Tag Archives: Staples Players

“Lord Of The Flies”: Powerful Drama Set For Staples Stage

Staples High School’s Black Box Theater is an intimate space.

With a movable stage and seating, it’s been the setting for memorable shows like “Twelve Angry Men,” “The Laramie Project” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

Players’ next Black Box production — “Lord of the Flies” — is equally powerful and thought-provoking.

It may also be the most intriguing production there yet.

Directors David Roth and Kerry Long have cast males and females in the roles of 11- and 12-year-old boys. Marooned on an island and struggling to govern themselves, the tension between morality and individuality — and groupthink and immorality — is palpable from the opening scene.

Part of the “Lord of the Flies” cast. (Photo/Kerry Long)

Each performance features a different cast of actors. Some are mixed genders; one is all male, one all female.

Each show will look a bit different. But all force audiences to explore universal ideas like what it means to be human, and the desire for power.

Written in 1954, the story is “fresh, modern, and very relevant to our world today,” Roth says.

Though “Lord of the Flies” is best known as a novel (and film), Roth and Long found a YouTube video of a Sydney theatrical production. Both had read the book as Staples students.

Watching the video, they were reminded again of its power — and attracted to the Australians’ mixed-gender cast.

They relished the challenge of bringing the show — with its ever-shifting dynamics, both thematically and because of the several different casts — to the Black Box stage.

Cameron Mann (Jack) and Quinn Mulvey (Ralph). (Photo/Kerry Long)

Like the directors, some Players have read “Lord of the Flies” in school. Some are reading it right now. All understand its messages about human nature, and are growing as actors as they learn how their characters change — some for better, some worse — on the island, as democracy crumbles.

That island will look spare. The set is abstract, with a sandbox and just 3 props: a pig’s head, Piggy’s glasses, and the iconic conch.

There is, however, plenty of movement. Fight choreographer Chris Smalley — who has worked with Players for over a dozen years — ensures that the intense scenes are performed both authentically and safely.

It’s a different show for Staples, certainly. The theme and emotions are raw. Plus, Long notes, “the kids get spears, and get to act savagely.”

“Lord of the Flies” is not “Mamma Mia!,” “Grease” or “The Music Man” — some of the shows that Players perform on the main stage.

But the Staples troupe is known for their versatility and professionalism. This is the perfect vehicle for them.

And the Black Box Theater is the perfect place to perform it.

(“Lord of the Flies will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 25, 26 and 27, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 27 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 28 at 1 p.m. Click here for tickets and cast lists. The show is recommended for audiences 12 and older.)

 

 

 

 

[OPINION] Living With Regret

Ron Berler is a 1967 Staples High School graduate. He writes magazine and newspaper stories on a variety of subjects, from education to guns. Today, he focuses on baseball.

We’ve all done things in life we regret. And we regret them all the more for never having owned up to them, for never having made things right.

Major wrongs, minor wrongs, it doesn’t matter. Sometimes it’s the small ones that trouble us most, if only because they were so avoidable. A word of thanks here, an unprompted act of kindness there. That’s all it would have taken to avoid a regret – or to fix it.

An avoidable act of mine was to never tell Craig Matheson, the decades-long director of the Staples Players, how much it meant to me to be cast in one of his plays.

Even today, performing in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is among my most cherished memories. I still don’t quite understand why I landed the part. I wasn’t much of an actor; the theater critic for the Town Crier, Westport’s local newspaper, described my performance – generously, I thought – as “entirely adequate.”

Ron Berler (center( in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

But in gifting me that part, Mr. Matheson opened a world of art to me that I hadn’t truly appreciated, filled me with a new sense of confidence and introduced me to a circle of cast and crew to whom I still feel a bond.

Years later, having been away from Westport for decades, I walked into a Post Road restaurant in which Mr. Matheson happened to be dining. It was my opportunity, finally, to properly thank him, to make things right. He was grateful for my words, but not nearly so grateful as me for the chance to finally say them.

Craig Matheson — founder of Staples Players — was very involved in the Saugatuck Church too. In 2010, for its 175th anniversary celebration, he played the role of founding father Daniel Nash.

That was a moment I’ll always cherish. But like so many of us, I’m guilty of other oversights that I’ve never managed to correct.

I’m 73 now, and those missed opportunities – by now, some of them lost opportunities – continue to nag at me. It takes so little to be kind, to be thoughtful. The best I can express it is through an essay I wrote recently for the opinion page of the Chicago Tribune, regarding another person I dearly wanted to thank, but who died before I was able to do so. Gratitude is such an easy gift to give.

