Whether you enjoyed Staples Players’ recent production of “Urinetown,” or missed it, here’s a chance to see it again.
Well, not exactly. This is the spring 2006 version.
Each week, “06880” is presenting a series of “nutshells” — highlights from the esteemed high school troupe’s show, filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long have inspired many cast and crew members to go on to lives in the theater. Here, from the 2006 “Urinetown,” are a few examples:
Adam Kaplan was most recently seen as Gary on the new Max series “The Girls on the Bus.” He starred on Broadway in “A Bronx Tale,” directed by Robert De Niro. Other Broadway and national tours include “Kinky Boots,” “Newsies” and “Show Boat.” He has also been in “The Big Leap,” “Chad in Up Here,” “Elsbeth,” “Somewhere In Queens” and “Deception.”
Mia Gentile is a singer, actor and writer. She appeared in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, impersonated many divas in “Forbidden Broadway,” created music as part of MISSYFIT, and starred in the hilarious viral video “The Stanley Steemer Variations (by Mia)” which got her on “Good Morning America.”
Tyler Paul co-founded the innovative Northeast Children’s Theatre Company, while still in college. He is now head of people and talent at Paravision, a leader in computer vision and biometrics identity solutions.
Hannah Dubner is a Chicago-based actor, writer and movement artist seen on TV series (“Don’t Schmuck It Up” and “How Did That Happen?!” (2018), and short films (“Return to Sender.”
Jacob Heimer is an actor, singer and dancer. He has an extensive resumé in TV (“Law And Order”), film (“Gold Star,” and Broadway “Beautiful.”
Anna Slate is a singer, actor, writer, performance artist and educator. Her credits include “Indecent,” “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” “Romeo & Juliet,” “Handle with Care,” “The Fantasticks,” “A Little Night Music” and “Alice Unwrapped.”
Megan Wttl is a commercial voice actor.
Nick Boak is an entertainment executive “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Warcraft” and “American Hustle.”
Scott Weinstein is an award winning director, creative director and producer of new and existing work for theatre and live events.
Taber Onthank is a musician, songwriter and former actor (“Amy and Peter Are Getting Divorced”). He is the husband of actress Britt (Baron) Uomoleale (“Glow”), his former high school sweetheart.
Brittany (Baron) Uomoleale is an actress known for “Glow,” “The Thing About Harry” and “Into the Dark.”
Britt Hennemuth is senior vice president of production for Universal Pictures. He is known for “Break a Hip,” “John Proctor Is the Villain” and
“Untitled Archie Comics Movie.”
Sally Eidman is an actress, singer/songwriter and creator. Her credits nclude “Torch,” “Beauty Queen” and “James,” along with many shorts and national commercials.
Chris McNiff is an actor, singer and dancer. He has been in “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Who’s Got Me?,” “Mary Poppins” and “Elf: The Musical.”
Drew Angus is a recording artist. His albums include “Late For the Party,” “You And Me,” “Under Covers Deluxe” and “Hold Onto Something.”
Peter Ratkiewich — longtime director of Westport’s Public Works Department — will retire on August 31.
First Selectman Kevin Christie says, “It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter.
“The town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years.
“Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the state of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community.”
Ratkiewich began working with and for the town in 1989. Hired as deputy town engineer, he was promoted to town engineer in 2008.
In that capacity he supervised the Engineering Department, and oversaw the design and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, storm drains, refuse and recycling facilities, highway maintenance, parking lots, and roadway and intersection improvements.
Christie said, “Pete has led the Public Works Department with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints — always with the best interests of the town in mind.
“Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”
He graduated from Northeastern University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The search for a successor will begin soon.
Pete Ratkiewich (Photo/Dan Woog)
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On the agenda for this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting (February 5, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; click here for livestream):
Screen time survey
Formation of a building committee for Coleytown Elementary School
Approval of proposed budget.
Coleytown Elementary School.
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Congressman Jim Himes reminds “06880” readers that Access Health has begun a special open enrollment period, for people who qualify for state financial support. This replaces the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.
Eligibility requirements can be found here. Questions? Call Himes’ office: 203- 333-6600.
Liz Hirsh Naftali’s 3-year-old niece, Abigail Mor Edan, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 — after she watched them murder her parents.
