Tag Archives: Remarkable Theater

It’s Remarkable: Theater Plans Return Engagement

Posted on April 5, 2021 | 7 comments

A remarkable thing happened last year.

In the midst of a grim pandemic, a group of Westporters had a cool (and crazy) idea: a drive-in theater.

They got permission. They got the screen. They got going.

The original permit was for 4 shows. The project was a smash. The Remarkable Theater ended the season with 51 screenings.

Beyond movies, the Imperial Avenue parking lot was the site for nearly 2 dozen special events: fundraisers for non-profits, Supper & Soul concerts, and the showing of a Staples High School boys soccer game.

The Remarkable Theater was a pop-up hit last summer.

This Thursday (April 8), the Remarkable Theater returns for its 2nd year.

That’s not really remarkable. In just a few months, the drive-in became a cherished Westport tradition.

Thursday’s movie is “Vacation.” It’s followed on Friday (April 9) by “Ratatouille,” and Saturday by “When Harry Met Sally.”

Tuesday (April 13) brings “Minari,” a new release about a Korean-American family that moves to Arkansas in search of the American dream. It’s preceded by a 5-minute video, produced by Remarkable, in which Westport Asian-Americans discuss recent hate crimes.

Those 4 films are just sneak previews –“like spring training in baseball, or a restaurant soft opening,” says Remarkable artistic director Doug Tirola.

Official opening night (Thursday, April 15) kicks off with “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” featuring beloved Westporter Paul Newman. Upcoming films will be announced April 14.

The big screen returns soon. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

The 2021 season runs through Halloween. It will be remarkable in many ways. Low-key — but very important — is the theater’s mission of hiring people with disabilities. In fact, they’re the only paid employees. It’s a win-win-win: for them, the theater, and Westport. (For information on employent, email jenny@remarkabletheater.org.)

Movies begin at 7:30 p.m. The lot opens for tailgating at 6:30. There is no concession stand, so Tirola suggests picking up food from local restaurants or markets.

Tickets are $50 per car. Click here to purchase (they go fast!).

Don’t forget lawn chairs, so you can sit — socially distanced and masked — at this remarkable Westport venue.

BONUS REEL 1: The Remarkable Theater needs volunteers to help with check-in and parking. Families, friend groups, organizations, sports teams — all are welcome. You can watch the movie for free — and your name is on the screen. To help, email info@remarkabletheater.org. 

BONUS REEL 2: The Remarkable Theater is always looking for interns. This year they’ll help produce the short content that’s shown before every movie. Interested? email remarkable@4throwfilms.com.

BONUS REEL 3: The non-profit theater relies on ticket sales and donations. More funding is needed to make this year a reality. If you give $5,000 or more, your name will appear on the screen before every movie. To contribute, click here. Or donate via Venmo: @BeRemarkable.

BONUS REEL 4: Click below, for an actual “reel”: the trailer for the Remarkable Theater’s 2021 season. It’s a minute of pure fun!

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment

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Marpe: Westport Plans For Spring And Summer — But Stay Safe!

Posted on April 1, 2021 | 2 comments

1st Selectman Jim Marpe issued another COVID update today. It includes information about vaccines — and word that the town is planning for a Memorial Day parade, and a Levitt Pavilion season. He says:

Beginning today, all Connecticut residents and workers aged 16 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. For local vaccine scheduling instructions and locations, go to www.wwhd.org.

Health officials urge all who are able and eligible to register to get vaccinated. Those requiring special services and assistance with homebound vaccinations or transportation to vaccination appointments through Westport Transit should contact the town Department of Human Services (203-341-1050).

Fortunately, many of the most vulnerable in Westport are already vaccinated. They are enjoying the peace of mind and the realization that they are doing their part to help our community, neighbors, families and friends move into a spring and summer with less fear of infection from this horrible virus.

Although numerous people have been vaccinated, it is vital that COVID protocols remain in place until we are certain that transmission is decreasing.

Currently there is a surge in COVID-19 cases in Connecticut, and Westport remains in the red category with 28.5 positive cases per 100,000 population. We are seeing the effects of more social gatherings, travel, and a relaxation of COVID protocols.

Travel increases the chance of getting and transmitting COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you refrain from non-essential travel and  follow the travel guidelines,

The CDC also recommends continuing to follow its COVID guidelines and protocols, specifically mask wearing, social distancing and good hygiene, even as restrictions are loosened and the vaccine is further administered.

