Category Archives: Teenagers

Roundup: Christmas Music, Veterans Day, Pints For Players …

Posted on November 10, 2021 | 3 comments

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Yesterday was November 9. Christmas is December 25. That’s 45 days away.

Which means 45 days of Christmas carols. Because I heard my first one of the season yesterday, at Fresh Market.

Guys … it’s not even Veterans Day yet!

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Speaking of Veterans Day: It’s tomorrow.

Joseph J. Clinton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 hosts Westport’s Veterans ceremony in their Riverside Avenue parking lot.

The Westport Community Band plays patriotic music at 10:30 a.m., honoring all those who have served in the US military.

The 11 a.m. program includes posting the colors, remarks from State Senator Tony Hwang and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, an address by Staples High School senior Pierre Briand, and a firing salute by the Westport Police Department.

A special tribute honors World War II and Korean War veterans for their service. The public is invited to the outdoor event.

VFW on Riverside Avenue: site of tomorrow’s Veterans Day ceremony.

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A few spots remain for this Saturday’s free mattress and box spring recycling program (November 13 at Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.). The project is sponsored by Sustainable Westport.

The project is run through the Mattress Recycling Council’s Connecticut Bye Bye Mattress program.

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Staples Players’ “Grease” is a hot ticket. And Cold Fusion is adding to the heat.

Owners (and Players superfans) Kelly and Eric Emmert have created a special “Pints for Players” promotion.

They renamed 3 flavors, to honor the show. Through closing night (November 20), customers can purchase pints of Pink Lady (strawberry stracciatella), Burger Boys (blood orange sorbet) and Ode to Olivia Newton-John (peanut butter Xanadu).

For more information on “Grease,” click here.

Rydell High cheerleaders enjoy some Cold Fusion gelato.

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Speaking of high school: MoCA Westport has put out a call for submissions from artists in grades 9-12. They’ll be part of an exhibition focusing on the theme of identity, to run concurrently with a show featuring works from the Westport Permanent Art Collections in January.

MoCA officials were impressed with the diversity and talent of last year’s submissions. This year, they hope to surpass those nearly 200 entries. Teachers from across Connecticut and New York played a huge role in bringing that exhibition to fruition. They’re engaged again this year.

The submission deadline is December 19. For details, click here.

A student work from last year’s “Hindsight is 2020” show.

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Jillian Elder — the creative force behind the “Finding Westport” information and merchandise site — checks in with more swag.

Her “Westport Love & Life” collection of t-shirts, mugs, blankets, tote bags and more includes our beloved Minute Man, in various forms of the words “Love” and “Life.” Click here to see the wide variety of products.

And Jillian hopes to post a list of Etsy shops based in Westport, for holiday readers. If you’ve got — or know of — one, email jillian@findingfairfieldcounty.com.

The Minute Man on a “Love & Life” hoodie.

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Time to network!

Local business professionals are invited to a “Virtual Visitors Day” on Thursday, November 18 (7:30 to 9 a.m. Zoom). The event is sponsored by Westport’s Business Networking International chapter.

BNI meetings are open to only one business per category.

They’re on the lookout for new members. People working in hospitality — event planners, florists, caterers, bakers, DJs and bands, liquor stores, limousine services and gift novelty shop owners — are particularly welcome

Other open categories include home inspectors, veterinary services, dentists, dermatologists, commercial sign companies, martial artists, trade schools, physical therapists, orthopedists, delicatessen owners and tutors.

Email curtis@health-directions.com or billhall747@gmail.com to sign up for the Virtual Vistors Day.

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The Westport Police Department and TEAM Westport are sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive this Saturday (November 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). All donations support Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and food pantry, and Westports Human Services Department.

Westport Police officers and volunteers will collect non-perishable food items and cash. Suggested items include canned meats, tuna, salmon, Spam, canned cranberries, boxed stuffing, canned yams, canned corn, canned gravy, pasta, and sauces, chili, hot and cold cereal, canned fruit, canned and dry soups, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, rice, granola bars, pancake mix, syrup and mayonnaise.