Abigail spent 51 terrifying days in captivity. Liz was her tireless advocate, speaking with world leaders and sharing her family’s story.
On February 10 (7 p.m., The Community Synagogue), Naftali will talk about her memoir, “Saving Abigail” — a testament to resilience, courage and hope in the face of tragedy.
Adam Kaplan did not go to Coleytown Middle School — he’s a Bedford grad.
But the 2008 Staples High alum was on stage yesterday at Coleytown. He brought along 3 castmates (and longtime friends) from the original “Newsies” on Broadway — plus a 3-man band.
The result was a high-energy, rousing benefit for Coleytown Company. Ben Frimmer’s middle school troupe presents “Newsies” of course next month.
Adam and his fellow performers gave many shout-outs to the importance of arts in the schools — and Westport’s support of it.
Adam Kaplan (far right) with (from left) Andrew Keenan Bolger, Liana Hunt and Ben Frankhauser, at Coleytown Middle School yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Ben Frimmer)
Speaking of CMS and BMS: Congratulations to Westport’s Middle School Squash Club!
One of just a few of 59 clubs to field 3 strong teams at this past weekend’s US Middle School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia, they had great success.
Team A finished 5th in the nation — the highest for any public school — while Team B won the Division III title.
Club members representing Westport were Theo Abrams, Luke Amitin, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao, James D’Angelo, Alex Jiang, Liev Katz, Theo Keefe, Matthew Lyle, Oscar Quintner, Ilina Rangaraj, Zach Smith, Logan Warnke, Jonathan Whee, Olivia Whee, Len Xie, and Orson Xie. Parent managers were Amber Warnke, Aaron Amitin, Gali Katz and Tim Whee, with club advisor Ella Ye and advisor emeritus TJ Sheridan.
The Westport Club is coached by Mohsin Khan, of Intensity Fitness.
This week (February 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7) features Jen Allen. The pianist/composer has performed all over the world. She’s joined by 2 longtime associates: bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime St. Luke Church organist Leon Bernard died January 29 at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.
The New Rochelle, New York native graduated from Staples High School. He then served proudly in the Army, stationed in Alaska and California.
A church organist for over 60 years at St. Luke in Westport, he had a strong interest in music, and all things trains, engines, locomotives and railroads. He also liked gardening, and visits for over 40 years to the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort in Vermont.
In his later years he enjoyed NFL football, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball, and broadcast mysteries. He was president of 2 condominium associations.
He his survived by his close friends Rev. Kumar, St. Luke pastor, and Richard Fitol, Mark Prisloe and Natasha Morant; many St. Luke parishioners, neighbors, and work-related associates, including real estate development at T&M Building, and piano and commercial sales.
Calling hours at the Harding Funeral Home are this Friday (February 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday (February 7, St. Luke Church). Interment will follow immediately at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Church.
Leon Bernard
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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are all about the features and creatures that make our town “naturally” beautiful, and interesting.
Occasionally, a human being or 2 add to the mix.
Andrew Colabella captured this frigid scene, at Gray’s Creek:
And finally … on this date in 1961, the US Air Force began Operation Looking Glass. For the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” was always in the air. It could take direct control of American bombers and missiles, if Strategic Air Command headquarters was destroyed.
As a Bedford Middle School 8th grader, Adam Kaplan played Curly in “Oklahoma!”
A snowstorm postponed the show a month.
In that time, puberty hit. His voice changed. He sang in a different key than he’d rehearsed just a few weeks earlier.
That’s one of the perils of middle school theater.
Here’s one of the joys: Kaplan found a passion for performing. He became a Staples Players star. After graduating in 2008, he headed to Broadway. Kaplan played the lead role of Jack Kelly in “Newsies,” and was in the ensemble. He starred in “A Bronx Tale,” the national tour of “Kinky Boots,” and “Show Boat” with the New York Philharmonic.
Adam Kaplan (carrying a castmate on his back) strikes the same pose as on the Nederlander Theater door.
It all started with middle school theater. Westport’s 2 programs are outstanding, and change many lives besides Kaplan’s.
But it does not come cheap.
Sets, lights, sound, directors, licensing fees — they all add up.
So on February 2 (7 p.m.)., Coleytown Company presents “Carrying The Banner: A Broadway Concert.
The evening — in support of the troupe’s March production of “Newsies” — features 4 original cast members from that show, with a live professional band.
