Big corporations are not charging us to take a leak — yet.
But the way things are going, you never know.
That dystopian — dysto-pee-an? — premise is the heart of “Urinetown.”
The curtain rises next week on Staples Players’ production of the Tony Award-winning satirical musical. There are 5 performances only: Thursday, March 12 (7 p.m.); Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 (7:30 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 (2 p.m.).
Grayson Jandora (center) as Officer Lockstock, with the ensemble of “Urinetown.”
This marks the third time that Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long have staged the darkly humorous show.
As with all Players revivals, there are important differences. The show is set in no specific time period. The first 2 times, Roth and Kerry imagined it in the 1940s. This time around, it’s a time “adjacent” to ours.
For the first time, there will be port-a-potties on stage.
And — in a nod both to “Urinetown’s” winking references to “Les Misérables,” and Players’ stunning production of that show last fall — Colin Walker, Jordan Janota and his tech crew have built a barricade out of toilet paper.
“Audiences who saw ‘Les Mis’ will definitely get the reference,” Long says.
She and Roth are as excited about this version as they were the first two.
“It’s very funny. The music and characters are great,” Roth says.
“And it’s really relevant today — the whole idea of big corporations taking advantage of poor people, and resources drying up.” (A 20-year drought has caused a government ban on private toilets; a single company now owns all the paid public toilets.)
Cat Betit (Penelope Pennywise) with Harry McLaughlin (Old Man Strong), and the ensemble. (Photos/Kerry Long)
The directors know that a show called “Urinetown” may cause parents with children to hesitate.
“It’s very appropriate for younger kids,” Roth says. “If your kids talk about peeing, this is fine for them.”
“Children will get the potty humor,” Long adds. “But adults understand the bigger themes — and they’re not as silly.”
As always, Players will collect donations for a good, theme-related cause. This time it’s a UNICEF’s Safe Water for Every Child Fund.
In a special twist, actors will be stationed at restroom doors during intermission. They won’t charge audience members to go — but they will have buckets for cash.
Posted onNovember 6, 2025|Comments Off on “Les Miserables”: Staples Players Bring It Home
Throughout its near-70-year history, Staples Players has staged many Broadway blockbusters.
“Mamma Mia!” “West Side Story.” “Cabaret.” The list is long, and impressive.
But this month’s fall production may be the most blockbuster-est of all.
The curtain rises November 13 on “Les Misérables.”
Audiences know and love the second-longest running musical in the world: the non-stop songs, compelling story, complex staging and elaborate costumes.
Not many high school troupes would tackle it.
Then again, not many high school troupes are Staples Players.
Seamus Brannigan (center), with revolutionary students.
“We wanted to pick a show that would not only be a big community event for Westport, but also excite the students,” says Kerry Long, co-director with David Roth.
“They’ve been interested in doing it for years. We have a great group of upperclassmen, and knew they could handle the challenge of such an epic show.”
Players last staged “Les Mis” as a 2008 summer show. Long and Roth have been waiting ever since for the right group to produce it as a fall mainstage.
The cast and crew are excited. Many have read Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. They know the characters, and the history of “Les Mis”‘s different productions.
“They were thrilled to be given the opportunity to take on these characters,” says Long. “The enthusiasm has carried the show throughout the rehearsal process.”
The “Lovely Ladies” with Fantine (Cat Betit).
With so many moving parts — all the characters, all that music — there is a lot to learn. “They have risen to the challenge tenfold,” Long praises. “But they’ve definitely worked hard to do so.”
There are a lot of cast members working hard: 74. That’s larger than nearly any other Players production.
“It’s a huge undertaking,” Long notes. A mechanized turntable helps crew members move from scene to scene.
Roth and Long say that show will appeal to families. The student edition is 45 minutes shorter than the 3-hour Broadway version (without intermission). But it retains all the action and memorable songs from the original. “You won’t know what’s missing,” Long promises.
She adds that although non-stop action will engage young audience members, because there are gun battles and deaths, it is not aimed at very young children.
Cooper Gusick in “Master of the House.” (All photos/Kerry Long)
Though most of those in the Staples auditorium are familiar with “Les Mis,” anyone who is not will marvel at how the themes of a story written over 160 years ago can be so fresh today.
“Les Misérables” is sure to join the list of epic Staples Players productions.
And, like so many others, there’s more to the story than just what’s on stage.
At another time of upheaval in history, Players is conducting a food drive for Westport’s Homes with Hope, and Bridgeport’s Community Food Pantry.
