Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, Neil Gaiman, Saugatuck Rowing …

Posted on June 14, 2023 | 1 comment

Summer is here!

The Yankee Doodle Fair — the way we know that’s true — is almost all set up.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

The annual fundraiser for (and at) the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue opens Thursday, at 6 p.m. It continues Friday night, and throughout the weekend.

Click here for details.

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Neil Gaiman, author of “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Sandman,” is coming to Westport.

He’s the keynote speaker at StoryFest 2023. The 6th edition of StoryFest, the Westport Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community, will be held October 20-22.

Gaiman headlines opening night. The weekend includes panel discussions and other events, with authors Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Stephen Graham Jones, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and more.

Free registration for the keynote address begins June 20. The complete lineup and schedule for StoryFest 2023 will be announced this summer.

The largest literary festival in Connecticut and one of the biggest in New England, StoryFest drew more than 800 participants and 40 authors to the Library last year,

This year’s StoryFest keynote doubles as the Fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts,. The spring edition featured artist and former Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler.

The Malloy Lecture in the Arts, delivered free to the public since 2002 thanks to the generosity of Westport artist Susan Malloy, highlight individuals who have had significant cultural influence and whose work has enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the arts.

Neil Gaiman

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The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Rowing program showed well last Sunday, at the USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida.

The largest Youth Nationals ever drew over 4,000 athletes from 225 clubs and schools. Saugatuck Rowing Club sent 12 boats.

The women’s U17 4+ A boat, including  Clementine Kirt, Carolina Proctor and Alice Frascella of Wesptort, and Hannah Makmale of Weston), helped SRC defend its championships for the third year in a row.

In a thrilling finish, the Saugatuck 4+ B boat including Rylie Cordella and Olivia Saw of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, took silver, giving the club the top 2 spots.

Earning bronze: the men’s U17 4+ boat, with Westley Dick and Tommy Wright of Westport, and Daniel Lee and Davis Evans of Weston), along with the men’s U16 8+ boat, with Westporters Elena Nasar, Daniel Arava, Jack Mello, Liam Wiegand and Alex Proctor (Westport).

Saugatuck Rowing Club’s U-17 4+A boat national champions (from left): Coach Cody Silvester, Alice Frascella, Carolina Proctor, Madeline Casano, Clementine Kirt, Hannah Makmale.

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Congratulations too to Derek Amlicke.

The Staples High School pole vaulter won the New England championship, clearing 14′ 3″ in Bangor, Maine.

Earlier this year, he set a new Staples record: 15′ 2″.

The sky’s the limit for Derek!

Derek Amlicke (Photo/Jacob Halsema)

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Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

On July 2, State Representative Dominique Johnson will fiddle while while Westport celebrates.

The legislator — whose 143rd district includes part of our town — brings her bluegrass instrument to First Folk Sunday (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 12:30 p.m.).

Johnson began playing violin at 2 years old in a Suzuki program. She discovered bluegrass through her grandfather’s family in Kentucky.

First Folk Sunday is a popular new folk series featuring Suzanne Sheridan (vocals and guitar), Bob Cooper (keyboards). and guest artists.

There is a $10 music charge. Brunch, plus a make-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar and Mimosas are extra.

For more information and tickets click here, email info@firstfolksunday.com, or call 203-222-1441.

State Representative Dominique Johnson

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Last week, members of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and the student-led Staples High School Sexual Assault Awareness and Self Defense Club attended a private female self-defense training session at Fit Club Jiu-Jitsu in Fairfield.

The group practiced defensive tactics and learned practical skills, including situational awareness and how to avid potentially risky situations.

Instruction came from Fit Club owner/coach Joe Oppedisano, Staff Corporal Michael Ruttenber (Westport Police Department) Rob Curcio (Weston Police Department) and Detective Beth Leetch (Fairfield Police).

Trainers and trainees.

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Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Country Playhouse Staff teamed up to help visitors at the SCP’s recent open house have fun playing”Toss the
Duck into the Bucket.”

It was a great promotion for Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race (June 24, Jesup Green). Click here for details.

