investigation by Westport police, assisted by the Fairfield Accident Team.
Well, not exactly. The Man in Black has been dead nearly 20 years.
But Johnny Folsom 4 — a great tribute band — headlines the next “Supper & Soul” concert. It’s Saturday, May 13, at the Westport Library.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event is tons of fun. For $85 a ticket, you get a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the show.
After the concert, show your ticket at any of the restaurants, and get happy hour pricing on drinks.
Participating restaurants include 190 Main, Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa me, De Tapas, Don Memo, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley.
Click here for tickets, and more information. (Concert-only tickets are available too — they’re $35.
Johnny Cash was famous for playing in prisons. This may be his — well, his tribute band’s — first library gig.
Alert “06880” reader — and nearby Winslow Park neighbor — Dick Truitt writes:
“Just inside the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot entrance to the Winslow Park dog run is a box containing a defibrillator, placed there to help save people who suffer emergency heart issues.
“The box has gathered filth over the years. But the bin on top has been a sort of lifesaver itself to folks who might find they have lost small and sometimes critical items in the vast park. It’s the informal “lost and found” headquarters.
“The other day it contained a pair of glasses, a right-hand glove, a tube of lip balm, a military-style dog tag, 3 key tags and, most importantly, 4 residential-style keys — all apparently from someone’s front door.
“A dog walker reported that there is a regular turnover of items in the bin. She noted, however, that no one has yet showed up with a brush and bottle of soap.”
Lost and found at Winslow Park. (Photo/Dick Truitt)
Nick Diamond was a varsity soccer player at Staples High School. After graduating in 2004, he moved to Seattle.
Nick’s 3-year-old son Noah was recently diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Known also as “childhood Alzheimer’s,” it is a rare and terminal disease.
With continued research and advocacy, a cure is possible. Nick and his wife Kristen organized Plunge for a Cure, o raise awareness and funds to support the fight against this disease.
Philip Halpert — Nick’s best friend from Staples — took the plunge yesterday at Compo Beach. His wife Carrie joined in.
Philip Halpert takes the plunge.
To learn more about the plunge — and contribute — click here. (David Halpert)
We seldom think about it, but nearly everything we rely on in our homes — clocks, speakers, kitchen equipment, even toys — contains silicon chips.
David Pogue thinks about it. And because CBS pays him to think about — and explain — things like this, chips were the focus of his story yesterday on “Sunday Morning.”
What makes his piece “06880”-worthy — besides the fact that he is our Westport neighbor — is that when he needed props (to smash with a hammer), he headed to our local Goodwill.
He found all the chip-stuffed stuff he needed. And spent a grand total of $9 on it.
Posted onMarch 4, 2023|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #151
Two striking photos, and a reproduction/adaptation of a famous work open this week’s online art gallery.
Other readers submitted their usual intriguing array of paintings and drawings too.
Remember: This is your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!
Untitled (Andrew Colabella)
“GULLable” (Patricia McMahon)
“Pieter Claesz’s Dinner at the Katzes/” Artist Norm Siegel based this on “the famous Dutch 17th century still life food artist– updated with all the foods I loved that now give me heartburnand acid reflux.”
“A Little Snow” (Karen Weingarten)
Artist Lawrence Weisman calls this “Character of Westport,” then adds, “or one of them at least.”
Untitled (Mona Brown)
“The Tennis Players: Igor Stravinsky and His Taller Friend” — acrylics (Peter Barlow)
“Whelk” (Amy Schneider)
“A Very Little House on the Prairie” (Steve Stein)
Photographer Rindy Higgins describes this monotone: “I was impressed with the gray on gray on gray, illustrating that the Saugatuck River is the same as the Sound is the same as the sky: the oneness of all.”
(Admission to “06880”‘s online gallery is free. But contributions are gladly accepted. Please click here — and thank you!)
Posted onMarch 3, 2023|Comments Off on “Lux Freer” Premieres — And Earns Honors
“Lux Freer” — Triple Threat Academy‘s award-winning, locally shot and produced independent film — enjoyed a pair of premieres last month.
The plot involves Lux, a middle-class non-binary teen who feels like an outcast in their new town of rich jocks and beauty queens, until a wishing well and the most popular guy in town offer a view from the top of the social ladder.