The Tribune has a paywall. I posted it also on Medium. I thought “06880” readers would appreciate it too.

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How do you thank someone who has passed?

Oscar Zamora was a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in the mid-1970s. He wasn’t very good, to put it kindly. During his Wrigley Field tenure, Cubs fans would serenade him as he exited the game, often in mid-inning after having surrendered a blizzard of runs. Here is a sample verse, sung to the tune of the long-ago Dean Martin hit, “That’s Amore.”

When the pitch is so fat
That the ball hits the bat,
That’s Zamora!

From the press box where I sometimes sat, he seemed to accept the razzing with equanimity, as if he agreed it was deserved. I was a young reporter at the time, and after games I’d pass him in the clubhouse as he dressed quietly at his locker, while I sought out one or another of his more prominent teammates.

Zamora pitched for the Cubs for parts of three seasons, and I can’t remember ever interviewing him for a story or even stopping to chat. He was one in that category — an interchangeable part, a minor actor who wouldn’t last long in the game.

Zamora was 31, in his second big-league season, on the day in May 1975 when we came closest to sharing a real conversation. My target that afternoon, as I strode past his locker, was one of his teammates — a star infielder I knew slightly who would win the league batting title that year. I had a favor to ask.

Like Zamora and his Cubs teammates, I too played the game, though not credibly enough to have made my high school team. Still, baseball was my passion. I played shortstop for a bar-league softball team, and my bucket-list dream was a new glove. Not just any glove — a major league-quality one, made of a grade of leather and stitching so fine, it was manufactured exclusively for professional ballplayers.

No problem, the infielder said. He named a price and I handed him the money. A week later, I returned to the clubhouse and the infielder waved me over. He reached into his locker and tossed me a new glove.

I thought he was joking at first. It was a Wilson A2000 — a popular model readily available in any decent sporting goods shop. Not a pro-quality one. Not at all what I’d asked for, or desired. I stood there silent, head dipped, feeling taken, staring at this unwanted object.

Word spread round the clubhouse about what had transpired. One of the infielder’s teammates, centerfielder Rick Monday, eyed the Wilson A2000 and shook his head. “If you wanted a glove, why didn’t you ask me?” he said, shooting a look at the infielder before returning to his locker.

Ron Berler

I was still staring at the retail-store glove when Zamora, the pitcher to whom I’d never spoken, approached. “Here,” he said. “Take this.” In his hand was a Rawlings Heart of the Hide professional-model glove. “It’s my backup,” he said, meaning the one he used during pregame drills.

I was too stunned at first to speak. I took his gift and turned it gingerly in my hands, as if I were examining a piece of fine jewelry. “I don’t know how to thank you,” I finally managed and kept repeating. The glove was the stuff of my dreams.

You’d think after such unprompted kindness that I would have sought him out regularly in the clubhouse, sat with him at his locker and gotten to know him as a treasured acquaintance, if not as a friend. I certainly had the time and opportunity. But I was 25, self-absorbed, oblivious. To my shame, I never did. By the time I realized my error, my loss, he had left the game. I never saw him again.

Zamora’s glove, though — that was a different story. I would take the field wearing his gift for the next 45 years, until I turned 70, till suddenly ground balls I had once readily handled seemed to come at me like sniper fire. It was time to retire.

Time for the glove to retire, too. Over the years it had taken a battering, its leather worn raw and thin, like a faded house stripped of its paint.

The glove.

I’m 73 now and haven’t played catch since hanging up my cleats. But every so often, I slip on Zamora’s glove and flex it till the pocket brushes my palm, till it feels as it did on the ball field, like a second skin. And I think, too, of the man who’d once worn it and of his selfless generosity.

Last December I sought to contact Zamora, to tell him about the glove and what it still means to me. But mostly, I hoped to get to know him. A Major League Baseball Players Association representative, wanting to help, mailed a letter to his last known address but received no response. Later, I learned he had opened a Miami shoe store after retiring, and I located Cosme de la Torriente, the attorney who had handled his business affairs.

I was too late, de la Torriente told me over the phone. Zamora died four years ago. He was 75.

The attorney and I spoke for almost an hour. Zamora had been not only a client but also his friend. He told me Zamora had emigrated from Cuba to Miami as a child and had returned to Miami after retiring from the game. The two had played local ball together and sometimes had gone nightclubbing.