“Masked COVID Portrait” — drawn by Dereje Tarrant, age 14.

Much of the uptick in cases is occurring in younger residents, and those in their 20’s and 30’s. There have been reports of large teen and youth groups gathering at Compo Beach without masks. Parents, please remind your children to wear masks when they cannot socially distance, even at the beach and other outdoor locations.

The Governor’s Executive Orders declaring a state-of-emergency have been extended to May 20. That means that COVID protocols and restrictions remain in place unless noted otherwise.

The town continues to work towards reopening more amenities and activities with the optimism that Westport will return to the yellow or gray status on the State’s color-coded COVID map, and that more people will be fully vaccinated.  These include:

  • The Center for Senior Activities and Toquet Hall are planning for the possibility of outdoor and limited indoor programming in late spring or early summer.
  • The Parks & Recreation Department and Selectman’s Office continue to plan for a Memorial Day parade.
  • The Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to open its facilities, and plan to offer programs that were not available last year due to COVID-19.
  • Longshore golf course is open for play, as are several tennis locations, Compo Beach pickleball courts, the skate park facility, platform tennis, Compo basketball courts, and playgrounds.

Compo Skate Park is back open. (Photo/ldinkinphotography)

  • The Board of Selectmen approved the Downtown Merchants Association’s Fitness and Health Expo for May 1,, and the Fine Arts Festival for May 29-30.
  • The Board of Selectmen approved the closure of Church Lane starting April 15, to allow for expanded outdoor dining.
  • The Board of Selectmen approved the use of the Imperial Avenue lot for the Remarkable Theater’s drive-in movie theater. and for the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library’s Supper and Soul events.
  • The Levitt Pavilion is planning its season, to be held in compliance with any necessary COVID considerations related to outdoor venues.

Westport is approaching the end of the Passover week, as well as this Easter weekend. Both are important symbols of renewal and new beginnings that we associate with the arrival of spring. I wish all who observe these important holidays the joy that is associated with those celebrations.

And to all Westport residents, I ask for a renewed commitment to working through the COVID pandemic together in a safe and responsible manner. In doing so, we can all enjoy the pleasures of our community that come with the spring and summer months.

As Easter approaches, the days get longer and brighter. But continued vigilance is needed. (Photo/Craig Patton)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Longshore, Teenagers

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COVID Update

Posted on March 5, 2021 | 3 comments

Here is 1st Selectman Jim Marpe’s weekly COVID update:

This week we saw great progress in the fight against COVID-19, and some return to normalcy.

Governor Lamont announced some easing of COVID-19 restrictions over the next couple of months. Individuals age 55 and over, along with educators and childcare professionals, became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) hosted the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic dedicated to school personnel at Staples High School.

Health officials continue to emphasize mask wearing, social distancing and good hygiene, even as restrictions are loosened and the vaccine is further distributed.

Governor Lamont’s plans for the 2021 spring season include the following:

  • An executive order immediately opens the fishing season by removing the closed seasons on all inland waters in Connecticut, and opens additional lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams to fishing statewide.
  • Effective March 19, the occupancy limits for many places of business, restaurants, cultural institutions, libraries, offices, and houses of worship will be removed, although COVID protocols must continue to be observed. Indoor occupancy limits will be increased to 25 indoors and 100 outdoors. For commercial venues, those caps are 100 and 200 respectively. Subject to Department of Public Health guidance, all sports will be allowed to practice and compete, and all sports tournaments will be allowed.
  • Effective April 2, summer camps and festivals are advised they may begin planning to open for the upcoming season. Additional information can be found here.

Summer camps may be open again this year.

In Westport, I am pleased to announce that plans are underway for a summer that will look more like what we normally experienced in past years.

  • The Levitt Pavilion is planning its season, to be held in compliance with any necessary COVID considerations related to outdoor venues.
  • The Board of Selectmen approved the use of the Imperial Avenue parking lot for the Remarkable Theater’s Drive-In movie theater, and for The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library’s Supper and Soul events.
  • The Parks and Recreation Department is currently preparing to open its facilities, and plans to offer programs that were not available last year due to COVID-19. They will strive to create safe environments for all facility users and program participants by following best practices and state guidelines.