There will be collection boxes in the lobby for non-perishable food items, and personal care goods like shampoo, toiletries and feminine hygiene products.
(“Les Misérables” will be performed November 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.; November 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., and November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.)
(“06880” regularly covers Staples Players — and the rest of Westport’s arts and entertainment scene. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on “Les Miserables”: Staples Players Bring It Home
Published more than 70 years ago, “The Diary of Anne Frank” teaches crucial lessons about hatred, authoritarianism, perseverance, the human spirit and hope.
A subsequent theatrical production brought the Dutch teenager’s story to the stage, dramatizing visually for audiences the horrors and toll that two years of hiding takes on a family.
In that sense, “The Diary of Anne Frank” is timeless.
But theater is never static. When Staples Players presents their production later this month, it will look different from the one they staged 19 years ago.
David Roth and Kerry Long directed that version too. This one is shorter — 80 minutes — and includes new text, in an adaptation by the playwright.
Sara Stanley, as Anne Frank, writes in her diary. (Photo/Kerry Long)
It is at least as relevant now as it was 2 decades ago, the directors say. And not just because so many Holocaust survivors have died since then.
“With the rise of hatred around the world, this is a good time to tell the story of what happens when it goes unchecked,” Long says.
“The Franks were an educated, well-to-do family. And if this could happen to them …”
“This is not a play about evil, though,” Roth notes. “It’s about surviving in the face of evil. We’ve emphasized with the actors that this is a story of resilience, of people coming together in adversity. There is something in these characters that everyone can relate to.”
“Anne Frank” actors, in the annex. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Despite being one of the most powerful stories in modern history, many students today are only vaguely familiar with Anne Frank, Roth says.
Eighth graders in Westport study the Holocaust. They read “Night,” by Elie Wiesel. But not Frank’s diary.
(Thanks to a collaboration between Players and Bedford and Coleytown Middle School, all 8th graders will attend special in-school performances of the show.)
Roth and Long’s actors have been surprised to find that a teenager not so different from them could live in an attic for more than two years.
And do more than just survive. Anne Frank also fell in love.
As part of their preparation, the directors took the cast to an Anne Frank exhibit at New York’s Center for Jewish History. It includes a full-scale replica of the annex.
“It was so powerful for the kids to walk through,” Long says. “They got a much better understanding of Holland during the war, and what the Franks went through.
“A lot of them bought the exhibit book. One of them said it was the best museum they’d ever been to.”
Staples Players, at the Center for Jewish History. David Roth and Kerry Long are standing, 3rd and 4th from left.
Though being quarantined for long periods of time with their family during COVID was nowhere near the scale of horror the Franks endured, the young actors do bring that perspective to their characters.
But they also realize that the show will have special resonance for older audience members.
Players’ previous performance of “Anne Frank,” in 2006, drew more people with direct knowledge of the Holocaust — as survivors, or their relatives — than this one will.
However, at least one survivor will see this show. Now 89 years old, they’ll do a talkback after the May 22 perfromance.
When he published his daughter’s diary, Anne Frank’s father Otto said he wanted her story to be read by as many people as possible all over the world.
Anne Frank’s dream was to be a famous writer. In death, she is.
Roth, Long, and the talented teenagers of Staples Players, are keeping her dream, and her father’s wishes, alive and strong.
It’s one thing for high school students to connect with Shakespeare.
Some do. An inspiring teacher or formative experience can help them understand the timeless appeal of The Bard’s explorations of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery.
It’s another thing entirely for third graders to get it.
But students at Edison Elementary School in Bridgeport are fortunate to have Chris Cormier as a teacher.
And Chris is fortunate to have connected with Diane Lowman.
Diane Lowman
For many years, Lowman — Westport’s first-ever poet laureate, who earned a master’s degree in Shakespeare studies through the University of Birmingham (in Stratford-upon-Avon) — has collaborated with “Mr. C,” and the Edison students.
She visits regularly, teaching them the ins and outs of the world’s most famous playwright. They are always eager to learn.
Earlier this year, Lowman contacted Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long. Could the high school’s prestigious drama group help the Edison youngsters learn a bit more about Shakespeare?
Timing is everything, as we know from “Julius Caesar.”
Roth’s Theater III advanced acting class had been working on scenes from “Macbeth.”
So one morning this month, the Bridgeport boys and girls arrived excitedly at Staples.
They played a concentration game with Roth and the class. They talked about the Shakespeare plays they had studied.
Getting to know each other. Staples Players director David Roth is at left. Edison School teacher Chris Cormier is 6th from right.