Earlier this year, after another drive, Westport Police and Homes with Hope volunteers delivered food to the Gillespie Center, across from police headquarters.

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Lauri Weiser calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” image “The Last Rose of Summer.”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … as noted above, yesterday was waaaaaay too early for Christmas music.

Two can plan that game. Take this, Fresh Market!

 

 

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Police, Staples HS, Teenagers

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“Grease” Is The (Staples Players’) Word

Posted on November 9, 2021 | 6 comments

David Roth and Kerry Long love “Grease.”

The Staples Players directors watch the movie often. Their high school students do too.

It evokes not just nostalgia for the 1950s — its setting — but for the 1970s too, when the classic movie was made.

The music, theme and ensemble casting make it the perfect vehicle for Players’ return to the stage. “Grease” marks the troupe’s first major mainstage show since COVID struck, just hours before the opening night of “Seussical” in March 2020.

The curtain rises this week. Roth says his actors are excited for the show — and so is the town.

“Everyone knows ‘Grease,'” Roth says. Some remember the original Broadway production; many more know the movie that followed.

“Greased Lightning” (senior Ryan Porio, center). (Photo/Kerry Long)

But — as always — Players puts their own spin on it.

“A lot of people think it’s about a girl who has to make herself look sexy, to be attractive to a boy,” Roth says. “But we delved into the history. Who were the greasers and the Pink Ladies in the ’50s? They were the forerunners of people who fought for women’s rights.”

In 1959, he says, America was “the era of ‘Father Knows Best’ and ‘Leave it to Beaver.’ The traditional American home was expected to have the wife stay home looking pretty, wearing an apron while preparing a meal for her husband and children.”

However, he adds, “We feel that the greasers and, more importantly, the Pink Ladies are rebelling against this traditional mold of femininity.

“Our actors understand: Sandy doesn’t randomly end up with these people. She chooses Danny and the Pink Ladies. Somehow she finds her people, and becomes true to herself.”

The production is “really fun. It’s got all the singing and dancing everyone loves. It’s definitely PG,”: although it is not “squeaky clean.” With a large ensemble cast, many actors get a chance to shine.

“Summer Loving” (Photo/Kerry Long)

Despite the allure of “Grease,” Roth and Long were not sure if audiences would embrace a return to indoor theater.

They have. Ticket sales are brisk. The shared experience of sitting in the theater, knowing the words to every song, is alluring.

“People are anxious to get back to the real world,” Roth says.

Whether that’s the world of 2021, or the 1950s.

(“Grease” will be performed on Friday and Saturday, November 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are set for Sunday, November 14 and Saturday, November 20 at 3 p.m.. Tickets may be purchased online here, or in the lobby 30 minutes prior to the show, if available. All audiences must provide proof of vaccine [a photo is fine] or proof of a negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours prior to the show. Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime. Masks must be worn at all times.)

“Magic Changes” (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Hallelujah! Candlelight Concert Returns!

Posted on November 5, 2021 | 2 comments

Some things old. Some things new.
Nothing borrowed. But very (Staples) blue.

That’s the formula for next month’s 81st annual Candlelight Concert.

The beloved event returns with its traditional 3 in-person performances, after last year’s successful-but-still-not-the-same online documentary video.

To celebrate, the Staples High School music staff plans something special.

They’re a collegial, collaborative bunch. So that’s the theme of this year’s concert.

The familiar elements are all there: the “Sing We Noel” processional, “Hallelujah Chorus” finale, and production number in between.

Santa, elves, the choir, chorus, chorale and orchestra join in the “Hallelujah Chorus” finale. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

But — to share the “community” feeling that the music department enjoys — they’ll offer 4 big combined pieces. The band and orchestra will share the stage with choral singers throughout the performance.

Each conductor — Luke Rosenberg (choral), Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Hockensmith (orchestra) and Phil Giampietro (band) — leads one number.

The stage has been extended, to fit all performers.

Pieces include Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” and Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy.” The latter — a large-scale piano concerto with chorus —  features senior pianist Sasha Maskoff.

Don Rickenback returns as writer and director of the production number.