The Remarkable Theater will be back, with movies and events like Supper and Soul concerts. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

While the easing of these restrictions, as well as the relief from the vaccine, is encouraging, we cannot and should not put our guards down when it comes to the pandemic. All protocols that relate to face coverings, social distancing, and cleaning measures must be maintained. Although current vaccines do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19, there is a possibility that the virus may be contracted from another source. People may remain asymptomatic and contagious even after vaccination. I strongly urge all residents and businesses to follow the State’s reopening guidelines.

The CDC’s latest guidance on mask wearing can be found here.

Update from the Westport Human Service’s Department:

The Department of Human Services and the WWHD seek the community’s help in identifying residents who are experiencing technical difficulties scheduling their COVID-19 vaccination appointments or who require a home vaccination appointment. Seniors ages 65+ and individuals ages 55+ years old with disabilities who require local appointments or a home visit to receive their vaccine should call 203-341-5037 or email humansrv@westportct.gov for assistance.

If you or a loved one are genuinely homebound, please contact the Human Services Department for an assessment of eligibility to receive a home visit for vaccination. Homebound persons include those who require medical equipment to leave their home safely and whose medical provider has advised them not to leave their home due to medical vulnerability.

Registration for the Vaccine:

Vaccine eligible residents are encouraged to make vaccine appointments at any available vaccination clinic, and not wait for an appointment specifically with WWHD. It is anticipated that as supplies to the Health District increase, additional clinic appointments will become available.

Those who are currently eligible to register for the COVID-19 vaccination include:

  • Healthcare personnel
  • Long-term care facility residents
  • Medical first responders
  • Residents and staff of select congregate settings
  • Individuals 55 and older
  • Educators and child care providers:  Pre-K – 12 teachers, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, food service providers, school bus drivers and childcare providers as well as in-school administrative staff. This does not include individuals who are not required to work on-site in a school.

To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics click here, enter your zip code in the location box on the right and press the yellow search icon.

Vaccination appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:

  • The Vaccine Administration Management System can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. Click here.
  • Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week: 877-918-2224.
  • Hartford HealthCare: Multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. Click here.
  • Yale New Haven Health: Multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. Click here.
  • Stamford Health: 7 days a week at Stamford Hospital. Click here.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

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Posted in Entertainment, Local politics, Restaurants, Westport life

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Newcomers: We Need You!

Posted on March 2, 2021 | 19 comments

I’ve been writing a lot of “Remembering…” posts lately.

In just 3 months, Westport has lost many memorable residents. Doris Jacoby, Lee Greenberg, Shirley Mellor, Jack Shiller, Joan McCarthy, Gloria Cole Sugarman, Matt Johnson … they and several other notable men and women died.

Lee Greenberg was an important part of Westport from the 1940s through her death last month at 103.

They left lasting imprints on our town. The arts, recreation, religion, medicine, human rights, youth activities — no part of Westport life was untouched by their efforts and energy.

Some of their contributions were professional. Much of it was volunteer work. All of it made our town a better place.

Many of those men and women were longtime Westporters. They were active into their 80s, 90s, even (Lee Greenberg) their 100s.

But they began when they were in their 30s and 40s,

Now it’s time for a new generation to take their place.

Specifically, all you newcomers.

The past year has seen an influx of arrivals unrivaled since the 1950s. The impetus then was the post-war baby boom. Today, it’s a global pandemic.

But the opportunity is the same: a chance to make a mark on your community.

You chose this place over others for reasons — the schools perhaps, or the beaches, Longshore, the Library, the arts, the restaurants, the sense you got that people here really care about the environment, social justice and neighbors in need.

An iconic Longshore scene. (Photo/Robert Augustyn)

Whatever those reasons, they are part of something bigger: community. You got the sense that Westport is more than just a collection of nice homes in a beautiful setting.

You understood, perhaps without realizing it, that Westport is a place where people get involved.

None of the many parts that make up Westport happened because they were destined to. They exist because people made them happen.

And they will continue to exist because — and only if — other people take up the cause.

We have Longshore because a group of officials — elected and volunteer — had the foresight to buy a failing country club moments before a developer snatched the land to build 180 homes.

We have an outstanding school system because we support it. With our tax dollars, sure — but also with countless volunteers, who give untold hours to every aspect of it.

We have music and arts and civic organizations and sustainable agriculture and sports teams and a remarkable Remarkable Theater and a ride-on-demand program for the same reason.

People had a vision. People cared. People acted.

The Remarkable Theater was a pop-up hit last summer.

Now it’s the newcomers’ turn. Every group in town needs help.