They watched Roth’s class perform 2 “Macbeth” scenes. Afterward, the Edison children asked questions, about the play and theater in general.
A scene from “Macbeth,” with Cat Betit and Will McCrea.
Then — with everyone sitting on the Black Box floor — they enjoyed pizza and juice boxes.
A post-play treat.
Roth and Long were amazed at how much the youngsters knew, after just an hour a week with Cormier and Lowman.
“They asked great questions,” Long says. “They really understood what they were talking about, and raised questions about themes of the play.”
“It’s incredibly gratifying for this Shakespeare nerd to see the kids respond so positively, and make so many connections with The Bard,” Lowman adds.
“Having David, his students and Kerry bring this to life was such a treat. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and an annual tradition.”
Learning together: Mikey Winkler and 3rd graders.
Roth and Long asked Lowman if she could do something similar, for more classs. Cormier said he’d help.
As for Cormier himself: Edison Elementary School has no budget to support trips like the one to Staples.
The cost for a bus is not insignificant. Students sold ice cream at Friday lunches for $1 each, but that did not cover the entire transportation and food bill. Cormier made up the difference.
“I know that Westport could easily pitch in,” Long says.
She and Roth have created a GoFundMe page, for donations.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan, or just want to help a group of Bridgeport kids expand their horizons, click here.
Because, as we all know, “Fortune reigns in gifts of the world.”
Theatre III and Edison Park students, with their teachers. (All photos/Kerry Long)
When audiences fill the auditorium for a Staples Players production, they know they’ll be entertained by a cast of very talented teenagers.
Next month will be no different.
Except that the Players will be joined by men and women far past their teenage years, including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Wrecker boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, former State Senator Will Haskell, several popular teachers … and, um, “06880”‘s own founder and editor Dan Woog (aka me).
Four members of that quasi-illustrious cast will take the stage each night, in Players’ spring production: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Anyone who saw the musical during its long Broadway run knows it is touching, sweet, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Who will win the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee?
And, because the audience participates so directly, each show is different and unique.
Also unique: co-directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s selection of the comedy.
Traditionally, Players’ spring production has been big and showy. This year, they looked for something smaller and lighter.
They’d wanted to do a “Putnam Spelling Bee” — a great ensemble piece — for a while. In 2025, the timing was right.
Still, Players is a large organization. Roth and Long found a way to expand the show for a cast of 25.
Several cast members prepare for the show. (Photos/Kerry Long)
As expected, it’s been “super fun,” Long says. “Every day at rehearsal, I laugh at something new.”
The spontaneity of bringing spellers from the audience — and the improvisation that follows — is part of its charm.
Long admits, “it’s scary for us on stage.” Yet she and Roth are excited to see their actors rise to the challenge.
Also different from most Players’ productions: The actors play characters who are younger than themselves. Usually, their roles are older.
“The characters are larger than life,” Roth says. “They really embrace that.”
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is less than 2 hours long, including intermission.
The curtain rises Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. Additional performances are Saturday, March 8 (2 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, March 9 (2 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
(“06880” regularly covers Staples Players productions — and everything else going on at our schools, and in our town. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
After a bitterly contentious election season, we all need to chill.
And what better way than by welcoming the holiday season early, with the beloved (and wintry) “Elf.”
Staples Players presents their first-ever production of the show this month. The choice was hardly random.
“With the state of the country the way it was, with everyone on edge, we wanted to do something that was just fun,” says Players’ co-director David Roth.
“This is all about positive thoughts. Buddy the Elf is so optimistic. He loves people and Christmas, and wants to spread cheer.”
Seamus Brannigan (double cast as Buddy) and Chloe Carson (double cast as Jovie). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Roth and co-director Kerry Long are not the only ones wanting to put a smile on audience’s faces. “Elf” opens on Broadway the same weekend the Staples curtain rises.
And Pottery Barn is one of several retailers to roll out a special “Elf” line this season.
It’s the right musical at the right time for Westport audiences. And “Elf” comes from the same script, music and lyric writers who created “Prom” — last year’s very popular Players production — and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” one of Roth and Long’s favorite shows.
“It’s a really funny book,” Roth says. “The play has its own humor and personality. It’s different from the movie, for people who are only familiar with that Will Ferrell version.”
Rehearsals have been “a lot of fun,” notes the director. “We laugh a lot. The kids are loving it. There’s a lot of good, positive energy, which they really need in their lives right now.”