“Oscar knew everybody, and everybody knew him. He loved people,” de la Torriente said. “What he did for you, that was his character. You would have liked him.”

I wish I’d made the effort.

Friday Flashback #341

Eighty years ago today — on March 31, 1943 — Oklahoma! debuted on Broadway.

But the road to the St. James Theatre began 50 miles away, in Westport.

In 1940, a production of Lynn Riggs’ play Green Grow the Lilacs incorporated turn-of-the-century folk songs, and a scene with a square dance. Theatre Guild producer Theresa Helburn suggested to Lawrence Langner and his wife Armina Marshall — founders of both the Playhouse and Guild — that it would make a good musical.

The original poster has a story behind it. John Ford agreed to direct the show but was detained by film commitments. Substitute director John Haggott followed ideas he and Ford put together earlier in Hollywood.

The trio invited Richard Rodgers — who lived just a few miles away, in Fairfield — to see a performance. Inspired, he wrote a show with those elements with his lyricist partner, Oscar Hammerstein.

Three years later the Guild produced Oklahoma! on Broadway — with a grateful nod to Lilacs.

Over the years, Oklahoma!‘s bond with Westport tightened even more. At just 17, dancer Bambi Linn made her Broadway debut in the show. She was Dream Laurey, the dancer in the dream in which Laurey tries to decide between Curly and Jud.

Bambi Linn — whose Broadway career flourished after Oklahoma! — moved to Westport in the early 1960s. She and her husband, Joe de Jesus, taught generations of young Westporters to dance.

Bambi Linn, as Dream Laurey in “Oklahoma!” on Broadway.

Oklahoma! was revolutionary. It’s considered one of the first shows in modern musical theater. Up to then, songs did not really move plots forward. They were sung to entertain.

Oklahoma! told its story through music — and, thanks in part to Bambi Linn, dance.

There’s one final Westport-Oklahoma! connection. Richard Rodgers’ grandson — composer/lyricist Adam Guettel (The Light in the Piazza) — married actress Haley Bond. Before graduating from Staples in 2003 (where she was known as Haley Petersen) she was an actor herself, with Players.

The high school troupe has (of course!) produced Oklahoma!. Theystaged it 4 times: in 1973, 1989, 1995 and 2012.

Players is known for their near-Broadway quality work.

Which, in Oklahoma!‘s case makes a ton of sense, given its birthplace — or at least, conception — right here in Westport.

Roundup: “Twelfth Night”, Stop & Shop Trees, Hillspoint House …

It’s easy to get audiences to see “Mamma Mia!,” “The Music Man” or “Guys and Dolls.”

It’s a lot harder for Shakespeare. Especially a play by The Bard that’s not “Romeo and Juliet” or “Macbeth.”

But Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long rolled the dice.

“Twelfth Night” came up huge.

The show — the high school troupe’s spring production — is not what you would have seen at the Globe Theater.

In fact, this production comes from the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the (Central) Park.

It’s a rocking, rollicking modern-ish musical, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.

The singing, dancing, pit and set are — as audiences have come to expect from Staples Players — near-Broadway quality.

There’s just the right amount of Shakespeare. There’s even a cheat-sheet synopsis in the program, telling you exactly what happens.

“Twelfth Night” was a gamble. Players relies on ticket sales to fund future productions.

Fortunately, the audience was near capacity last weekend.

Judging by their reactions — laughing, clapping, and a well-deserved standing ovation — there won’t be any empty seats this Friday (March 24, 7:30 p.m.) or Saturday (March 25, 3 and 7:30 p.m.).

So act fast. Click here to get yours.

Quinn Mulvey as Viola. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Just like the swallows of Capistrano, an osprey of Westport have returned.

Carolyn Doan reports that one of our town’s favorite raptors has returned from the south, to its perch near the Fresh Market parking lot.

“It most likely wintered in South America or Florida,” she notes. “This is probably the male, who usually returns first. The pair winter separately but meet back here every March.

“He’s a few days early this year, and is already sprucing up the nest. The female should join him soon.”

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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Speaking of nature: “06880” has reported on the still-up-in-the-air fate of 2 cherry blossoms in front of Sakura.

What’s clear is that many other trees will definitely be removed — including those in the grassy Post Road median — between New Country Toyota and Volvo of Westport.

It’s part of a Route 1 improvement plan, in the works by the state Department of Transportation for nearly a decade.

The Post Road/Bulkley Avenue intersection is also in for some much-needed realignment.

Which means that some sycamore trees will come down there, too.

They’ve already been tagged for removal.