One of those performers is Adam Kaplan.
“Middle school is brutal,” the actor remembers. “Hormones are raging. Kids are kids. Everyone is trying to figure themselves out. The arts are a safe space to do that.”
As arts funding is slashed across the country, Kaplan is proud that Westport continues to provide a “safe haven for kids who maybe don’t feel welcome in other areas,” at both the middle and high school levels.
At Staples, he “lived, breathed, ate and slept” the Players program. He made friends, hung out there, acted in shows like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Diary of Anne Frank” — and helped build the website and develop the online ticket portal.
After Staples, Adam Kaplan made his mark on Broadway.
Now he looks forward to paying it all forward.
Kaplan went to Bedford, not Coleytown. His directors were Kevin Slater and Karen McCormick, not CMS’ Ben Frimmer.
But Kaplan has worked often with the Coleytown Company director. And, hey — middle school is middle school.
“Westport supported me and my friends,” he says. “The fact that I can come back to Westport, with castmates who were part of the original Broadway show, speaks to how much we care.”
Those cast members are familiar with Kaplan’s home town. During the Broadway run, he’d bring them here after the Wednesday night performance. They’d spend Thursday and part of Friday with Kaplan and his parents, then head back to New York.
After a “Newsies” performance, but still working.
Kaplan will not go right back to the city after the “Carrying the Banner” show. The next day, he’ll do a workshop with the Coleytown Company’s “Newsies” cast.
It won’t be his first. He’s done similar “Newsies” workshops with schools across the country (and a US Army base in Italy). The chance to do one in his hometown is extra special.
“I remember when (Players director) David Roth brought in artists to work with us,” Kaplan says. “It was one of the coolest things in the world. Doing it here is like coming full circle.”
Next month’s fundraiser is produced by Frimmer. He’s working with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein (“Newsies,” “Frozen”) on this show. It features songs from “Newsies,” and other hits.
This being Westport, the middle school drama program is as robust as many high schools’ elsewhere.
And — this being Westport — when Coleytown Company plans a fundraiser, it’s Broadway quality.
Literally.
“Carrying the Banner: A Broadway Concert” — set for February 2 (7 p.m.), in support of the troupe’s March production of “Newsies” — features 4 original cast members from Disney’s “Newsies,” with a live professional band.
And one of the performers is from Westport.
Adam Kaplan — a 2008 Staples High grad, and former Players star — played the lead role of Jack Kelly, and was in the ensemble. He also starred in “A Bronx Tale,” the national tour of “Kinky Boots,” and “Show Boat” with the New York Philharmonic.
Another Westport/Broadway connection: The evening is produced by “John Proctor” and “Hunger Games” producer — and Coleytown Company director — Ben Frimmer.
He’s working with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein (“Newsies,” “Frozen”), on this show. It features songs from “Newsies,” and other hits.
Proceeds will support costumes, sets, lighting, sound and more for Company’s spring production, along with future needs.
Speaking of the arts: Staples musicians made a record this year.
But it’s not the vinyl kind.
A record 69 students earned acceptance into the Connecticut Music Educators Association Western Region Music Festival.
That’s the highest number of students from any school in the region, encompassing more than 50 public and private high schools in Fairfield County.
Students audition through a rigorous process that includes prepared repertoire, scales and sight reading. Performers are selected for honors band, orchestra, choir and jazz ensembles.
Festival participants spend 2 days in intensive rehearsals with guest conductors. It culminates in a concert this weekend at Wilton High School.
Western Region Music Festival students can audition for the All-State Music Festival.
Speaking still of the arts: Among the Broadway and film stars performing last night in “The Pancake Club” — the first Script-in-Hand-reading of the 2026 series at the Westport Country Playhouse — were Tony Award recipient (and Weston resident) James Naughton, 4-time Academy Award nominee Marsha Mason, and 2-time Tony Award recipient Judith Ivey.
Script in Hand readings take place monthly, on Mondays.
Taking a break from rehearsal yesterday. James Naughton is at far left; next to him in the front row are Marsha Mason and Judith Ivey. Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is 7th from left. (Photo/Andrea Quiles)
New York Polyphony — acclaimed by NPR for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts,” and by The New Yorker as “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” presents a “Sky of the Heart” concert at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (January 24, 5 p.m.).