Blake Raho (center) as Walter, with dancing castmates. (Photo/Kerry Long)
It is, he admits, “bizarre” to have been in holiday mode since auditions in September. And, though it’s still early November, “backstage looks like Santa’s workshop.”
The auditorium, meanwhile, will look festive too. Players encourages everyone to dress in fun holiday clothes: ugly sweaters, elf costumes, whatever looks festive.
Audience members are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and/or new winter clothing. They’ll be donated to those in need, through Person to Person.
Just one more reason that everyone will leave “Elf” smiling.
(Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 7 p.m.; matinees November 16, 17 and 23, 2 p.m. Click here for tickets. Though some shows may be sold out, tickets are often available at the door.)
Sara Stanley and Will McCrea (double cast as Jovie and Buddy). (Photo/Kerry Long)
David Roth and Kerry Long are co-directors of Staples Players.
That’s our local high school drama troupe. But if you’ve ever been to a Players show — and if you haven’t, why not?! — you know it is anything but a high school production.
In addition to their spectacularly professional work, both David and Kerry are Staples graduates. The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about Players’ 66-year past, present and future (don’t miss “Elf” this November!).
Click below, to learn more about this amazing — and amazingly entertaining — organization.
The other day, Playbill ran a story about “Broadway Senior.”
The program — a counterpart to Broadway Junior, which adapts and licenses shows for middle schools, in age-appropriate ways — offers opportunities for people 60 and older to perform shows like “Guys and Dolls” and “Into the Woods.”
Why do they need to be adapted? In some cases, references to youth don’t work for older actors. Other times, they can’t exactly sing and dance as if they were 20.
The article — highlighting a production at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in Manhattan — was moderately interesting. (Best line: “This is a ‘Guys and Dolls’ where, if you need help standing back up after sitting down and rockin’ the boat, a stage manager will be there to assist.” (Click here to read the full piece.)
But what caught my eye, in a Facebook post about the show, was that it was directed by Isabel Perry.
Isabel Perry
A 2015 graduate of Staples High School, where she was a key member of the Players drama troupe, she’s now a Brooklyn-based director of theatre and film. She has worked at La MaMa, Lucille Lortel, Lincoln Center and Second Stage.
Isabel is also a script reader for The Playwrights Realm, a member of Roundabout Director Group, and an instructor at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. At Northwestern University she studied theatre and Asian American studies, and directed “The Dolphin Show,” the largest entirely student-produced theatrical production in the country.
Which got me thinking: What are other Staples alums doing, in the entertainment world?
Plenty.
Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long keep close tabs on their grads. Here is a partial — but very wide-ranging — list of what their (and our) “kids” are up to.
(We apologize in advance for any names we’ve omitted. Click “Comments” to add other great Players’ alumni achievements.)
Justin Paul (Class of 2003) got an Emmy nomination for his music in “Only Murders in the Building.”
In addition, Justin and Caley Beretta (2010) spent the past 3 weeks in London workshopping a new musical.
Justin Paul has not forgotten his Staples Players roots. In March, he joined directors Kerry Long and David Roth to discuss “James and the Giant Peach” — a show he co-wrote — prior to Players’ production of it. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Whitney Andrews(2010) graduated from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, with an MFA in acting.
Clay Singer (2013) is playing Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof” at The Muny in St. Louis.
Samuel Adelmann (2014) is also playing Perchik, in a different production of “Fiddler on the Roof”: at Valley Opera and Performing Arts in California.
Christian Melhuish (2016) is in “Legally Blonde” at the John W. Engeman Theatre at Northport, New York.
Jack Baylis(2015) is playing Warner in “Legally Blonde” at Theatre Aspen.
Zoe Mezoff (2017) is playing Hodel in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Lexington Theatre Company in Kentucky.
Nick Rossi (2019) is performing in “Jersey Boys” and “La Cage Aux Folles” at the Lake Winnipesaukee Playhouse.
Georgia Wright (2019) played a show of her songs at the Brooklyn Music Kitchen. She was booked for the gig by talent agent Cara McNiff (2014),
Sophie Rossman (2021) is studying at NYU Tisch’s International Theatre Workshop in Amsterdam.
Cameron Mann (2024) starred in the movie “Greg’s Going to Rehab,” shot in St. Louis in June.
This is not Cameron Mann’s real hair. Then again, is not in rehab in real life, either.
Cooper Sadler (2024): in the ensemble of “Mary Poppins” at The Summer Theatre of New Canaan.
As for Players co-director Kerry Long — a 1997 Staples grad — she and Players set designer Jordan Janota worked on the film “Miracle on 74th Street.” It was shot in Manhattan in June.