Red ribbons mean “removal,” in front of Stop & Shop. (Photo and hat tip/Debra McKinney)

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It’s hard to tell from this photo, but Matt Murray saw at least one worker inside 233 Hillspoint Road — aka the former Positano/the current eyesore — yesterday.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

He lives nearby. It’s the first time he’s seen anyone doing anything there since a stop-work order was issued in December 2019, due to building permit violations.

A new home — minus the blue swaddling — is on the market for $7.9 million.

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High school students can do advanced trigonometry. But they’ve never been taught to balance a checkbook.

Tom Henske will change that.

This Sunday (March 26, 2 p.m.), the Westport resident and financial industry leader brings his Total Cents program to the Westport Library for a talk, and panel discussion with fellow experts. It’s called “Raising Financially Savvy Kids.”

The goal: to help parents, grandparents and guardians get comfortable teaching their kids about money.

“Everyone sees the clear value and importance of developing good financial habits in our children,” Henske says. “It’s time for parents to take ownership of this part of their child’s development.”

He hopes that Westport becomes “the epicenter for teaching parents how to talk to their kids about money.”

Joining Henske are Caroline Barneyauthor, inspirational speaker, and parent of two Staples High School students; John Lanza, author of “The Art of Allowance” and an expert of youth financial literacy, and Kathy Soderholm, former Wilton High School personal finance teacher and founder of The Good Bookkeeper, specializing in nonprofit organizations.

Henske’s efforts with Total Cents include a book, “It Makes Total Cents: 12 Conversations to Change Your Child’s Financial Future,” and a podcast he developed in collaboration with the Library.

Tom Henske (center) and “It Makes Total Cents” panelists.

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The Westport Library, Part II:

They host many non-book events: concerts, art exhibits, even the Fashionably Westport runway show.

This one though is right down the literary alley.

Westport Writers’ Workshop’s 2nd annual Pitch & Publish Conference is set for May 20 (in-person and virtual).

It’s a chance for anyone seeking an agent, looking to learn about the industry, or hoping to meet and be inspired by authors and editors. The event includes panels, and one-on-one pitches.

Keynote speaker Courtney Maum has written 5 books, among them “Year of the Horses,” the groundbreaking publishing guide “Before and After the Book Deal,” and “Touch.”

The conference also features a welcome party May 19 at the Westport Writers’ Workshop on Sylvan Road South, a light breakfast, and a wrap party.

Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each. Tickets for the conference, plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents, are $600 (early bird discount before April 1), $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.

Liz Matthews and Julie Sarkissian of Westport Writers’ Workshop help organize the Pitch & Publish Conference. (Photo/Elizabeth Foley)

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Over 80 students attended yesterday’s “Town Hall” meeting with Congressman Jim Himes at Staples High School.

He fielded questions about a range of topics, including the economy, inflation and banking; China and foreign policy threats; climate change; his experience inside the Capitol on January 6, and his optimism for bipartisan legislation and compromise in the 118th Congress.

Congressman Jim Himes, at the Staples Library.

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Pianist Ted Rosenthal headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 23; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

He has performed worldwide as soloist, with his trio, and with greats like Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods and James Moody.

Rosenthal has released 15 CDs. His latest reached #1 on iTunes and Amazon. He has has soloed with major orchestras, and is on the faculties of the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music.

He’ll be joined Thursday by bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Longtime Westport teacher Jane Fraser died peacefully in her home March 1, with her family by her side. She had just celebrated her 95th birthday.

The Illinois native began her 25-year education career In Westport in 1967. She taught at Burr Farms Elementary School until it closed, and then transferred to Greens Farms Elementary.

In the early 1980s she became the district’s K-6 literacy staff developer. During that time Jane was connected with the Writing Project, Teachers College, Columbia University. She presented workshops for teachers throughout the Northeast, and at national professional conferences.

She returned to the classroom to teach 2nd grade at Coleytown Elementary School for 5 years, before retiring in 1992.

In 1994 Jane co-authored “On Their Way… Celebrating Second Graders as They Read and Write.”

Her family says, “She enjoyed her family, chocolate, and being at the beach (in that order). She had an adventurous spirit, both intellectually and physically. She was not afraid to travel a unique path. She was always good company, with interests that stretched from classical music to books to teaching to hiking and gardening.”

Jane’s husband Julius died in 2010. She is survived by her daughters Carol and Ann, stepson Tom, brother Peter and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Jane Fraser

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Yesterday was the first day of spring.