The vocal chamber ensemble’s innovative programming spans Gregorian chant to contemporary commissions. Their focus on familiar and rare works of the 12-17th centuries brings early music to modern audiences.
Former Westporter Andrew Wilk was the Y’s Women’s guest speaker yesterday.
The 5-time Emmy Award-winning producer/director/musical theater and symphony conductor/writer — best known as the executive producer of “Live From Lincoln Center” — showed excerpts from “Simple Gifts,” one of his award-winning programs.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is Thursday (January 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
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Speaking of this Thursday, at the VFW: James Weidman returns, for 2 Jazz at the Post shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
Longtime Westport resident and former Westport Public Schools employee Marjorie Santella died last month in Siesta Key, Florida. She was 91.
Marge grew up in Westport, and attended local schools. She then returned as a beloved educator and administrative assistant.
Marge had 3 children with her husband Lou Santella, the well known owner of Saugatuck’s iconic Riverside Barber Shoop.
She proudly embraced his Italian heritage in many ways, from her collection of Pinocchios to memorable trips to Italy. Marge and Lou were active members of the Sons of Italy, and helped organize many Festival Italianos.
In 2003 the couple retired to Siesta Key. Marge was an avid theatergoer, and Rummikub player. Her family says, “She lived Florida life to the fullest, and brought everyone else along for the ride.”
Marge was predeceased by her husband Lou, and sons Michael and Louis, and sisters Nancy Soyak and Carol Less. She is survived by her son Mark; daughters-in-law Joanne, Emily and Rosé; grandchildren LJ, Adriana, Amy, Christopher, William and Alyse; great-grandchildren Liam and Millie Jean, and sister Loretta Hornyak.
A celebration of life will be held this spring, at Assumption Church.
Steve Turner — a 1970 Staples High School graduate and talented photographer, whose work has been showcased on “06880”Jill — died suddenly in Thailand, where he lived since 2017, a couple of weeks ago.
Since then his sister Jill Odice — also a Staples grad — has endured a legal and logistical nightmare.
Hospital, funeral home and legal bills must be settled before Jill can bring her brother’s remains home. She does not have those funds, and because she does not speak Thai, making arrangements has been very difficult.
Jill has set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses. Click here for more information.
Steve Turner’s aerial photographs of Westport have been featured in “06880.” This shows Winslow Park, downtown Westport and the Saugatuck River.
“Voice for Volunteers of Fairfield County — An Appreciation Performance” — an evening of song honoring people who volunteer their time in support of Westport-area organizations — is set for Wednesday, January 24 (7:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse).
Among the Broadway headliners: Staples graduates Adam Kaplan, Mia Gentile, Jacob Heimer and Remy Leifer.
Joining them are cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann from Temple Israel.
Coleytown Company director Ben Frimmer — who produced last fall’s “Evening With Justin Paul, Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” at the Westport Country Playhouse, what can Ben Frimmer do for an encore?
Click here for tickets ($50 each), and more information (including how to underwrite tickets for volunteers). Organizations can purchase tickets for their volunteers too. Bundles of 10 tickets ($400) are available through the box office: 203-227-4177.
The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County is co-sponsoring the event, with the Playhouse.
MoCA Westport’s first exhibition of 2024 goes back to the 1960s.
That decade of social, political and cultural upheaval continues to resonate today.
MoCA says: “Artists, many of whom became increasingly socially engaged, pushed the boundaries of form, subject matter, medium and genre. The exhibition ‘Sixties MOD’ honors an important period in Westport’s artistic history, and investigates our community’s ties to broader national and international currents during this era.”
The exhibition is a collaboration with Westport Public Art Collections, which had its roots in that decade.
Burt Chernow began building the “Westport Art Collection” in 1965. The artist and educator gathered original art, most donated by the artists themselves, to be used as “an everyday part of school life.”
With donations by collectors and artists ever since, WestPAC’s holdings have expanded from 100 objects to nearly 2,000 artworks by local, American and international artists, on display in Westport schools and municipal buildings.
MoCA’s exhibition of nearly 60 works includes artists Alexander Calder, Ann Chernow, Burt Chernow, Lisa Daugherty, Naiad Einsel, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Richard Frank, Bernard Fuchs, Roe Halper, Philippe Halsman, Robert Indiana, Roy Lichtenstein, Susan Malloy, Robert Motherwell, Ben Shahn and Tracy Sugarman.