(“06880” is proud to cover the accomplishments of Staples graduates — and everyone else in Westport — in every area of life. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long have had some challenging sets before.
They’ve created a New York neighborhood for “West Side Side Story,” a dystopian world for “Urinetown,” and the terrorizing plant in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
But “James and the Giant Peach” is deceptively difficult. A centipede falls off the giant peach. The peach has to land on the Empire State Building. Gulls attach spider webs, and fly.
Audience members for Players’ spring production will be familiar with the show. If they haven’t read the 1961 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, they’ve seen the 1996 film.
Next week, from March 21-24, they’ll be able to see a stage adaptation of it.
Beckwith Fipp, as James. (Photo/Kerry Long)
And that familiarity is especially relevant, because the musical was developed by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. They’re the creative team responsible for “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.”
Justin Paul is a former Staples Player himself. He graduated in 2003, after taking advantage of nearly every acting, performing and directing opportunity the high school offered.
“James and the Giant Peach” follows in the tradition of other spring Players shows, with dual appeal to adults and younger audiences.
Roth and Long have thought about doing one of Paul’s musicals for several years. They saw “James” — the first full-length Pasek and Paul collaboration — when it debuted at Goodspeed Opera House in 2010.
With its large cast size and accessibility, this is the right show, at the right time.
A large cast offers many Players a chance to shine. (Photo/Kerry Long)
“It’s very funny,” Roth says. “The music is great, in so many styles.”
He and Long are longtime Dahl fans.
They are fans of Paul and Pasek too.
“The play goes further than the book,” Roth says. “It uses music to explain themes that were not as developed — like the idea that ‘family’ doesn’t have be what you’re born into.
“Your family can be found. You never know who will end up being your family. That’s an idea that’s beautifully explored.
“And this is not just a ‘kids show,'” Roth emphasizes. “Everyone will get something different out of it.”
Despite the staging challenges — how do you get a giant peach on stage? — the directors and cast have had fun. Set designer Jordan Janota has worked hard, and creatively, fueling the young actors and musicians’ energy.
Lauren Pine, who led the orchestra for the fall production of “The Prom,” is making her Players’ vocal directing debut.
Yet this is not just a Staples Players production of a show created by a famous alum. Earlier this week, Paul returned to the stage where he got his start. He spent several hours talking about his career, and his days at the high school.
A compliment by a “random person” after his performance in “City of Angels” gave him the confidence to pursue musical theater as a career,” Paul said.
After his talk, he and the cast spent a couple of hours working on “James and the Giant Peach” he composed.
Justin Paul works with “James and the Giant Peach” cast members. (Photo/Kerry Long)
That’s only the most recent connection Paul had with the Staples production. Last fall, after “The Prom” closed, he was the one who announced that this would be the spring show. (Click here to see that video.)
This week’s visit will not be Paul’s last, either. He, his wife and 4 children will be at the Sunday, March 24 matinee. He’ll stick around after, to do a talkback with the audience.
Sitting, no doubt, under that giant peach at the center of the stage.
(“James and the Giant Peach” will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 21, 22 and 23; 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. Audience members can meet the characters after the Friday night, Saturday matinee and Saturday night shows. Click here for tickets, and more information.)
Staples is not the only high school to produce “James and the Giant Peach.”
But it may be the only one whose cast spent a full afternoon with the composer, as they prepare for the opening curtain.
Then again, Staples is the only high school that Justin Paul — the songwriter — graduated from.
The 2003 alum returned yesterday to the stage where he got his start. Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long — who worked with Paul on a number of shows, and introduced him to Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Wicked”), now a longtime mentor and friend — led a Q-and-A session with Paul, as the cast and crew of “James and the Giant Peach” sat on stage.
Paul said he “found his people” in Staples’ 4 Building (the arts wing), where he sang; played in the orchestra, band and jazz band; conducted and wrote music, and danced (though, he stressed, not well).
Staples was also where Paul met Peter Duchan, another talented songwriter 2 years older who later collaborated with Paul and his writing partner, Benj Pasek. They met at the University of Michigan.
Paul — who majored in musical theater — discussed the many paths to work in the industry, and the importance of nurturing relationships.