Promoting the Great Duck Race, at the Playhouse. From left: Mike Hibbard (duck), Giovanni Orozlo, Joe Watson, Chris Conte, Erin Reynolds. (Photo/Ashley Sweet)

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On Monday, 30  Y’s Men of Westport and Weston and their guests toured the UN.

It’s the latest in their ongoing series of educational and cultural events.

The Y’s Men’s guide, from Uzbekistan, describes the Security Council. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Cedar waxwings are today’s “Westport .. Naturally” feature.

They’re also, as Westport Community Gardens director/photographer extraordinaire Lou Weinberg explains, “the bandits of the bird world. With their black masks and paintbrush tails, these beauties travel in flocks and love the serviceberry tree.”

He adds: “If you love birds, plant serviceberry and other native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Nature wins!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Happy Flag Day!

The American flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.[1] 

Two years earlier on this date, Congress adopted “the American continental army.” So happy birthday too to the US Army!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here to support us — and thank you!)

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ConGRADulations, Class of 2023!

Posted on June 14, 2023 | 3 comments

Before they even entered Staples High School, the Class of 2023 faced mold.

The end of their freshman year was obliterated by COVID; the effects lasted far longer.

Just last week, smoke from wildfires canceled all after-school activities.

If any class deserved a beautiful graduation day, it was this one.

They got it.

The sun shone. The temperature was a perfect 75. Not a smoke particle or coronavirus atom marred the air.

The 430 members of one of the most flexible, adaptable classes in the school’s 139-year history received their diplomas the old-fashioned way: They earned them.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

During the early months of COVID, Stafford Thomas Jr.’s son, Stafford III, starred in the almost-daily videos the principal posted to inform the school community about the pandemic.

(“We’re hoping to be back in a few days,” he said in an early one. Westport missed that target by 6 months.)

So it was only fitting that a tape of Thomas’ “greatest hits” — those videos — entertained the full stadium before the processional.

Then Stafford III helped his dad carry the ceremonial mace.

Principal Stafford Thomas Jr. and his son Stafford III carry the ceremonial mace. Directly behind are Class of 2023 assistant principal Jim Farnen, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

Valedictorian Lucia Wang called her 430 classmates “adaptive, capable and creative.” Salutatorian Rebecca Schussheim noted they were “mold-less and mask-less,” and launched into a metaphor fitting her passion: astrophysics.

Thomas gave a special shout-out to 4 graduates who are heading to the military.

Then it was on to the main event: the awarding of diplomas.

Today the Class of 2023 is part of history.

That’s very fitting. After all, they helped make it.

The Staples custodial staff never stops working. An hour before the ceremony, they put a bottle of water under every graduate’s seat.

One of over 400 happy families.

Unlike in the fieldhouse, there was no jostling for seats — or better views.

Teachers applaud, as the Class of 2023 marches in …

… and here is the processional.

Lilly Weisz was a proud member of Inklings. She held up the final copy of the year.

The Choralairs sang the national anthem, and performed a stunning rendition of “The Road Home.”

Jet Tober — and every other graduate — posed in front of the graduation arch.

The view from the back.

Signs from departments, teams and clubs congratulated the graduating seniors.

(All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

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Pic Of The Day #2248

Posted on June 13, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2248

The view from Ned Dimes Marina, at low tide …

… and high (Photos/Tracy Porosoff)

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Westport’s Best Restaurant

Posted on June 13, 2023 | 10 comments

What restaurant is Westport’s best?

We can argue that forever (and often do).

But “06880” intern Colin Morgeson set out to find the answer.

He organized a social media survey. Then he and friends visited the 3 top choices.

Click below to see what they found. Then tell us your choices in the “Comments” section — and why.

(Remember: “06880” has a Restaurants tab at the top of our webpage, for easy access to menus and ordering. Click here — and bon appetit!)

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“06880” Podcast: Stephanie Webster

Posted on June 13, 2023 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Stephanie Webster

Westporters love to eat.

They love to know everything there is to know about restaurants: the new ones that just opened. The chefs behind their favorites. Where to find the best Easter dinners, Passover caterers, Fathers Day brunches, wine bars and taco trucks.

