“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — opened last week.
It’s unique.
Once audiences enter the fully transformed Opera House (formerly Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street), they trace the steps of the Opera Ghost, who has terrorized performers and management.
It’s quite an experience. Making it extra special for Westporters is Clay Singer. The Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate is one of 6 actors playing the Phantom.
He’s also the youngest performer to play the role fulltime in New York.
Clay’s portrayal is deeply influenced by Kevin Gray’s renowned interpretation — a favorite of his, for more than just its artistic brilliance. Kevin was a 1976 Staples (and Players alum). He died in 2013 — the year Clay graduated — of a heart attack. He was just 55.
The show operates in 6 “pulses,” beginning every 15 minutes. Clay performs in the 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. (matinee) pulses. (Select one of those time slots when buying tickets.)
“Masquerade” is in previews through September 6. Tickets are available through October 19, with an extension likely.
Clay Singer
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The O’Dell Group and Eva Amurri’s net-zero smart home build at Compo Beach is more than just cutting-edge construction.
Amurri — an actress (“Californication”), designer and lifestyle blogger — is documenting the process in a web series: “The Westport Project.”
“Think HGTV meets ‘Love It or List It’ meets ‘Southern Charm,” she says.
It’s available on YouTube and Instagram.
As part of the series, Amurri invites Westporters to celebrate “the best local gems.” Winners will be featured in upcoming episoes. Click here — but hurry! Nominations close tomorrow — Thursday.
Categories include best breakfast sandwich, iced coffee, workout class, kids’ activity, boutique, girls’ lunch, blowout, mani/pedi, pizza, date night dinner, dessert, bar scene and local creator.
Screenshot from “The Westport Project”: Chris O’Dell and Eva Amurri.
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After months of major, urgent agenda items, the Representative Town Meeting took a break in August.
Members gathered at the Ned Dimes Marina for a BBQ, casusal conversation, and a chance to enjoy the sunset just like their constituents often do.
(Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
Meanwhile, Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-3411105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov
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Calling all high school artists!
MoCA CT announces an open call for their 11th annual scholastic exhibition, “the Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.”
It explores the effects of contemporary music on youth culture. Music today is more immediate, interactive and personal than in previous generations. This shapes the way young people communicate, form communities and express themselves, from slang and style to activism and identity.
Artists will select a song from 2020 to now, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
Click here for more details, and an application form.
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The Westport Rotary Club’s recent instrument collection project was a resounding success.
Yesterday, 225 guitars, clarinets, a piano and more were shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
But the music continues.
Diego Carneiro — a Brazilian cellist and Rotary Peace Fellow who travels the world, promoting peace and understanding through music and community empowerment — headlines an evening of classical music (August 13, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
He’s joined by soprano Jurate Svedaite, and the church’s msuic director Dylan Sauerwald.
The concert is free, but donations to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador are greatefully accepted. Click here, then scroll down for more details, and to donate.
Diego Carneiro
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Hundreds of classic and exotic cars — and thousands of auto enthusiasts — will fill the parking lot at 148 East Avenue in Norwalk this Sunday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
It’s a benefit for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Penna died unexpectedly in 2020 at 51, leaving behind a wife and teenage sons. He was a highly respected Westport Police officer for 26 years, rising to deputy chief before retirement.
Admission is free, but there is a $20 fee to enter a car (no cutoff years). The day includes live music, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors, the Italian American Police Society of Southern Connecticut will give away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.
Classic cars like these will be on display Sunday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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One of Westport’s best — and most underrated — music venues rocks this Saturday (August 9, 7 to 9 p.m.).
New Yacht City brings their smooth sounds and good vibes to VFW Post 399, as part of a high-energy “Yacht Rock Tribute.”
The VFW says, “Enjoy the Saugatuck River and marina views, drink specials, and an upbeat, laid-back summer atmosphere.”
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purhase, and for more information.
New Yacht City
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As one group tries to buy the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan tribe — for a league record $325 million (and relocate it from Mohegan Sun to Boston) — another group has countered with over $300 million (and a move to Hartford).
That second group is led by Westporter Marc Lasry. He’s got the money — he’s a billionaire businessman and private equity manager.
But he’s also got basketball chops. He was a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2023.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Marc Lasry’s Beachside Avenue estate includes this full-size basketball court — with the Bucks’ “Fear the Deer” motto.
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Last week, “06880” noted there was a large American flag, stuck in a tree branch near McDonald’s.
Yesterday, we reported a crew freed it, to wave proudly again.
Ooops! We spoke too soon.
Arthur Hayes says McDonald’s solved the issue a different way: They cut down the entire tree.
And put up a new — and much larger — flag.
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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Staples High School Class of 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario was a guest on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today.
The New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist/author/MacArthur “genius grant” winner discussed US aid to Sudan, and the impact of budget cuts.
Addario noted that images must be repeated and seen multiple times, for them to have an effect on people.
(Hat tip and photo/Richard Fogel)
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Also in the media: Delano Melvin was on national television yesterday.
The 11-year-old Westporter asked “Today” show guest MrBeast — one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People — what he most likes about being a YouTuber.
Delano had an in for his question. His father, Craig, is a co-host of the NBC morning show.
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Insect (monarch butterly) meets flower (zinnia), in today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” photo:
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … when you saw the first item in today’s Roundup, you knew this was coming, right?
(“Floating, falling, sweet intoxication; touch me, trust me – savor each sensation…” Or, you can just click here to support “06880.” That’s cool too. Thank you!)