A private screening at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre included 21 cast members (22, counting Sophie Walther, who Zoomed in from the UK).
Cast and crew of “Lux Freer,” at the SHU Community Theater. In front: co-producers Cynthia Gibb and Jill Johnson Mann.
Staples High School 2022 graduate Echo Bodell — who stars as Lux Freer — flew in from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Echo, a non-binary songwriter/ actor, plays the non-binary protagonist, Lux Freer.
Jean Louisa Kelly — recently seen in “Top Gun: Maverick” — was there, with her daughter Josy Pitaro (Lux’s villain).
Cameron Mann — who played a pivotal role in “Mare of Easttown” — joined assistant costume designer Zoe Mann (aka his twin). Their older brother Jamie Mann (“Country Comfort”) — who in addition to acting in the film, choreographed the big dance number — could not make it. He’s at the University of Michigan, studying musical theater.
Watching proudly were director/co-producer Cynthia Gibb and writer/co-producer Jill Johnson Mann. Gibb — another Staples graduate — began acting at 15, in Woody Allen’s “Stardust.” She went on to great fame, in “Fame.”
“Lux Freer” reminded her of that joy. She appreciated sharing the magic of film acting with her Triple Threat Academy students.
Director Cynthia Gibb has worked with Echo Bodell for years. Here the star is, on the big screen.
“Lux Freer”‘s world premiere was Saturday, at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. Bodell and several other cast members joined Gibb on the red carpet.
The film won Best USA Film and Best First-Time Director at New York’s Cinematography Awards in December), and followed up with Honorable Mention for Best LGBTQ Short Film at the Los Angeles Indie Short Fest last month.
At the actual “red carpet” in Los Angeles (from left): Jennifer Ryan (Miss Savannah), Leanna Mitev (Linah Freer), director Cynthia Gibb and Echo Bodell (Lux Freer).
“Lux Freer” was created during Triple Threat Academy’s summer film camp. Students — novice and professional actors — collaborate with a professional crew to create a film, gaining experience in front of the camera and in crew apprentice roles.
Gibb calls the cast “a blend of professional actors with impressive credits, and many making their screen debuts.
“It is also a blend of the ‘popular kids,’ and those who exist on the fringes of the social strata.
“At the beginning, there were clichés. By the end, we were one big film family. It was life imitating our art.”
“Parts of the script are inspired by actual scenarios experienced by Echo on their challenging journey to live in a way that is true to themself,” says Johnson Mann.
“After the film wrapped, Echo told us that those were the best two weeks of their life. They stepped into the spotlight timidly on Day 1, and strutted out a new person on day 10.”
Several trans teens in the cast also found acceptance, like-minded friends, and a new confidence, the writer/co-producer adds.
Next up: another independent film, this summer. Details will be announced soon.
(Click here for more information on Triple Threat Academy, including enrollment.)
(Westport is an arts town — and “06880” covers all the arts. Please click here to help support us what we do. Thank you!)
Comments Off on “Lux Freer” Premieres — And Earns Honors
There will be no 5-peat for the Ridgefield High School boys basketball team.
But there may be a first for Staples.
The 4th-seeded Wreckers demolished the #1, 4-time reigning champion Tigers last night 71-54, in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) semifinal at Wilton High.
Staples’ only league championship came exactly 60 years ago, in 1963. But there was no actual tournament then — just the standings — so this title would be a long-awaited first.
First-year coach Dave Goldshore’s team faces #3 Danbury for the crown tomorrow (Friday, March 3, 6 p.m., Wilton). The Hatters topped Trumbull 52-50, in last night’s other semi.
The Wreckers — who got 23 points from Chris Zajac, 16 from Gavin Rothenberg, 15 from Cody Sale and 11 from Sam Clachko — proved their earlier 61-54 victory at Ridgefield was no fluke. After that loss, the Tigers went on a 16-game winning tear.
Beyond their first-ever FCIAC tournament crown, Staples has added motivation in tomorrow night’s title match: Danbury won this year’s regular season game, 63-54.
The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.
The longtime Westporter — and Emmy-winning television executive producer and director of shows like “Live at Lincoln Center” — often donates his talents to his home town.
Up next: a 3-part Westport Library series focusing on cardiovascular health.
Part 1 (March 14) focuses on coronary artery diseases, with Drs. Robert Altbaum, Ari Pollack and Mitchell Dreisman in conversation.