Students are as excited as their teachers for the collaboration. They enjoy rehearsing together, and the exposure to other conductors. They’re proud too to be part of a very large effort.

The Candlelight Concert is set for Friday, December 17 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 18 (3 and 8 p.m.). Tickets will be available to the public at 9 a.m. on December 1. COVID safety protocols in effect at the time will be followed.

It will also be livestreamed one time only (due to video rights), on December 23.

Now let hosannas ring …

The Candlelight Concert returns for its 81st year next month.

 

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Roundup: Kelli O’Hara, Cary Pierce, Steven Parton …

Posted on October 31, 2021 | 1 comment

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Congratulations to Staples’ October Students of the Month!

Catherine Cunningham, Gianna Amatuzzi, Lucas Baer, Sydney Griffiths, Olivia McCaffery, Kaylin Manning and William Holleman are “students who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”

Teachers nominate students who are friendly to staff and fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community.

From left: Catherine Cunningham, Gianna Amatuzzi, Lucas Baer, Sydney Griffiths, Olivia McCaffery, Kaylin Manning, William Holleman.

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A link is live for the virtual version of the Westport Library’s 2021 Malloy Lecture in the Arts. Broadway (and Westport’s) own Kelli O’Hara will be joined in conversation on Thursday, November 11 (7 p.m.) by renowned theater director Bartlett Sher.

O’Hara won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Anna in “The King and I,” among many honors. Click here to register for the event.

Kelli O’Hara

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Speaking of songs: Cary Pierce – the 1987 Staples High School graduate who is the longtime half of the popular musical duo Jackopierce — sends word that his new single, “Outta My Head” (from the EP “The Dalhattan Project”) has just dropped. Click here for its many platforms.

You can see Jackopierce live, too. They play City Winery in New York this Tuesday (November 7; doors open at 6 p.m., the band is on at 8). Click here for more information.

Cary Pierce

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Amy Simon — the Post Road East art gallery — hosts an artists’ reception for Donald Martiny and Amy Genser this Friday (November 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.). The show is called “Pushing the Boundaries.”

“Callisto” — polymer and pigment on aluminum (Donald Martiny)

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Speaking of art: Westporter Steven Parton earned a Salmagundi Award for Oils & Acrylics at the Audubon Artists’ 79th Annual Exhibition in New York. The honor came for his work “SAFE.”

Congratulations, Steve!

“SAFE” (Steven Parton)

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Is today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo a Halloween witch?

Nah. But it could be.

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

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And finally … trick or treat!

 

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Roundup: Free Money, Pumpkins, College Transcripts …

Posted on October 29, 2021 | 3 comments

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Does your organization want free money?

Tomorrow (October 30, 2021) is the deadline for Fairfield County non-profits to apply for a grant from the Westport Woman’s Club. They go to deserving groups working in education, health and safety, and the arts.

Applications are being accepted too for a one-time use of their clubhouse, for an event.

Typed proposals should be sent — postmarked by tomorrow — to: Westport Woman’s Club, Attn.: Community Service Grant, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, call 203-227-4240 or click here.

The Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue is giving out grants — and offering the use of its clubhouse for an event.

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The 2nd remarkable season of the Remarkable Theater’s drive-in comes to an end with an exciting Halloween weekend.

Tonight (Friday, October 29, 6:30 p.m.), it’s Beetlejuice.

Tomorrow (Saturday, October 30, 6 p.m. — “come in costume; truck or treat!”), there’s a double feature: “Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of pumpkins: Liam Borner and Julia Matusiewicz turned this one into something — well, great:

Can you top that> Send a photo to dwoog@optonline.net.

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Craig Schmarr, the Westport Public Schools’ supervisor of building operations,  died yesterday morning at Bridgeport Hospital. He served the district for over 27 years, in a variety of capacities. A full obituary will appear later.

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The tent outside Savvy + Grace was packed last night. Owner Annette Norton hosted a special “shopping and cocktails” benefit for The Cancer Couch breast cancer foundation.

WICC;s “Melissa in the Morning” was among the dozens of guests. The event was held in memory of Laura Nelson, the beloved Westporter who died last month.