A high school student art exhibit will accompany “Sixties MOD.” Both run through March 3. Click here for more details.
First the bad news: The Kings Highway North project (connecting Main Street and Canal Street) will not be paved until next spring.
Now the good news: It won’t be closed that long.
Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich says his department (and the rest of the country) has run into supply chain issues. As soon as some piping comes in, they’ll finish the water line. The road will reopen then.
The reason final paving must wait until 2022 is to let all the utility work settle.
Paving of the lower portion of Main Street — where utilities are also going in — may wait until spring too. Ratkiewich said it’s possible to do it in November, but he does not want to disrupt prime shopping season.
Bottom line: All roads will be open, hopefully soon. They just won’t be just-paved smooth.
Once upon a time, traffic flowed easily on Kings Highway North. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)
The latest COVID advice from the CDC: Even if you’re vaccinated, you should wear masks indoors if you live in a place with “substantial” or high virus transmission.
The CDC classifies a community as having “substantial transmission” if there are 50 to 99 weekly cases per 100,000 residents or if the positivity rate is between 8.0 and 9.9%.
NPR has a handy tool that lists risks in every US county. As of yesterday, Fairfield County was “moderate” — in other words, below the “substantial” threshold.
Not in Fairfield County? Click here to see how your county is doing.
Longtime Westporter Charlene Zeiberg has organized a great women’s clothing “sip and swap” for next Tuesday (August 3, 6 p.m., Unitarian Church parking lot).
There’s a lot going on. It’s a chance to see old friends and meet new ones while trading — not buying! — clothing and accessories. There are adult beverages and nibbles. And voluntary charitable cash donations to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Connecticut will be gratefully accepted. Any leftover items will be donated to charities.
Swapper alert: This is not an unload-your-junk tag sale. It’s for high-end, designer-type goods. Each participant must bring at least 10 items. And it’s ladies apparel only — not men’s or children’s. (Of course, all are welcome to attend.)
The deadline to register is this Friday night. Click here for details.
The 2008 Staples High School graduate has been cast in Fox’s “dance dramedy “The Big Leap.”
The show-within-a-show “takes viewers on a journey of self-acceptance, body-positivity and empowerment at any age.” It’s described as “a modern tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours.”
The show revolves around a group of diverse, down-on-their-luck characters attempting to change their lives by participating in a potentially life-ruining reality dance show that builds to a live production of Swan Lake.
Kaplan’s role is Simon Lovewell. He is a talented dancer, has confidence to spare, and is wildly ambitious. He’s “comfortable in his queerness and likes to challenge expectations about gender in both his attitude and appearance.”
“The Big Leap” is in production in Chicago. It premieres on Fox on September 20 (9 p.m.). Click here for more details.
Kaplan recently wrapped a supporting role in “Mr. Russo,” directed by Ray Romano. He also appeared in a lead role in A Bronx Tale on Broadway opposite Chazz Palminteri, directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks.
You can also see the Westport veterinarian Melissa Shapiro live. Next Tuesday (August 3, 7 p.m., Zoom) she’ll discuss her book “Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family. It’s the story of how fostering the unwanted dog transformed her, her family, and countless admirers.
Piglet (and Melissa) have been featured in People Magazine, and on NBC Nightly News, CNN, CBS News and more. Click here to see our neighbor (virtually). The event is sponsored by the Westport Library; autographed copies of the book are available here.
And finally … if you’ve followed these “And finally …” videos for any amount of time, you know that Bruce Springsteen is one of my all-time favorite rockers.
His wife, Patti Scialfa, is no slouch herself.
She joins Bruce every night for a few songs at his Broadway show. From my 2nd-row pre-pandemic seat*, it was a riveting performance.
Today is Patti Scialfa’s 68th birthday. Hope she has a brilliant one.
Weeks ago, in another world where kids and teenagers actually had to be driven somewhere, VanGo was gold.
The cleverly named app was an uber-Uber. It eased parents’ worries about sketchy drivers, because VanGo’s drivers were nannies, teachers, babysitters — and most of all, mothers.
In the COVID crisis, that market dried up. People still need to market, of course. But they can’t always get out. Or they don’t want to.