We need you because you are smart. You are energetic. You are motivated. You are young.

First, we need you to step up. Then we need you to take over.

Whatever your interest, there is a spot for you.

The Westport Young Woman’s League. The Westport Woman’s Club. AWARE.

Earthplace. Wakeman Town Farm. Friends of Sherwood Island. Aspetuck Land Trust.

Boy Scouts. Girl Scouts.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee. Westport Permanent Art Collections. MoCA Westport. The Westport Country Playhouse.

The Westport Country Playhouse is 90 years old. New blood will keep it going for another 90.

Westport PAL. Westport Soccer Association. Westport Baseball and Softball. Any other sport you can think of.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA. The Senior Center.

PTAs. The Westport Library. The Maker Faire.

Al’s Angels.

TEAM Westport.

The Democratic Party. The Republican Party. The League of Women Voters. The Representative Town Meeting. Every board and commission in town.

You can’t do it all. You can’t do it alone.

But if you pick one or two areas of interest — and every other newcomer does the same — then we’ll have enough volunteer man and womanpower to propel this place to unfathomable heights.

And 40 years from now, whoever is writing the 2061 version of “06880” will remember your legacy too.

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Organizations, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #1301

Posted on November 8, 2020 | 1 comment

All summer long, and into the fall, the Remarkable Theater provided pop-up entertainment — and employment for people with disabilities — in the heart of downtown.

Last week — just before it closed — John Videler took this remarkable drone photo. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

(Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Pic of the Day

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Pic Of The Day #1299

Posted on November 6, 2020 | 1 comment

The Remarkable Theater — the pop-up drive-in at the Imperial Avenue parking lot — was the surprise hit of summer (and fall).

Carloads of families and friends (no more than 5 per vehicle!) “thronged” the site (though never too close to each other). They enjoyed classic and relatively new films: comedies, action, romance.

There were special events too, including fundraisers (with videos), and a special showing of the Staples High School boys’ soccer team match at Norwalk (we won).

At the same time, the Remarkable Theater provided employment for people with disabilities. It was a win-win-win.

Today the big screen was dismantled. We hope it will be back next year.

And after COVID is vanquished (wear your mask!), every parking space can be filled. 

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Pic of the Day

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Pics Of The Day #1281

Posted on October 19, 2020 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #1281

Near season’s end: Remarkable Theater … (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

… and behind the scenes (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Roundup: Remarkable Playhouse, Pop Art, WVEMS, More

Posted on October 19, 2020 | 2 comments

Stage and screen met Saturday night. The Westport Country Playhouse’s gala was held outdoors, at the Remarkable Theater.

Doug Tirola and Mark Lamos’ short-form documentary saluted the WCP’s 90-year history, and many of the artists who have appeared onstage.

The evening included filmed performances by Playhouse alumni like Kate Baldwin, a long with Jane Alexander, Lissy Newman, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Thomas and more.

Don’t worry about the photo below: Everyone was masked, except while eating.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

Speaking of stars:

Paul Newman, I Love Lucy, Martha Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, Robert Ludlum, Redford, Superman, Dennis the Menace, Great Gatsby, Bewitched, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Lloyd, Helen Hunt and gazillions of others — all lived in Westport, had a show based here, or were otherwise connected to our town.

This multi-media original showing them all is now available exclusively at Westport River Gallery (corner of Riverside Avenue and Post Road West).

It was created by songwriter Frankie Vinci. His rock journey has led him to create raw, colorful pop art/mixed media pieces.

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s annual fundraising drive is underway.

Nearly 100 volunteers and 6 full-time staff provide superb pre-hospital care to anyone living, working or passing through Westport. They give more than 18,000 hours of their time each year, responding to over 2,300 emergency calls. They also teach CPR, EMT and Stop the Bleed classes.

This year has been especially trying. Because of COVID, over 900 calls meant  donning full PPE. Still, they answered the calls.

WVEMS purchases all of the equipment needed — from a box of Band-Aids to an entire, state-of-the-art ambulance. But they could not do it without us.

Tax-deductible donations make it all possible. Click here to help.

So Westport Volunteer EMS can continue to help us.

And finally … did you know that October is National Pasta Month?

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Organizations, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Hybrid Schools, Hugh Jackman, Irrigation Ban, More

Posted on October 14, 2020 | 1 comment

The current hybrid model — 2 days in person, 3 out for middle and high schoolers; morning and afternoon sessions for elementary-age youngsters — will continue at least through December.