Annette Norton, at last night’s Savvy + Grace benefit for The Cancer Couch.

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COVID has dramatically altered the college landscape — and the application process.

Private counselor Amy Chatterjee believes that a transcript is the most important part of a student’s application. On November 8 (7 p.m., Zoom), the Westporter offers a 1-hour workshop for parents.

She’ll discus “what it actually is, how students can show a love of learning through their courses,” and more. Click here for more information, and to register for the free event.

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Autumn means more than changing leaves. Tree Board chair Monica Buesser’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the sometimes overlooked beauty of this familiar scene:

(Photo/Monica Buesser)

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And finally … Robin McNamara died last week, at 74. He played Claude in the Broadway production of “Hair,” and had this very ’70s-ish pop hit. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Teenagers

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Halloween Window Painting Artists: Take A Bow!

Posted on October 28, 2021 | 2 comments

It’s a record!

On Saturday., 131 children painted 65 windows throughout town, for the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest.

They looked great — for 3 days. Then the nor’easter washed most of the artwork away. Only a few remain.

Luckily, judging was done last weekend. Winners receive a certificate, and $25 gift card to Cold Fusion.

Who won? Scroll down to see.

Best Halloween Theme (Elementary School):Calvin Carreas (2nd grade., Long Lots) and his helper- brother Julian (kindergarten ); Fleet Feet in Sconset Square.

Scariest Theme (Elemenary): Scarlett Nelson (3rd grade, Saugatuck); Franny’s Farmacy on Church Lane.

Most Original Theme (Elementary): Jonah Milgrom (3rd grade, Long Lots); HSBC on Elm Street. (His work washed away in the storm, but he holds the photo of himself and his window.)

Best Halloween Theme (Middle School): Hailey Kipperman (7th grade, The Southport School); Bella Bridesmaids, Post Road West.

Scariest Theme (Middle School): Milo Milgrom (6th grade, Bedford); Cycleogy Bike & Ski, Post Road East.

Most Original Theme (Middle School): Sophie Jacques (7th grade, private school); Brown Harris Stevens, with BHS executive director John DiCenzo.

Scariest Theme (High School): Ella Scheweizer (10th grade, Staples); Greens Farms Spirits, with owner Jim Broyer.

NOTE: The “Most Original Theme” high school artist was Camille Mergenthaler (9th grade, Staples). Her work — at Local to Market on Main Street — washed away in the storm. Here’s what it looked like:

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Roundup: Burglary, Diwali, Dermaplaning …

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 4 comments

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The Westport Police Department press release was straightforward:

70-year-old Robert Milton of Bridgeport was arrested for burglary and larceny. He’s charged with stealing a bicycle and jewelry from a Westport home. Bond was set at $10,000.

Why would an elderly man do that? As usual, there is a story behind the story.

“06880” reader John Kelly sent a link to a Connecticut Post story from 2012, about help for homeless people in Bridgeport. The first photo shows Robert Milton staying warm with a cup of coffee.

There must have been many factors that sent Robert Milton to the streets. Much no doubt happened to him in the past 9 years too.

I don’t know the full story. None of us do. But whenever we read the police report of an arrest — any arrest — we should realize that there is probably a human story behind it.

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Diwali is a major Hindu festival. It represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. It is a festival of new beginnings, an auspicious day.

Like Christmas, it includes brightly lit homes, great food and many presents.

The Hindu community invites all Westporters to join the Diwali festivities on November 5 at MoCA Westport (19 Newtown Turnpike, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).

All activities will be held outside (weather permitting). For questions or more information, email aapiwestport@gmail.com.

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Speaking of holidays: Bridgewater Chocolate is leasing a seasonal pop-up retail space in Bedford Square.  The Bridgewater Chocolate Box Shop will feature high-end assortments, with hinged boxes and bows. The store opens the day after Thanksgiving, and will be open weekends only through the holiday season.

PS: I asked the obvious question. There is no connection between Westport’s 2 Bridgewaters: the chocolatier, and the world’s largest hedge fund.