So VanGo pivoted. It’s now a grocery shopping and delivery service. Once again, those moms come in handy.
While many grocery service providers are staffed by a bunch of randoms, VanGo’s shoppers “shop like you would,” says founder Marta Jamrozik. And they guarantee next day delivery for orders placed before 3 p.m..
Shoppers text families if an item is out of stock. Drivers wear masks and gloves while shopping, and when dropping off groceries.
VanGo Grocery is available in Westport and across Fairfield County. To log on and order, click here.
Arts organizations everywhere have been hammered by the coronavirus. Plays, concerts, ballets — all are on hold, as theater companies, symphonies and other institutions struggle to survive.
A tiny silver lining has been the realization that the arts are helping us get through this time. Drama, shows, music — they help sustain and nurture us.
Justin Paul understands that. The Staples High School graduate and award-winning composer/lyricist (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) articulates it wonderfully. And he does so in a great, insightful online interview with Music Theatre of Connecticut’s co-founder and executive artistic director Kevin Connors.
The 2 sat down yesterday (in their respective homes) for an MTC Live! webcast. You can watch it below.
I guess that’s one more slim silver lining: The pandemic has led to all sorts of intriguing online discussions like this. Click here for more on MTC.
Little Barn is back! They’ve reopened, and now provide contact-less take out 7 days a week (4 to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays until 9). Order online through our website www.littlebarnct.com or 203-557-8501; then call again when you arrive.
Four decades ago, Westporter Peter Gambaccini ran from Thompson (in the northeast corner of the state) to Greenwich. A writer as well as a runner, he took less than a week to cover the 155 miles, then wrote about it for Connecticut magazine.
The 40th anniversary of the run is being celebrated with a NUTmeg Challenge. Running “nuts” of Connecticut — and anywhere else — can duplicate the former Staples High School track star’s run. There’s also the opportunity to raise money for local charities that desperately need help: Mercy Learning Center, Bridgeport Rescue Mission and the Connecticut Food Bank.
The virtual online challenge — because, of course, we’re still mindful of COVID-19, so you just run in your neighborhood, wherever in the world it is — takes places between Memorial Day (May 25) and Bastille Day (July 14).
There are 3 “routes”:
The Gambaccini Gambol (original route across the state; 155 miles, average a little over 3 miles a day)
The Shoreline Scamper (Greenwich to Stonington along the coast, 253 miles, a little under 5 miles a day)
The Border Boundaround (along the New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island borders, 328 miles, 6 1/2 miles a day).
T-shirts and medals will be mailed at the conclusion of the Challenge. (Everyone registering by June 1 is guaranteed a medal.) For more information and to register, click here. (Hat tip: MaryAnn Meyer)
Every day, it seems, someone sends me a photo of a rock. All across town, people are discovering them. They (the rocks) make them (the people) feel special.
Doris Ghitelman sums up the feeling well (and gathered them all in a nice collage):
“I’ve come across these rocks on my walks around the library, Compo and Grace Salmon Park. I’m not sure who’s leaving them. My guess is, different artists 😉
“Whoever it is or they are, I would like to thank them. Whenever I see one, I stop and smile. Sometimes they make me think. Some are in plain sight, others hidden.
“It reminds me that if we take the time to look, really look around us, we might just be rewarded with something good. This space in time is giving us the opportunity to do just that. Let’s enjoy it!”
When the Shubert Theatre planned Monday’s “Next Stop: New Haven at Home!” virtual celebration (Monday, May 18, 7:30 p.m.), it did not have to look far for one star.
Westport native and Staples High School grad Adam Kaplan will take center stage. He’s a Broadway veteran (“Newsies,” “A Bronx Tale”), was part of the New York Philharmonic’s “Show Boat,” and toured the US and Japan in “Kinky Boots.”
A $75 Next Stop: New Haven ticket includes a box of goodies (serving up to 2 people) from several of Shubert’s restaurant partners, and the 75-minute live program with musical entertainment, a cocktail-making class (supplies included), cheeseboard-making class, Broadway trivia, and a peek at the Shubert’s 2020-2021 Broadway Series,
The ticket supports the Shubert Theatre, its restaurant partners, and Frontline Foods New Haven, which feeds teams at Yale New Haven and the VA Hospitals.
Tickets are available through 5 p.m. today. For more information and to purchase, click here.
