As the Westport Country Playhouse reaches out to younger audiences, a new generation of trustees has joined its board.
One name is familiar: 24-year-old State Senator (and 2014 Staples High School graduate) Will Haskell.
Jessica Caldwell is not as well known. But she has a fascinating back story, one that serves her well in her role helping oversee the 90-year-old theater.
Raised in a lobstering village of 500 people off the coast of Maine, and just 16 when she headed to college, Caldwell took screenwriting, writing and communications courses as an undergrad.
Jessica Caldwell
That led to Columbia University’s MFA program, from 2009 to ’12. She went on to produce independent feature films (“Electrick Children,” “Happy Baby,” “AWOL”). and the upcoming “When I’m Done Dying.”
Her feature films have premiered at Berlinale, SXSW and Tribeca. Her short films were shown at Sundance, Telluride and Tribeca.
She’s had a hand too in TV. After hearing Brian Koppelman and David Levien speak while still in school, she connected with them on social media. When they needed an assistant for a new show called “Billions,” they hired the 26-year-old Caldwell.
She worked in the writer’s room and as a showrunner — both in assistant roles.. It was an “intensive crash course, with amazing actors and a great network.” The experience was both exhausting and exhilarating.
“Billions” was set originally in Westport. The hedge fund was modeled in part on Bridgewater. Caldwell did not yet live here. And she was not yet married to her husband — who coincidentally now works for a local hedge fund.
“Billions”‘ Axe Capital hedge fund was originally set in Westport.
Koppelman and Levien encouraged her to write full time. She’s written features and book adaptations, and helps develop ideas for production, like “Gonzo Girl.” A first-person story about a bizarre first date got plenty of New York Times attention.
“I keep trying to roll the ball forward,” Caldwell says. “You never know what people will want.”
The pandemic changed how she works. Pitches were done entirely on Zoom, with executives in Los Angeles and producers in London.
It was a tough time for feature films. But the rise of platforms like Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+ and Peacock filled people’s needs for entertainment options. “We’ve all had to think on our feet and adapt,” Caldwell notes.
She is thankful to have a place like Westport to write in (and, with her husband, raise their year-old son).
Living here has brought her to the Playhouse, too. She first volunteered for the annual gala; the more she saw, the more she realized she could help reach out to younger audiences.
New trustees will help the Westport Country Playhouse reach younger audiences.
She looks forward to mentoring younger members of the arts community. She is thankful for the help Koppelman and Levien gave her, early in her career, when “Billions” was just starting out.
And when the only reason she knew Westport was through the fictional world of its Axe Capital.
Last week’s “Friday Flashback” featured a group photo of artists, writers and photographers from the Famous Schools of the same name. Starting for a couple of decades in the 1950s, they were headquartered on Wilton Road.
I identified 3: Stevan Dohanos, Norman Rockwell and Rod Serling.
Eagle-eyed readers spotted a few others: Alfred Eisenstaedt, Whitney Darrow, Harold von Schmidt, Al Capp and Red Smith.
Max Shulman was indeed there, but in a different spot.
Jules Pfeiffer and Bernie Fuchs were not in the photo, though readers thought they were.
How do we know all this?
Robert Cohen send along a cheat sheet. The entire Famous group was identified in the Westport Weston Arts Council book “A Community of Artists: 1900-1985.” It was written by Dorothy and John Tarrant, and designed by Howard Munce.
Here is the photo — it was cropped from the full version.
And here is the full version …
… with all the names. Hover over, or click on, to enlarge.
Robert adds: “We are looking for people interested in funding a history project about this unique period in Westport’s history” (from after World War I on).
To learn more about this project, email R@RobertCohenArchitect.com.
Kayak threats from Compo Beach — first reported on “06880” in July — continue.
Mousumi Ghosh is the latest victim. Her red Eddyline Equinox is gone from the storage area. She writes:
“We are devastated. It was one of the few recreations that we were able to enjoy as a family during the last year, not to mention the cost to replace it.
“I was away for a month for a family emergency. It could have happened any time during August.
“From speaking with others, I am discovering that this is not an isolated event. Many believe that crime is on the rise at the beach. Neither the police nor Parks & Rec are hopeful that the kayak can be recovered, or that there is much they can do to help.”
If anyone sees it (the rack emblem is #39), please call Westport Police. Meanwhile, another victim contacted “06880,” suggested security cameras. They’re installed elsewhere at the beach already. Perhaps it’s time to extend their range.
Kayak racks at Compo Beach. They look lovely — but they’re not secure. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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Among Wednesday night’s Hurricane Ida flood victims: The Toy Post.
The store at 180 Post Road East (near Imperial Avenue) has no flood insurance. They’re offering 50% off anything wet. (Hat tip: Jonathan Alloy)
Sure, you can have a January-to-December calendar. But in Westport — where the rhythm of life is attuned to the school year — you really need the Public Schools’ September-to-September version.
Plus, it’s decorated with artwork by local students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Some very impressive stuff there!