Then he headed over to a keyboard, and led Players in a workshop with the songs — his songs — they’ll be singing from March 21-24. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Justin Paul (left), inside the “giant peach” on the Staples stage, with directors Kerry Long and David Roth. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Justin Paul, working with the cast of “James and the Giant Peach” … (Photo/Kerry Long)
… and posing with them, on the set. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Frank McCourt’s brother — who, the New York Times said, “fled a melancholic childhood in Ireland for America, where he applied his blarney and brogue to become something of a professional Irishman as a thespian, a barkeep and a best-selling memoirist” — was also an actor. His best known role was on “Ryan’s Hope,” he and I co-starred in a full-length movie.
Well, he was a star. I had a cameo. But still …
Back in the day, Westport filmmaker Sean Cunningham directed “Manny’s Orphans.”
He went on to much more fame with “Friday the 13th” and “Spring Break.” But this comedy, about a team of soccer-playing orphans and their rivals from an elite prep school (you’ll never guess who wins the big game!) was shot in Westport and Bridgeport.
Sean used plenty of local kids (and hired me to choreograph all the soccer scenes). But he added in a few actual actors, including Malachy McCord (he played Father Arch McCoy). New York Cosmos star Werner Roth was in the film too.
Click below to see one of the highlights. It’s the Big Game, and was filmed at Greens Farms Academy.
At 2:20, 7;21, 8:16 (and other spots), you’ll see Malachy.
And at 4:47, you’ll see a very young Dan Woog, blowing his whistle as the referee.
“Manny’s Orphans” did not win an Oscar.
But it didn’t have to. All these years later, it still lives on.
In the middle of Women’s History Month, StartUp Westport looks forward.
Next Monday (March 18, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library), the public/private partnership to make our town a tech entrepreneur hub hosts Galia Gichon.
The financial services and angel investing expert will lead a forum on “Female Founders and Investors.” Prominent women will share their experiences in fundraising, investing, and launching early-stage startups.
Gichon is a longtime Westport resident and the co-managing partner of Tidal River Fund, an early stage investment fund. She has been featured in Newsweek, CNN, The New York Times and more.
Also at the Library, this Thursday Westport photographer and artist Stacy Bass introduces a new series. SmART will feature in-depth conversations about art and artists
The first event (March 14, 7 p.m.) focuses on the relationship between artists (and married couple) Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Bass will speak with art historian/educator/curator/Pollock and Krasner expert Bobbi Coller. Examples of their artwork will be shown broadcast on the 18-foot refz Forum video wall.
Circle of Care supports families of children with cancer through programs and services such as day-of-diagnosis care packages, dream room makeovers, and emergency financial assistance to help pay for non-medical expenses like housing, transportation, and food.
Since 2004 they have helped 3,600 families, and provided over $5 million in services. Many Westporters have been aided by Circle of Care, and many others volunteer.
The non-profit celebrates 20 years with an open house this Friday (March 15, 5 to 8 p.m., 144 Danbury Road, Wilton), a 5K benefit run May 5, and gala at the Loading Dock in Stamford June 13. For more information on Circle of Care, click here. visit their website.
With Connecticut’s presidential primary near — and the general election coming in November — the registrar’s office will be open this Friday (March 15, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.., Town Hall Room 107) for people new to town or coming of age to register to vote.
They’re also open for registrations during regular office hours.
But this Friday, especially, anyone not otherwise qualified to vote is invited to ask questions about qualifications.
=================================================
Grammy Award-winning pianist Kevin Hays and drummer/composer Chase Elodia headline this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 14, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
They’re joined by bassist Paul Pandit and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Speaking of “The Jazz Rabbi”: Greg Wall is the special guest at the next “This Is Your Life” program at the Senior Center (March 27, 1 to 2 p.m.).
The series is hosted by Rozanne Gates of The Legacy Project USA, a Westport-based business that documents the stories of people’s lives. She will interviewing Rabbi Wall about his life as rabbi at Beit Chaverim Synagogue, and a jazz musician.
The program is free. Call to register: 203-341-5099.
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall
=============================================
For a computer glitch reason, some “06880” readers did not receive Sunday’s lead story, about Wendy Modic succeeding Kammy Maxfeldt as the Birchwood Country Club golf pro.
The 2 women have succeeded in a largely male profession.
If you did not receive the story in your email, click here to read.
Wendy Modic
===============================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is impressive — and a bit scary.
Max Waugh spotted this coyote (the size of a small wolf) on Reimer Road, just west of the Bedford Middle School entrance. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)
And finally … Eric Carmen, lead singer of the Raspberries who then went on to a solo career, has died. He was 74. Click here for a full obituary.
(Justin Paul, Malachy McCourt, Jackson Pollock — they’re all part of “Where Westport Meets the World.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