And no one dishes about eating better than Stephanie Webster.

The founder of CTBites.com — and a longtime Westport resident — she recently stopped by the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. We spent a delicious 30 minutes talking about the world of food.

And of course, Westport restaurants.

Click below for the latest — and tastiest — episode of “06880: The Podcast.”

 

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Roundup: Ospreys, Lacrosse, Sewers …

Posted on June 13, 2023 | 5 comments

Mother osprey, and chick. (Photo/Carolyn Doan)

There are 3 osprey chicks, at the Fresh Market nest.

Photographer extraordinaire Carolyn Doan reports that the chicks hatch in the order their eggs were laid, so they vary in size. They also start out with reddish-brown eyes, which differ from the yellow eyes of the adults.

When she left this morning, they were lying down for a nap.

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Charlie Scott is a talented runner, and WWPT-FM sports broadcaster.

He’s also a very creative videographer.

The Staples High School junior was there on Sunday, as the boys lacrosse team won their second straight state championship.

Then he went to work, editing his excellent camera work into an exciting 1:10 video. Click below to see the Wreckers’ championship game highlights — and the joyful aftermath.

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A sanitary sewer system servicing the east portion of Whitney Street and abutting streets is will be installed soon.

The work zone is between Witch Lane and Roseville Road. Installation begins June 19, and will be completed by August 4.

Detour hours for through traffic are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. Whitney Street will be open to residents only.

Whitney Street (the diagonal street in the middle of this aerial view) will be closed to through traffic from Witch Lane to Roseville (right side). 

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Speaking of sewers: Nothing disturbs the rest of those buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Except, perhaps, risers for manholes. They recently appeared next to the centuries-old burial ground, part of the ongoing sewer project.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Sunday’s Roundup included an idea from Tom Kretsch.

Inspired by what he saw in Washington state, he suggested putting large photos of all graduates in stores throughout Westport each year.

No one commented, either for or against it.

But alert reader Jon Sinish followed up. He sent photos of a similar project — much closer to home.

Here’s what our friends in Stratford do, for their 2 high schools. Blue is for Bunnell; red is for Stratford High.

(Photo/Jon Sinish)

Any interest, Westport?

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World class pianist/local treasure David Morgan headlines the June 15 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

He has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV,  and TV shows like “Pawn Stars,” “Little Women” and “Catfish.”  He also produces recordings for other artists in his own studio. Area audiences known him as a member of the jazz group Portal.

He’ll be joined by his old friend and Portal collaborator saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall, bassist Yuriy Galkin and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

David Morgan wants YOU to come to Jazz at the Post.

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Scott Brodie took today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo at his mother’s house, on Burr Farms Road.

He adds: “I always thought that the choice of the robin as our Connecticut state bird was utterly uninspiring.

“But our state flower, the mountain laurel,  grows wild throughout the state, and puts on a wonderful display in late spring.

(Photo/Scott Brodie)

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And finally … 2 of the greatest-named rules of the Holy Roman Emperor were born on this day, 16 years apart.

Charles the Bald came into the world on June 13, 823. Charles the Fat followed in 839.

(From ospreys to sewers to Charles the Bald — and the Fat — “06880” has it all. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Josh Deitch’s Hair-Raising Tale

Posted on June 13, 2023 | 12 comments

Today is Graduation Day for the Staples High School Class of 2023.

For the 430 students, it’s a day of accomplishment, congratulations and joy.

It can also be bittersweet. Some of the people who helped get them where they are will be missing.

Josh Deitch will celebrate with his father Dave and brother Jonathan. He’ll be thinking of  his mother Michele, who died after a long battle with breast cancer in July 2021.

The last couple of weeks have been exciting for Josh. He performed in the Pops Concert as a drummer and violist, and earned both the Coleman Brothers Foundation and Albie Loeffler Scholarships as a soccer player.

His mother could not share in his accolades. But this past weekend — just days before graduation — Josh honored her.