The weather was still late-winter-ish. But soon the wind will die down. The weather will warm up. And all will be right with the world.

In the meantime, enjoy today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. It’s from Becky Keeler, taken from her deck across from the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

(Photo/Becky Keeler)

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And finally … in honor of Tom Henske’s upcoming “It Makes Total Cents” financial literacy program for children and teenagers, at the Westport Library (story above):

(We couldn’t have said it better ourselves: Money does change everything. Including how well “06880” can operate. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)

“Twelfth Night”: Staples Players’ Jazz-Funk-Pop Shakespearean Sizzler

Staples Players’ spring production is “Twelfth Night.”

People might think: “Teenagers doing Shakespeare. I’ll pass.”

Don’t!

For one thing, Players is no ordinary high school troupe. Their near Broadway-quality shows always entertain, excite and inspire.

For another — and this is key — this “Twelfth Night” is not really Shakespeare. It’s a big, bold musical, filled with singing and dancing.

Ben Herrera as Malvolio, with “Twelfth Night” ensemble.

It’s funny. It’s fun. It’s accessible.

And it zips along: 12 songs are packed into a quick — and very engrossing — 90 minutes.

Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long knew they were taking a risk. “Twelfth Night” — whether familiar Shakespeare, or an unfamiliar musical — is a tough sell.

(From left): Charlie Watson, Matthew Bukzin, Jackie Peterson and Henry Carson in “Twelfth Night.”

But they loved Shaina Taub’s music. They knew that the cast recording was popular with theater people. (When the Public Theatre debuted the show in 2018, the New Yorker called it “less an interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy than a block party sprinkled with iambic pentameter.”)

And when the directors announced it this winter, they challenged Players cast members to listen to the jazz-funk-pop score with open ears.

The next days, the young actors were singing in the halls. (Click below for senior Sophia Betit, singing during rehearsal.)

During their 65-year history, Players have tackled Shakespeare before. Roth and Long directed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2005, and “Romeo & Juliet” 3 years later.

As with much of The Bard’s work, despite being over 400 years old, “Twelfth Night” remains timely.

The plot deals with “our perceptions of gender — what it means to be a man or a woman, and how women are perceived in society,” Roth says.

(After a shipwreck, a woman dresses as a man to get a job. And of course, there are love complications.)

Quinn Mulvey as Viola. (All photos/Kerry Long)

“The message of the show is about walking in another person’s shoes, and seeing how the world perceives you,” Long explains. “There’s not a lot of equity.”

“Twelfth Night” is not “Mamma Mia!” or “Grease.” But — like those Staples Players blockbusters — it too will thrill audiences of all ages.

“We want to expose people to shows we love,” Roth says. “Take a 90-minute leap of faith with us!”

(“Twelfth Night” performances are March 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and March 19 and 25 at 3 p.m. Youngsters 12 and under get a sweet swag bag, including a coupon for a free ice cream cone donated by Saugatuck Sweets, plus a button proudly announcing “My first Shakespeare!”

(Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below to hear the original cast recording music.)

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for Westport entertainment news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Fashionably Westport; Joggers Club; Future Frogmen …

Last night’s Fashionably Westport benefit drew hundreds of guests to the Westport Library — and raised thousands of dollars for Homes with Hope.

The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored event featured over 60 models, in apparel from 21 local stores. Their hair and makeup was done by 6 salons.

A ton of work by tons of folks made last night a success. Thanks to all who pitched in, for fun and — more importantly — helping people in need of shelter and food.

The Westport Library’s Trefz Forum became a runway for the night.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and social media influencer Zac Mathias pose, before their star turns as models.

Andrew Colabella, Viviana Vasiu and Diane Lowman look sharp.

Not models — but they could have been. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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A motor vehicle/pedestrian accident at 11:30 last night sent a man to Norwalk Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Westport Police report he was struck by a southbound vehicle near 575 Riverside Avenue, the area of The Whelk and Saugatuck Sweets.

The operator of the vehicle remained at the scene, and is fully cooperating, as an investigation continues.

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As the calendar sprints (or slogs) toward spring, The Joggers Club offers this incentive: a free trial membership in March. For information, email TheJoggersClub@gmail.com.

The group — which emphasizes fun and friendship, for all levels — offers:

Fun Runs: Every Saturday 8 a.m. at Compo Beach; $50 for the season, and a free Brooks running shirt for all new members. Each run is followed by coffee and treats from McDonald’s and Village Bagels.