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Glowbar is a skin care service on Elm Street (and Tribeca and the Upper East Side). Treatments include chemical peels and extractions.

In Connecticut, however, Connecticut legislation prohibits estheticians from performing dermaplaning (“exfoliation using a 10-gauge scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion” — nice!) The practice is allowed in New York.

Glowbar asks for an addendum to the Connecticut Esthetician Scope of Practice, to allow licensed estheticians — who required over 600 hours of training — to dermaplane. Click here for the full petition.

Dermaplaning

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What is fire cider? Why is everyone drinking it?

Wakeman Town Farm knows. In a hands-on workshop (Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m.), they’ll share the health benefits of this immune-boosting tonic. Then everyone can chop together — and leave with a quart of their own homemade fire cider.

The cost is $75. Click here for tickets.

Fire cider

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On Sunday, members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club junior program headed to the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Nearly every boat finished in the top third.

The women’s U17 4+ boat (Mia Kirkorsky, Alexandra Cowan, Kelly Kennedy, Rosie Lundberg and Victoria Bazarko snagged first. Both the men’s and women’s eights placed 4th in their events, with over 80 entries in each.

The men were George Bentley, Victor DiPasquale, Gabriel Marous, Felipe Artia, George Karacsonyi, Adam Pushner, Jack Kiely, Gavin Marshall and Finn Kiely. The women’s eight included Kira Obsitnik, Janna Moore, Hannah Clemens, Jane Leahy, Lecia Sun, Olivia Hankey, Lauren Eve Schramm, Claudia Chadwick and Mia Seibert.

Next up: the final race of the season, in Philadelphia.

Women’s U17 4+ champions (from left): Alexandra Cowan, Kelly Kennedy, Mia Kirkorsky, Rosie Lundberg, Victoria Bazarko. (Photo/Leslie Eisen)

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Speaking of youth: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from our youngest photographer ever.

Bedford Middle School 6th grader Caitlin Hand snapped this photo the other day, after dinner by the Saugatuck River at Arezzo. Keep the great photos coming, Caitlin!

(Photo/Caitlin Hand)

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And finally … on this day in 1682, Philadelphia was founded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 

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Coleytown Company: “All Together Now!”

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 3 comments

Broadway was not the only theatrical casualty of COVID.

Student stages were also darkened by the pandemic. For Coleytown Middle School — which was simultaneously shuttered by mold — 2 entire grades lost opportunities to learn how to audition for, rehearse, light, costume and stage a show.

Not to mention all the lost revenue, which pays for the next Coleytown Company production.

Music Theater International wants to help schools like CMS get back on their feet.

The licensing agency — which usually charges hefty right fees — created a 15-number musical revue they’re offering free. (They hope, of course, that directors who like the songs may do an MTI show in the future.)

Coleytown Company director Ben Frimmer loved the idea. But — in typical directorial fashion — he wondered: How can we make it different from all the other schools that are doing it too?

MTI is licensing “All Together Now!” for one weekend only. Several area groups are also producing it then — along with 5,500 schools and theaters, in all 50 states and over 40 countries.

Frimmer realized it would be difficult to get middle schoolers to learn 15 songs in just 2 months. He also realized he has plenty of Broadway friends who could help.

His first call was to Coleytown Company choreographer Amiee Turner. A veteran of Broadway’s “Will Rogers Follies” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” she said she’d love to perform.

Broadway veterans Mia Gentile and Jacob Heimer — both CMS alums — were happy to come back too.

More than a decade ago, Jacob Heimer and Mia Gentile starred in Staples Players’ “Urinetown.” Both have gone on to professional success.

Company producer Stacie Lewis — the mother of a CMS grad, and a current student — said she’d sing. She reached out to others.

Quickly, Frimmer had a cast: 10 Broadway performers. Six songs featuring Coleytown 7th and 8th graders. And speaking roles for First Selectman Jim Marpe and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice.

“All Together Now!” is set for Saturday, November 13 (7 p.m.). There’s a livestream option, for anyone unable to be at CMS’ new auditorium in person. (All audience members eligible must be vaccinated.)