Among his many attributes, he is known at Staples for his hair. The last time he cut it — apart from a little trim here and there — was at least 10 years ago.

Now it’s nearly all gone.

On Sunday Katsu Yokoi — a friend of the family who cuts hair locally and in New York — gave him a once-in-a-decade haircut.

Josh’s amazing locks were not swept up and tossed out. Nor were they saved as a souvenir.

His hair was donated. It will be made into a wig, providing support and confidence to cancer patients who have lost their hair during chemotherapy.

Considering Josh’s hair, I’m betting more than one wig.

Several organizations accept hair donations. Josh provided links:

If “06880” readers follow up, perhaps they’ll do so in Michele’s memory.

Happy Graduation, Josh. Good luck at Dickinson College, studying psychology.

All of Westport is proud of you.

Your mom would be too!

Most organizations receive hair that’s dry, clean, cut, and sent in baggies. This is Josh’s contribution.

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Pic Of The Day #2247

Posted on June 12, 2023 | 1 comment

Sorting ducks for the Great Duck Race. The Westport Sunrise Rotary event is June 24. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

Posted on June 12, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

First there was Wilton. Then Darien.

Now there’s a new powerhouse in Connecticut boys lacrosse: Staples.

The Wreckers won their 2nd straight state championship — and 2nd ever — yesterday. Seeded #2 in the “L” (large schools) division, they dominated #1-ranked Fairfield Prep en route to a 13-6 victory.

The score was 4-2 at halftime. The blue-and-whites never looked back.

Goals and/or assists came from Tyler Clark, Sam Eigen, Ben Burmeister, Leo Sequenzia, Gavin Rothenberg, Adam Udell, Tristan Schaefer, Michael Nealon and Dixon Scherer. Josh Marcus was a rock in goal.

Two days earlier, in a much closer contest, Staples edged #3 Darien, 9-8.

Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky, and the entire team, on a hard-earned, well-deserved, and fantastic accomplishment!

(Photos/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)

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A 13% cut in Metro-North service — and 4% fare increase — are coming down the tracks this fall.

What can be done?

Nothing.

That’s the opinion of Jim Cameron, CT Mirror’s transportation columnist.

Click here to read today’s full column. And get ready to gnash your teeth.

Jim Cameron describes what’s on track for local trains. (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Beechwood has been sold.

The storied Weston Road property owned by Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito changes hands later this month.

Before then, the couple’s Beechwood Arts & Immersion — named for the enormous copper beech tree that has shaded the home for 2 centuries — is holding an online auction. It closes this Wednesday (June 14, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for the link. All proceeds go to The Hive, Chiu and Esposito’s next collaborative project.

On Thursday, June 22 (3 to 7 p.m.), there is a “Take and Make” event. It is
“Beechwood’s version of a tag sale.” Go to Beechwood, have refreshments, visit the tree, share a memory of your time there, take some treasures, and make a donation for The Hive.

Among the items: women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry; rare, unusual and fun books; CDs and LPs; home and yard items, and more.

Beechwood House, and its towering copper beech tree.

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Remember this big, ugly, unneeded monstrosity from last summer?

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It’s gone this year.

The view of the plantings at the Compo Beach entrance is now much more soothing.

But wait! How will anyone know how many spaces are available in each lot?!

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Village Pediatrics had 4 interns this spring. Among their tasks: create a new “story walk” outside the office.

The new exhibit — “The Emotions Book” — features a cute elephant who learns to deal with big emotions. The public is invited to wander through the walkway, at 323 Riverside Avenue.

Cooper DeGirolomo of Hamden Hall Country Day School was one of the interns. He says: “The opportunity to learn from such a fantastic group of doctors and nurses has been inspiring, and reinvigorated my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.”

He shadowed physicians during well and sick visits. He learned about diseases and conditions, treatment plans, and medications.

The interns also read books about health, and discussed them with physicians.

Kayla Teplitz, 5, enjoys the Village Pediatrics story walk. She is working on her pre-reading skills, preparing for Coleytown Elementary School kindergarten this fall.

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“Riders to the Sea” was performed this past weekend at the Brooklyn Art Haus.