Track Nights: Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m., Norwalk High School (included in membership)

Running Camp (Sundays, April 23 to June 11, 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the Staples High School track; kindergarten through 8th grade; $75 for members, $125 for non-members; only 10 spots left).

The Joggers Club also notes these upcoming races:

25k Boston Build-up.

United Airlines NYC Half: Run across Times Square and loop Central Park — with no cars.

Minute Man 10k: A Joggers Club favorite. The most beautiful course in New England; help support the great Westport Young Woman’s League.

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Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates St. Patrick’s Day at The Porch @ Christie’s (March 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).

It’s a perfect place. The Cross Highway spot has always offered training and employment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and all pastries come from Sweet P Bakery, which does the same.

Click here for more information on this month’s party.

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Future Frogmen is a non-profit organization that empowers high school and college students to be ocean ambassadors and future leaders. Through experiential learning, communication, action, leadership and exploration, they generate public awareness about the ocean and deepen the connection between people and nature.

Future Frogmen have a new home. Save the Sound will now handle its archive of original environmental content, including videos, a blog and the “Blue Earth” podcast.

Save the Sound — a 50-year-old environmental action organization — will expand its own content creation efforts, launching a podcast series with the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. A 6-episode season will explore environmental issues challenging the Long Island Sound watershed.

Future Frogmen was founded by Richard Hyman, a local educator, conservationist, businessman and former crew member for Jacques Cousteau.

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Broadway star (and Staples High School Class of 1982 graduate) Michael Hayden has been cast as Fredrik Egerman in the Pasadena Playhouse’s 50th anniversary  production of “A Little Night Music.” 

The production is part of the theater’s 6-month celebration of Stephen Sondheim.

Michael Hayden

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Vibraphonist and composer Chris Dingman and his trio rock Christ & Holy  Trinity Episcopal Church’s Branson Hall next Saturday (March 11, 5 p.m.). They merge jazz and global influences in exciting ways.

Click here for tickets; they’re also available at the door.

Chris Dingman

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Dexter Abrams and his dad Jason were fascinated by this swan yesterday.

Walking in Parker Harding Plaza, they stopped to watch her build a nest. Dexter snapped this “Westport … Naturally” photo. Just 9 years old, he’s our youngest contributor ever.

Father and son plan to watch the swan as she lays eggs, and hatches them — from a safe, respectful distance of course.

(Photo/Dexter Abrams)

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And finally … in honor of last night’s Fashionably Westport gala (story above):

(From Main Street to Carnaby Street, “06880” tells you all you need to know. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Flooding, BMS Earthquake Help, Graffiti …

Today’s trash pick-up at Elaine Road has been canceled, due to predicted bad weather. A new date will be announced soon.

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The coastal flood warning — in effect until noon today — is real. Here was the scene earlier this morning at Canal Road on Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/Gene Borio)

And high tide was still 2 hours away.

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When the Bedford Middle School community learned that Heba, one of their popular cafeteria workers, had relatives in Syria — and was still waiting for news after the earthquake — they swung into action.

In just a few days, donations of coats, sweaters, shoes, scarves, hats, blankets (and backpacks filled to the brim) poured in. Many of the gifts were new, or almost new.

Yesterday, Dan Barberio — a physical education teacher and member of the Spirit Leadership Team, who helped organize the effort — packed his van. He delivered it all to a mosque in New Haven, for shipment to Syria today.

Congratulations, BMS, for your important, school-wide effort.

Dan Barberio (far left) and Bedford Middle School students, with some of the collection for Syrian earthquake victims.

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A reader found new racist graffiti — this time, on the picnic tables at Compo’s South Beach. She reported it to Westport Police.

Previous racist graffiti at the state boat launch underneath I-95 was also reported, and immediately removed.

Racist raffiti at the state boat launch. (Photo/Nathan Selsky)

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Danbury countered Staples’ fast start with a faster finish — and excellent defense — at last night’s boys basketball FCIAC championship.

The Hatters’ 69-53 win, at Wilton High School, denied the Wreckers their first league championship since 1963, and their first ever on the court. (The previous title came by having the best record.)

Danbury — seeded 3rd in the tourney — had beaten #4 Staples 63-54, in the regular season.

But the blue-and-whites’ superb season continues. First-year coach Dave Goldshore’s squad — now 17-6 — begins action in the state Division II on Tuesday.

Ranked 7th, they host #26 Manchester. Tipoff is 6 p.m.

The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.

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Wakeman Town Farm is getting a jump on spring.