As with any show, there are challenges. COVID is one. “If someone has a sniffle, they can’t come to rehearsal,” Frimmer notes. “At any moment, we might have to switch out a performer.”

And because Coleytown had not hosted a performance in 3 years, there was no wood to build sets, or tools to build them with. Lights and props had been removed during the school’s renovation.

On top of which, the current 7th and 8th graders had no Company experience . Frimmer started fresh with everyone, teaching everything from how to audition to how to perform. (Plus: The date MTI chose is earlier than usual for a CMS show.)

But, he says, “they’re all really excited. They’re working together to create live theater. Amiee, Eli Newsom (our musical director) and I are challenging them with high expectations. They’re rising up to meet them.”

Click here for tickets. Revenue helps pay for sound, lights and other Coleytown Company costs — including this spring’s show, “SpongeBob Musical.”

Oh, yeah. They have to pay for licensing rights then too.

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Roundup: Suzuki Music, Suicide Prevention, Camp Gallery …

Posted on October 20, 2021 | 1 comment

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Suzuki Music Schools is a scary place.

Well, at least the parking lot at 246 Post Road East will be, this Sunday, October 24.

Kids are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes, for the annual Spooky Suzuki Concert & Carnival. The 3 p.m. concert is followed by refreshments, activities and games. Game tickets must be purchased in advance. Click here for more information.

Participants can also donate to the “Color a Positive Thought” fundraiser, for underserved Bridgeport neighborhoods.

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Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-to-24-year-olds, and the second leading cause of death among college students. Earlier this year Kevin Kuczo, 17, of Fairfield lost his battle with depression. Before playing sports at Fairfield Warde High School, he was a proud member of the Fairfield County Football League’s Wildcats. Westport PAL is a member of the FCFL.

The league wants all youngsters to know that they are not alone during their darkest times — and to instill the importance for athletes to give back.

They’re collecting funds now for suicide prevention research and educational programs. They hope to ease the stigma surrounding suicide and its causes, and encourage those suffering from mental illness to seek treatment.

Donations — made out to FCFL — can be sent to 25 Thistle Road Norwalk, CT 06851. For more information, call Carmen Roda of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department: 203-640-8085.

Kevin Kuczko

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The Camp Gallery hosts a special night this Friday (October 22, 6 to 8 p.m., 190 Main Street). The featured artist is German-born Dominik Schmitt; there’s live music too with Chris Coogan and Linda Couturas.

Artwork by Dominik Schmitt

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Debby Ury died Sunday at Norwalk Hospital, after a brief illness. She was 68 years old.

She grew up in Danvers, Massachusetts. Debby graduated in 1974 from Simmons College in Boston with a B.S. degree in nursing, then Boston University with a Master’s Degree in education.

She and her husband Frederic Ury moved to Westport in 1977. She began working at Danbury Hospital. She had a long career in the medical field, and ended her career teaching various medical courses at Norwalk Community College.

Debby was an avid fan of any sports team from Boston, and enjoyed watching her beloved Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots play every year, whether they won or lost. She loved the Adirondack Mountains, and spent much of the last 35 years at the family’s log home in Lake Luzerne, NY.

Debby is survived by her husband Frederic S. Ury; children Jennifer (Jeff) Gornbein and Robert Ury; grandchildren Jacob and Benjamin Gornbein; brothers Bryce Conner and Justin St. James; sister-in-law Linda Ury Greenberg and her husband Ned Greenberg, and their children Captain Michael Greenberg and Amanda Pinkston.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 23 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 10 a.m.). There will be an opportunity to greet the family prior to the service. at 9:15 a.m. Burial at Willowbrook Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Click here to leave online condolences.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Debby H. Ury Scholarship Fund, c/o Lake Luzerne Music Camp. 203 Lake Tour Rd., Lake Luzerne, NY 12846.

Debby Ury

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Hazel Saviano of Westport died peacefully last Thursday, surrounded by loved ones, at the Roseville Road home she was born in. She was 94 years old.