But theater-goers got a healthy dose of Westport.

Staples High School 2013 graduates (and former Players actors and/or musicians) Phoebe Corde, Jake Landau and Michelle Pauker had prominent roles.

Corde and Landau — part of a group called Off Brand Opera — adapted the opera into a musical. Landau also served as musical director, while Pauker was in the cast. Jake and Phoebe are board members of Off Brand Opera, which produces exciting cross-genre collaborations.

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Speaking of theater: “Days of Wine and Roses” — the new off-Broadway show starring Westport’s Kelli O’Hara — earned a rave review in the Washington Post.

“Her exceptional coloratura proves irresistible for a Guettel-mixed cocktail of ecstasy and pain,” writes Peter Marks.

“At a time when the American musical seems ever more pumped up on pop, what a pleasure it is to encounter a palette of new show tunes delving deeply into character, that favor sweeping emotionality over Spotify familiarity.”

Click here for the full review. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Brian d’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara in Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere for the musical version of “Days of Wine and Roses.” (Photo/Ahron R. Foster for the Washington Post)

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A rose is a rose … is a “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Today’s beautiful image was taken by Tammy Barry, on Harbor Road.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … in honor of today’s gorgeous nature shot (above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work, with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Playhouse Appoints New Chair; Plans Campaign To Save Historic Theater

Posted on June 12, 2023 | 12 comments

Ania Czekaj-Farber is no longer chair of the Westport Country Playhouse board of trustees.

After a week of questions about the future of the 91-year-old theater — which just a week earlier earned “Literary Landmark” status — newly elected chair Athena Adamson says:

Since the day our barn doors opened in 1931, the Westport Country Playhouse has been graced by the brightest of stars — heroes of the theater like Liza Minnelli, Eartha Kitt, Jessica Tandy, Henry Fonda, Gene Wilder, Olivia de Havilland, James Earl Jones, and Eva Gabor.

Under the guidance of Playhouse founder Lawrence Langner and legends like Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, we have stayed true to our mission, yet continually evolved.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward helped save the Westport Country Playhouse in the early 2000s. Their production of “Our Town” soon moved to Broadway.

I personally am forever grateful to Ania Czekaj-Farber, Mark Lamos, and all the Playhouse leaders, past and present, who believe in the power of live performance and cherish this special place.

Earlier this week, the board of trustees elected me, a new vice chair, and executive committee members to pursue a clear objective: fill this Playhouse and fulfill its mission.

I know it won’t be easy. The past few years have been a rocky time for theaters nationwide.

Pandemic shutdowns, streaming media, and younger generations’ entertainment preferences present real challenges. The costs of first-rate productions have skyrocketed, and ticket revenue has not kept pace. As attendance drops and audience connection frays, engagement and donations wane.

For several years, the Westport Country Playhouse has struggled to fill its famed seats.

Unfortunately, our community is not immune. Our Playhouse is in a tenuous
financial position.

But as I introduce myself to you, I am full of constructive optimism. Despite the changing landscape and challenges we face, I’m confident that together we will manage through this crisis and emerge stronger.

I say that because I know 2 things to be true:

  • People of every generation live fuller, more joyful lives when they connect in person through live performances, artistry, and the exchange of ideas.
  • Our community rallies when it matters.

Our plan is to make this your Playhouse. We envision a place for Westport and its neighboring communities to gather and enjoy world-class live performance – from theater, music, dance and comedy, to a speaker series with artists, thought-leaders, athletes and industry titans.

If you love the shows and programming we’re delivering, you’ll come and you’ll want to come back.

You’ll buy tickets, you’ll invite your friends, you’ll get involved, you’ll donate, and you’ll help us grow.

We will soon launch a fundraising campaign to save and transform the Playhouse. With your input and support, the board and our wonderful staff will deliver exciting and educational programming to engage every generation.

We ask you to join us, come to our beautiful theater, and help us ensure that the Westport Country Playhouse lives up to its legacy and flourishes for generations to come.

A new beginning for the Westport Country Playhouse? (Photo/Molly Alger)

 

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