Part 2 (March 22) covers valvular heart disease; Part 3 (April 17) is on atrial fibrillation.
All 3 sessions begin at 7 p.m. All will be led by Dr. Altbaum, with coronary experts. Click here for details.
NOTE: Heart disease may not seem to be in Andrew Wilk’s wheelhouse. But before he turned to television and the performing arts, he wanted to be a doctor.
Andrew Wilk’s first session on heart disease includes (starting 2nd from left) Drs. Robert Altbaum, Ari Pollack and Mitchell Dreisman.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward continue to make news.
This June, Sotheby’s will auction “The World of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.” A series of sales of more than 300 items — drawn primarily from their Westport home — will include film and entertainment memorabilia, automotive and racing collectables, family photographs, antique furniture and fine decorative arts.
Special items include autographed letters and photographs from presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and Joanne’s wedding dress and ring from her marriage to Paul in 1958.
PS: Happy belated birthday to Joanne Woodward. The actress turned 93 on Tuesday.
Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Valerie Szeto)
Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund — keeps a low profile.
But a Bloomberg article yesterday notes:
Bridgewater is capping the size of its flagship funds, plowing more money and talent into artificial intelligence and machine learning, expanding in Asia and in equities and doubling down on sustainability. To pare costs and free up resources, it’s also embarking on a firm-wide reorganization over the next two weeks, eliminating about 100 jobs in a workforce of roughly 1,300.
“Just doing what we’ve been doing isn’t good enough,” (CEO Nir) Bar Dea, 41, said in an interview. “Evolve or die. That’s what’s happening here.”
In other Bridgewater news, Rob Copeland’s new book — “The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates and the Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend” — is available for pre-order.
Called “the unauthorized, unvarnished story of famed Wall Street hedge fund manager Ray Dalio,” it “peels back the curtain to reveal a rarified world of wealth and power, where former FBI director Jim Comey kisses Dalio’s ring, recent Pennsylvania Senate candidate David McCormick sells out, and countless Bridgewater acolytes describe what it’s like to work at his fascinating firm.”
Fresh off last night’s packed opening of the Artists Collective of Westport March pop-up show opening, Eric Chiang is showing various artworks — from small to very large, and from realistic landscapes to abstract — at 3 other high-quality group shows, now through May.
Through Mar 18: “Artists Collective Members Show”(Gordon Fine Art Gallery, 1701 Post Road East).
March 8 – May 9: “Music to Our Eyes” and “Piece by Piece” (Westport Library); opening reception March 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
Early March through April 16: “Home” (Greens Farms Church Gallery Hall).
NOTE: The Artists Collective show is on view at the Westport Country Playhouse barn now through Sunday, March 5 (2 to 6 p.m.). There’s an artists’ talk Sunday, at 5 p.m. too.
Speaking of art: The Westport Book Shop‘s guest exhibitor for March is George Radwan.
He’s showing birdhouses, inspired by shacks he saw years ago in Soweto. He’s also exhibiting small mixed media pieces, constructed of found and repurposed materials.
All artwork is available for purpose. To see more of Radwan’s work, click here.
Bonnie Marcus has owned a design company (next to Arezzo Restaurant) for over 20 years. From her small studio, she and her team of Westport moms ship invitations and greeting cards to thousands of stores around the world, including Bloomingdales, Harrods, Target and Barnes & Noble. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Cindy Crawford and Christina Aguilera A-listers who have ordered invitations for special events.
Tonight you can see where Bonnie’s creativity comes from. An art exhibit featuring her great-uncle — abstract artist/painter/printmaker/social activist Louis Schanker opens at the Stamford JCC (7 p.m.).
Shanker and his wife, blues singer and socialite Libby Holman, enabled their close friend, Martin Luther King Jr,. to travel to India to learn firsthand non-violent techniques to battle racism in America.
Shanker’s paintings, sculptures and prints are on display through March 17. Click here for details.
Coretta Scott King and Bonnie Marcus.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is celestial: Venus and Jupiter, taken by Diane Lowman from her window.
Is the one on top Venus (smaller than Jupiter?) or Jupiter (further away than Venus)? Diane did not say.
And finally … Karen Carpenter was born on this day in 1950, in New Haven. She died 32 years later, from complications of anorexia.
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