Hazel was the daughter of Martha Mills and George Lewis Sr. The family’s roots in Westport stretched back to the mid-1800’s. Hazel remembered trolley cars traversing Westport streets.

She was a school bus driver in Westport for over 35 years. When she retired in 2003 at the age of 76, she had safely delivered thousands of Westport children to and from school.

Her family says, “Her heart was big and her smile was infectious. All who knew her loved and adored her.”

Hazel was predeceased by her husband, retired Westport Police lieutenant John J. Saviano Jr.; sons John J. Saviano III and Lawrence Saviano, and siblings Edna Call, Vera Lewis and George Lewis, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters Marie Richards (Robert), Melinda Bonin (Glen), Cheryl Petrone (Tom); daughter-in-law, Debra Saviano; grandchildren Robert L. Richards Jr. (Dawn), Melissa Bailey (Ethan) and Michelle Saviano; great-grandchildren Dylan and Violet Bailey, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Hazel’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Hazel Saviano

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“Westport … Naturally” often features creatures like praying mantises and deer. Today we go to the dogs.

(Photo/JC Martin)

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And finally … today in 1803, the US Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.

 

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Colin Konstanty’s Senior Moment: “Trevor”

Posted on October 7, 2021 | 6 comments

Like most Staples High School students, Colin Konstanty looked forward to senior year. Homecoming, Staples Players productions, the Candlelight Concert — all would be cap his Westport educational career.

Then “Trevor” came calling.

So instead of driving up North Avenue, Colin spends 6 days a week on Metro-North. He’s in the ensemble of the off-Broadway musical.

Though its not easy giving up so much of senior year, the talented actor is pursuing his passion.

And chasing his dream.

As a young child in England, Colin played sports. (His brother AJ is a tight end on the Cornell University football team.)

Colin Konstanty (right) and his brother AJ, last June.

He kept playing after moving to Westport. But in 2nd grade at Greens Farms Elementary School, Colin also started piano lessons and singing. He joined School of Rock in Fairfield, and got hooked on performing.

He had a small part in Bedford Middle School’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Yet sports were still a major focus.

The summer before 8th grade, Colin’s parents encouraged him to do Bedford’s summer musical. The decision changed his life.

He joined an 8th grade acting class. He’s been performing — and honing his craft — ever since.

Colin Konstanty rehearses his George Bailey role, in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The show was one of Staples Players’ radio productions, during COVID last year.

Colin loves “the energizing feeling of being on stage, in front of an audience.” He also enjoys the process of “putting up a play or musical, working together as a team with the cast and crew.”

As an actor, he appreciates the process of “finding a character, and doing my research and work to be as truthful and specific as I can.

“I love being in the moment, leaving myself alone, feeling as though I’m open, and connecting with another actor, the material, or even the audience on a level I maybe hadn’t before.”

He tried for professional work. In March 2020, just before COVID shut down theaters, he auditioned for “Trevor: The Musical.”

Last month — as the industry took steps to reopen — the creative team asked Colin to go straight to callbacks. The next day, he learned he was cast.

Colin Konstanty

“Being a part of the reopening of theater in New York is pretty amazing,” he says. “But to be working on a show that covers such important issues faced by young teens — especially LGBTQ+ teenagers — makes it all the more special.”

Though Colin now attends Staples only on Mondays — he and fellow actors are tutored the rest of the days — his teachers and administrators have been very supportive. So are his friends.

“I’m doing what I love, professionally, with an amazing creative team,” Colin says. “And I’m working with a phenomenally talented cast that is mostly kids my age.”

Colin is learning what it takes to be part of a large-scale production — especially one that creates an “inclusive, encouraging, uplifting environment.” He’s also learned to be a team player, and flexible.

But an actor’s life is precarious. Colin hopes to continue in the industry — either onstage, or as a writer, director or producer.

Right now — like many Staples seniors — Colin is applying to college. He hopes to study acting, producing and the entertainment business there.

That’s all in the future, of course. Right now, Colin Konstanty is focused on one thing: making “Trevor” the best show possible.

Performances begin October 25, at Stage 42.

(Click here for tickets, and more information.)

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