Among its just-announced events:

Old-Fashioned Maple Syrup Boiling (Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free). Farmers Ryan Brunelle and Sharon Stone boil maple sap into pure maple syrup from trees tapped on the Farm. Ask questions about tapping your own trees, and checking out WTF’s homestead-sized evaporator.

Learn About Chicken Keeping (March 27, April 24, May 8): A 3-session series for the novice; take 1, 2 or all 3. At the end, attendees of all 3 sessions can “adopt” 2 of the chicks raised on the farm, and bring home a starter pack with feeder, waterer, wood shavings and 5 pounds of organic feed. $60 per session; $50 for starter pack. Click here for more information, and to register.

Lamb socials (selected dates, March 31 through May 1; $20): Snuggle and  hold lambs, to socialize the new flock; watch them play. All ages welcome. Click here for details and registration.

Home Vegetable Gardening: Dos and Don’ts (Monday, April 10, 7 p.m.). WTF farmer Sharon Stone describes how the Farm prepares for the growing season, past mistakes they’ve learned from, and the importance of maintenance and management. All ages and gardening levels are welcome. Click here to register.

Lunch and Learn to Cook an Italian Meal with Chef Vita (May 16, 11 a.m.; $125). On the menu: orecchiette pasta. Click here to register.

In addition, registration for spring programs begins online next Friday (March 10, 9 a.m.). Click here for details.

Down at the farm … (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Staples Player alum Remy Laifer has joined the national tour of “Fiddler on the Roof.” He’ll play Mendel.

The Class of 2017 graduate will also understudy for Motel — a role he played in Players’ production of the same show. (Hat tips: David Roth and Kerry Long)

Remy Laifer

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Save the date, for one of our town’s best (and most delicious) fundraisers:

Taste of Westport returns May 10 (6 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).

The 17th annual event — featuring fantastic food, wine and spirits from more than 2 dozen of the area’s best vendors, plus live music ad a silent auction — benefits CLASP Homes. The non-profit provides homes, support and services to adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Tickets are $125 per person from March 10 until April 9, then $150 until they sell out. Click here to purchase. For sponsorship opportunities, email rhammond@clasphomes.org or call 203-226-7895, ext. 144.

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NBC Connecticut’s “CT Live” featured a fascinating interview yesterday about the Westport Country Playhouse.

In just 5 minutes, cultural associate and archivist Bruce Miller gave a history of the famed space; described the stage, sets and costumes, and added a plea to support live theater everywhere, in these post-pandemic days.

Click here to see.

Screenshot from “CT Live.”

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Rita Leyden died Thursday, at 85. She and her husband Tom — who died in 2020 — lived in Westport from 1965 through 2019.

Her son Tommy posted this tribute on Facebook:

“We mourn today because Mom has gone home, but we’re also celebrating and giving thanks for how fortunate we were to absorb her spirit, wisdom and love for 85 years.

“Where will I go for my fill-up of confidence and reassurance? A selfish reflection, but I’m not alone in saying Rita Leyden was the queen of providing a boost of conviction when you needed it, sometimes right after she tactfully told you there was room for improvement.

“Mom was a woman of extraordinary elegance and faith, a rare fusion of class and humility. Her virtuous essence was pure, her love was sacrificial and whole. She believed in reconciliation and the power of positive reinforcement, always empowering others to find their right path as she offered support.

“Inspired each day by her dedication to Catholicism, her regular trips to church kept Mom centered on surrendering her soul to God and living a life of generous example. She trusted prayer in times of need and times of thanksgiving. With a Miraculous Medal always around her neck, Mom sought peace and graciously granted forgiveness to everyone in her life who sought it. Those who couldn’t find the strength to ask, she forgave anyway, and that’s a lesson we can all carry with us.

“Her smile was soothing, the signature grin of an eager hostess, pleased to open her home to guests. When you entered 6 Bradley Street, and 2 Garden Street before that, you were part of the family. Now, that may mean you had to take the buns out of the oven, grab a knife out of the drawer or bring a plate to the table, but if you were spending time laughing with Rita, even washing a pile of dishes by hand was fun.

“Perhaps most endearing was Mom’s true appreciation for others. It takes great humility and self-confidence to listen intently and Mom was truly engaged. With a warm hug and intent eye contact, she would ask about your life, your accomplishments and your struggles because she cared about each and how they affected you. If you wanted her opinion, Mom would offer intelligent insight.

“She was able to balance her words of support and encouragement with wit and humor, sharply delivering a memorable punch-line or zinger with pizazz. Every family has classic moments and Mom delivered more than a few.