Superintendent of schools Tom Scarice announced that decision last night, at a Board of Education meeting. It was driven by an uptick in coronavirus cases — a trend expected to rise this fall.

Public sentiment is divided. But Scarice called this “the prudent” and “correct” approach, based on current infection numbers, future models, the ability of educators to adapt to both in-person and distance learning, and input on how the hybrid model has worked so far.

Sure, it rained earlier this week. But Aquarion has announced a mandatory irrigation ban in southwest Fairfield County. The area — including Westport — has hit its 3rd “drought trigger” this fall.

Effective immediately, the ban includes automatic irrigation systems and hose end sprinklers. (Hand-held watering, soaker hose and drip irrigation continue to be permitted for new plantings.)

The ban will help ensure “an adequate water supply for everyday needs, and give reservoirs time to recover for the spring,” the water company says.

Click here for water conservation tips.

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 Last Friday, Hugh Jackman stopped by the Remarkable Theater.

Okay, the Australian actor was not actually at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

But he did send a special message, introducing a screening of “The Greatest Showman” (and it had nothing to do with the music, by Staples High School graduate Justin Paul).

A video message from the movie’s creator and screenwriter Jenny Bicks also greeted the audience. The screening was in support of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.

Next up: “Playhouse at the Drive-in,” this Saturday night.

The Milken Institute Global Conference is in the midst of 8 days of inspiring talks and panels. This year’s topics are (of course) the global pandemic, and social injustice.

And (of course) it’s virtual. Over 4,000 of the world’s leading thinkers have tuned in.

There’s a solid Westport presence at the prestigious, 22nd annual event.

RTM member Kristin Schneeman is a director at FasterCures, part of the Milken Institute. Théo Feldman is an associate director, innovative finance there.

Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio was featured in a conversation, while the hedge fund’s CEO David McCormick spoke on a panel called “Leadership: Moving Beyond Conventional Thinking.

Feldman adds: “During last year’s Global Conference in Beverly Hills, I met a fellow Westporter: Russell Sherman. We realized his sister — Suzanne Sherman Propp — taught my daughter at Greens Farms Elementary School. And his niece did a play with my other daughter.”

As the weather turns cool, a pair of local religious institutions are sponsoring a coat drive for Person to Person.

Clothing should be bagged, and sorted by gender and age (adult or youth). Donations can be dropped off in a blue bin labeled “Coat Donations” on the side elevator entrance at Saugatuck Church, or The Conservative Synagogue.

Donation pick-ups are available too. Email alexandrawalsh9@gmail.com for arrangements.

Speaking of help: last week’s Longshore Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association annual fundraiser brought in plenty of groceries for the Westport Woman’s Club food closet. The event also raised over $1,170, which will go to gift cards for food insecure Westporters.

Donations for the Longshore golf food drive.

And finally … in honor of Hugh Jackman’s Westport “appearance” (and Justin Paul’s music):

 

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Environment, Organizations, religion, Staples HS

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Westport Playhouse Stage Meets Remarkable Theater Screen

Posted on October 2, 2020 | 2 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse has a historic stage. The Remarkable Theater has a big screen.

Stage and screen meet on Saturday, October 17. “Playhouse at the Drive-in” celebrates the WCP’s 90-season history with a benefit event, and a screening of special filmed performances and a documentary.

It’s also available to view online, at home.

The Westport Country Playhouse honors its history … (Photo/Wells Studio)

The short-form documentary salutes the Playhouse’s history, and many of the artists who have appeared onstage. It was created specially for this event, by Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos and Westport filmmaker Douglas Tirola. He’s the brains behind the Remarkable Theater. In his teens, he worked as a Playhouse “beautifier.”

The evening includes filmed performances by Playhouse alumni Kate Baldwin, Britney Coleman, Tina Fabrique, the Naughton family (James, Greg, Keira and Kelli O’Hara), Brenda Pressley, Amanda Robles, with a special performance by André De Shields.

Also appearing on film: Jane Alexander, Lissy Newman, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Thomas, and more.

“Playhouse at the Drive-In” takes the place of the annual fall gala fundraiser. On-site benefit tickets start at $500 per car (maximum 5 people). Online film screening from home is just $25.

Gates open at the Remarkable Theater (Imperial Avenue parkin lot) at 5 p.m., for a cocktail hour and picnic dinner. The live and online screening begins at 6:30.

… at an old-fashioned drive-in.

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