And: It’s a fundraiser, for the Westport Public Art Collections. Paintings, photos and more hang in every school and municipal building in town.
Click here, then scroll down to order. The cost is $20 (pick up) or $23 (mail). It’s available too at ASF, Colonial Druggists, and the Westport Library.
For many years, the small shop on Maple Avenue South was Mario & Mike’s barber. Then it became Bill’s. After that, Salon Juljen.
Now it’s vacant. A sign says they’ve moved to Southport. No word on whether a new hair place — or some other business — will move in to the mixed commercial-residential building. (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)
It’s been 2 years since CLASP Homes’ last in-person, inside event.
But the Westport organization — which serves people and families with autism and developmental disabilities — is returning to live fundraising in a big, fun way.
Band Central brings the best of Motown and soul to a benefit concert (October 15, 6:30 p.m. Fairfield Theatre, Company).
Click here for tickets, and more information. To volunteer, email rhammond@clasphomes.org.
In other CLASP news: Throughout September, the Westport Book Shop will exhibit the works of 4 participants in its art program. The used book store is on Jesup Road, across the green from the library.
Another organization serving people with disabilities — STAR Lighting the Way — has good news too.
A grant from the Drew Friedman Arts Center will help them provide art classes to people with intellectual and developmental differences. The 6-week sessions cover a range of mediums — including photography, watercolor, acrylics, collage, dance, improvisation, acting and more — and engage local artists.
Some have already begun, at One River Art School in Westport.
Artists — including Drew Friedman Arts Center director Miggs Burroughs (far right) and STAR officials.
And finally … today is the 80th anniversary of the birth of Tompall Glaser.
Though less well known than his fellow country “outlaw” singers Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, he had quite a career before dying in 2013.
Among my favorites: this decidedly tongue in cheek tune from 1976.
Here are the latest answers — to the best of my ability, anyway. I’m stumped by many of these queries. So readers: Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.
And if you’ve got a question for our box, just email dwoog@optonline.net.
A recent photo showing the “bridge to nowhere” off Parker Harding Plaza started the wheels of memory turning. Was it there in the late 1960s? (Susan Hopkins, Elizabeth, Colorado)
Westport’s favorite bridge to nowhere: Parker Harding Plaza (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
Another excellent question! It was built — I believe — in the early 1970s. I’m not sure, however, who sponsored it, or why.
What’s up with the missing/deactivated blinking yellow traffic lights at the Westport Fire Department’s headquarters on Post Road East?
Formerly, 2 cables held 2 blinking lights each. They turned red to stop traffic in all directions when fire trucks exited the station.
A few months ago, the cable that held the pair of blinkers facing eastbound traffic lay on the ground opposite the fire station. Did the cable break? Were the lights removed on purpose? The cable holding the 2 lights facing westbound traffic are still in place, but deactivated. (Wendy Crowther)
Deputy chief Michael Kronick says: “The computer that controls the light died earlier this year. We have contacted a vendor to replace and upgrade the system.
Unfortunately, the computer is on back order because of the worldwide microprocessor order. We have no timeline for when the controls will be available.”
Fire headquarters, near the (now-non-) blinking lights.
A recent posting on Facebook about Carvel elicited plenty of likes and comments. But no one seems to know when it opened. Do you? (Fred Cantor)
Nope! But you and I both remember it from our high school days in the 1970s. And I remember it from earlier — with a huge ice cream cone on the top of the building. That’s been long gone, victim of either a hurricane or zoning regulation, no doubt.
There must be former Carvel employees out there who know when the ice cream stand — one of the longest-running businesses in Westport — first opened. Let us know!
Posted onSeptember 2, 2021|Comments Off on Playhouse Suffers Severe Storm Damage
The Westport Country Playhouse suffered significant damage last night. as Hurricane Ida swept through — smack in the middle of the “Stars on Stage” concerts, being record for national TV broadcast.
Dressing rooms, hallways, the production office, mechanical and boiler room, wardrobe, laundry and other spaces on the lower level and basement all experienced severe flooding.
It will be days before those areas are dry and sanitized.
The Playhouse seeks “any gift within your means” to help recover the costs associated with damage repair, and the additional expense of renting trailers and other temporary spaces for the artists coming for this evening’s concert with Brandon Victor Dixon. Click here to help.
One view of the downstairs Playhouse damage …
… and another …
… and a third.
Comments Off on Playhouse Suffers Severe Storm Damage
Lost in last night’s weather news: The Parks & Recreation Commission approved a conceptual plan for a small area of active recreation (pickleball and bocce) on the Baron’s South property last night.
The vote was 3 for, 1 abstention.
In the plan below, one bocce court is just west (below) the Senior Center. The pickleball courts abut Imperial Avenue, on the lower left side of the plan. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
“Newcomers” groups are great — in theory. In reality, they often bring together only other newcomers.
Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport is different. The club is a mix of recent arrivals and more seasoned residents. It’s a perfect way for newcomers –and there are a ton — to immerse themselves in Westport, while meeting others in the same situation, and those who know the ropes.