Adam Kaplan
And finally … one of my favorite movies of all time is “Stand By Me.” One of my favorite songs of all time is “Stand By Me.” These 3 minutes say it all:
Broadway was dark last night. That’s a Monday tradition.
But a capacity crowd at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall enjoyed an evening of entertainment as show-stopping as anything you’ll see in New York.
Tony Award-winning Kelli O’Hara and “A Bronx Tale” lead Adam Kaplan headlined an all-star cabaret. It was a fundraiser for Staples Orphenians, who travel to Australia this summer for performances and workshops.
Kelli O’Hara, at last night’s cabaret. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
O’Hara — a Westport resident — wowed the crowd with her operatic voice. She was full of praise for Staples’ stellar a cappella group, who she first heard perform last spring, at the Levitt Pavilion.
Standing in the church hall loft, the Orphenians — led by choral director Luke Rosenberg, down below — accompanied O’Hara on 2 compelling numbers.
Kaplan — a 2008 Staples graduate — recalled his days in the music and drama programs. At Elon University, he said, he talked so much about his high school that his friends joked there were 3 levels of performance: “Elon, Broadway, and at the top, Staples.”
Adam Kaplan (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)
The cabaret also featured Staples grads Clay Singer and Caroline Didelot, and solos by 9 Orphenians.
What’s a nice Jewish boy from Westport doing in 2017 with an Italian-American Bronx teenager during the 1960s?
Acting.
On Broadway.
Adam Kaplan — the 2008 Staples High School grad whose post-Players career includes starring roles in “Kinky Boots” and “Newsies” — has a new gig. He recently took over as Calogero, the narrator/lead in “A Bronx Tale.”
It might seem that playing a scrappy Italian city kid is a stretch for a boy from the ‘burbs. (And one who went on to major in musical theater at North Carolina’s Elon University.)
But, he says, his character is “eager, wide-eyed, willing to learn and make something of his life.” Those, Kaplan adds, are traits “any aspiring performer can relate to.”
Adam Kaplan and “A Bronx Tale” dance captain Brittany Conigatti.
The Westporter may no longer be “aspiring.” Following his 2 roles in “Newsies” — plus nearly 40 performances as understudy for lead Jack Kelly — Kaplan moved to Los Angeles for television work.
He had just finished a guest role on ABC’s “Deception” when “Bronx Tale”‘s casting director called. Several whirlwind trips to New York later, he got the job.
Two days later — on October 18 — Kaplan began intensive rehearsals. His first show was November 9.
Joining the cast of an established show is very different from signing on at the start. Rather than discovering elements together with the rest of the cast, Kaplan says, “everyone already has their rhythm. My job is not to disrupt it.”
His goal is to “take the audience on a 2-hour journey, and tell this story truthfully.”
Opening night was special. Family and friends were in the audience. “I walked on stage, and got entrance applause,” Kaplan recalls. “That was sweet!”
It’s been a great gig. Writer Chazz Palminteri — who based the show partly on his own childhood — has been “a great springboard, and very complimentary. He came with a full notebook, ready to take notes about me. But he only had a few.”
As a teenager on the Staples stage, Kaplan always dreamed of Broadway. Now — playing the lead again, in his 2nd show — it all seems “surreal and crazy.”
A few years ago, Kaplan read actors’ interviews on Broadway.com. Now he’s the interviewee. (He also finished 10th in the voting for the site’s Sexiest Man Alive contest.)
A screenshot of Adam Kaplan’s Broadway.com interview.
Broadway, he says with a hint of surprise, “actually is all it’s cracked up to be.” There are perks like singing at a Brooklyn Nets games, and the honor of greeting Westport fans — those he knows, and those he meets for the first time — at the stage door after a show.
Though Kaplan starred in a wide range of Staples Players roles — “Romeo and Juliet,” “Children of Eden,” “Diary of Anne Frank” — he was never in a rough-and-tumble production like his 2 Broadway hits.
This fall’s Players mainstage was “Newsies.” Unfortunately, the “Bronx Tale” schedule prevented Kaplan from seeing his alma mater’s spectacular rendition.
He saw photos of it, though. He forwarded them along to actors who’d worked on the show with him.
“They were shocked,” Kaplan reports. “They couldn’t believe that was my school, doing it like Broadway.”
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