N&N activities include a book club, beach walking, tennis, Girls Nights Out, meet-and-greet and other gatherings.
The new season begins with coffee at Compo Beach (September 14, 10 to 11 a.m.).
Congratulations to Jacob Troelstra. The 2015 Staples High School graduate — and 2020 graduate from the US Military Academy at West Point — completed Army Ranger School training.
Called the toughest combat leadership course in the world, t tests physical and mental endurance of soldiers under sleep and caloric deprivation for 62 days.
Jacob now heads to Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a platoon leader.
The first 2 nights of “Stars on Stage from Westport Country Playhouse” are already wrapped.
The final two tapings — for a national television audience, after noted producer Andrew Wilk works his editorial magic — are tonight. There are 2 shows: 7 and 9 p.m. Brandon Victor Dixon (NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar, Hamilton) is the star.
A few tickets are still available. Click here for details.
Shoshana Bean shined during Tuesday’s taping at the Westport Country Playhouse. She was joined by Luke Edgemon and Melanie Nyem. (Photo/Carol Rosegg)
Today at MoCA Westport, it’s double trouble: monthly Yappy Hour, plus the regular Happy Hour (5-7 p.m.).
It’s a great way to meet other people — and dogs — in the museum’s great outdoor space. You can also purchase cocktails from Bar MoCA (this week’s custom cocktail is Honey Lavender Bee’s Knees), and enjoy free admission to the new “Between the Ground and the Sky” exhibit.
Vanessa Hurta has worked in healthcare for over 17 years, including primary care and preventive cardiovascular medicine, clinical research and teaching. Her most recent position was nurse practitioner for Yale New Haven Health. She has lectured and written about hypertension and obesity.
In other WWHD news, travel and vaccination clinic operations are expected to resume by mid-September. Call 203-227-9571, ext. 224, for appointments.
They’ve added one more (great) show: Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls. The date for the intriguing instrumental/vocal quartet is September 26th (7 p.m.).
The September/October issue of Westport Magazine includes a cover story on Kitt Shapiro.
The lively owner of WEST is the magazine’s face for its fall fashion feature. There are also interviews with Instagram stars Emily Rosnick, Zac Mathias and (the biggest) little Piglet.
Particularly timely: a chat with Rob Marciano about covering the weather.
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The view from the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s fitness center is gorgeous — and ever changing. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over woods, water — and wildlife.
Treadmill, erg machine and elliptical users are used to seeing interesting things. But yesterday’s view was particularly intriguing. And worthy of inclusion for “Westport … Naturally.”
And finally … the great, versatile (R&B, rock, funk, soul, gospel) keyboardist Billy Preston was born today, in 1946. He played with Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Rolling Stones, and Beatles — among others — and also achieved fame with solo recordings.
He died in 2006, age 59, from kidney and other ailments.
Last Wednesday’s “Unsung Hero” feature highlighted the work of an older, unnamed man.
Quietly, consistently and anonymously, he’s been cleaning up Winslow Park for years. He picks up branches and trash. He removes invasive vines. He follows the mantra: “Leave this place better than you find it.”
A collage of Winslow Park’s cleanup projects. (Photos/Rita Corridon)
Readers quickly identified Winslow’s savior as Lowrie Gibb. A longtime Westporter — and the father of actress/singer/dancer Cynthia Gibb, a Staples graduate and founder of Triple Threat Academy — he was known to many for his long stewardship of town properties.
Wendy Crowther wrote:
He has been a park advocate since at least the late1990s when I first met him. He has quietly worked behind the scenes in all seasons at Winslow Park to tidy up the overgrowth that encroaches upon the pathways and chokes the trees. He is a good and humble man who does this just because he cares.
He’s also in amazing shape, despite his advancing age, because he works so hard not only in Winslow but also because he’s a runner, swimmer and skater – all using the Westport amenities he loves so much at Longshore and Compo Beach.
After the story ran, Jo Shields Sherman was at the dog park. Turns out, he knew nothing about the accolades.
Lowrie Gibb, with Goldie. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
She writes:
Wendy’s description was spot-on wonderful of this very special man.
I read all the comments to him. He was totally humbled, in amazed and appreciative disbelief. He was so touched to hear what “06880” readers had to say. “No, no! Really?” he repeated.
He then mentioned that he has new thoughts and plans to discuss for improvements around town. Given his thoughtful take and naturalist’s eye for our special corner of the world and all he has done for it so far (far beyond the piling of twigs!), we could all benefit to listen, and listen well, to our own Lowrie Gibb.
In addition, Jo says, Lowrie created many of the trails in Winslow Park. He’s planted elm trees around town too.
Westport is a wonderful place, for many reasons. Lowrie Gibb is just one of them.
But why should he have to clean up alone? We all share in the beauty and wonder of our town.
Let’s all be a little like Lowrie Gibb. If you see something that needs cleaning, fixing or straightening: Do it yourself.
Lawrie Gibb is an inspiration. Now it’s up to us to follow his lead.
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