“Even in her final days, Mom was always thinking about the details that make a difference. Just last week, I made her famous chocolate chip bars for a colleague. She reminded me to cut them a little smaller than I did the last time.

“Like the stories in the thousands of books she flipped through over the course of eight glorious decades, her life story was page-turning in its excitement, colored with fantastic twists and turns, drama, sadness and laughter.

“We spoke 2 weeks ago about growing old and reaching the end. Mom shrugged and told me, ‘There’s nothing you can do. Just hang in there the best you can. It’s part of the journey.’

“Another morsel of wisdom from the woman who never failed to fill up my tank of reassurance.

“Give Dad a hug. I’m glad you’re reunited.”

Rita and Tom Leyden

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A river runs through downtown Westport.

And though we don’t always notice, it’s one of our greatest natural resources. Andrew Fishman captured it recently, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Andrew Fishman)

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And finally … in honor of Remy Laifer’s new touring gig (story above), here’s a video from his 2015 production, with Staples Players:

 

“Twelfth Night” Composer Jams With Staples Players

Sure, “Twelfth Night” is Shakespeare.

But Staples Players’ productions always come with a twist. Next month’s show by the award-winning high school troupe is a catchy, contemporary musical version of the Bard’s romantic comedy.

They’ve been excited about it, ever since rehearsals began.

Last week, they got an added jolt: Composer Shaina Taub came to the Staples stage, to chat — and sing — with the cast.

The visit started as a shot in the dark. Co-director Kerry Long reached out on Instagram, noting that Taub’s friend Justin Paul — composer of “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land” — is a Players alum.

Taub’s schedule is packed, but she graciously agreed to visit.

Shaina Taub (front row, center, hands clasped) enjoys a sing-along with Players. Andrew Maskoff is at the piano. (Photo/Kerry Long)

The Westport teens related to her stories about growing up as a musical theater kid in Vermont. She described the importance of her extended theater family at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, and the daunting task of writing an adaptation of Shakespeare after a call from the Public Theater.

Long and co-director David Roth led a Q-and-A session. A question about her writing process brought this advice about getting something — anything — down: “A C+ song on paper is better than an A+ song that hasn’t been written.”

Then the real fun began: a sing-along around the piano.

“There’s something amazing for theater kids to sing songs with the person who wrote them,” Long says.

“Our students are obsessed with the music. They all the know the words to every song, even if they don’t sing it in the show.”

Shaina Taub (left) with Sophia Betit. The senior plays Feste in “Twelfth Night” — the role Taub originated in her own show at the Public Theater. (Photo/Kerry Long)

Taub is now an accomplished composer and actor. But she went right back into “theater kid” mode, singing and bopping joyfully with the young cast.

It was a magical 90 minutes.

Then — the moment it was over — rehearsal began.

Shaina Taub could surely relate.

(Staples Players perform “Twelfth Night” at 7:30 p.m. on March 17, 18, 24 and 25, and 3 p.m. on March 19 and 25. Click here for tickets, and more information. Hat tip: Jill Johnson Mann)

(Staples Players is where teenagers meet Shakespeare — and Shaina Taub. “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and you read all about it. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

Roundup: Holiday Movies, Holiday Animals …

Two of the Top 10 most streamed movies last weekend were holiday films.

And both have strong Westport connections.

“Spirited” (Apple TV+) ranked 7th overall for the weekend. The musical comedy retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds (also shown in theaters) was written in part by 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul, and his songwriting partner Benj Pasek (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”). Justin also served as an executive producer.

Right behind “Spirited,” in 8th place, was “Something From Tiffany’s” (Amazon Prime Video). The rom-com is directed by 2002 Staples grad Daryl Wein (and produced by Reese Witherspoon).

Justin and Daryl were good friends at Staples. They were in Orphenians and Staples Players together — and 20 years ago this weekend, shared the stage for the annual Candlelight Concert. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

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The Greens Farms train station COVID testing site — run since last January by Progressive Diagnostics — closed on Thursday. The move was made to accommodate normal station operations and concessions.

Progressive’s same-day COVID, flu and RSV tests remain available at their Norwalk and Wilton sites. Clients can schedule appointments online, or walk in.

Progressive Diagnostics’ Covid PCR tests detect the presence of viruses even before symptoms begin. Results are delivered the same day. The company also offers  telehealth, connecting patients with professionals who can discuss symptoms and provide orders for flu and/or RSV tests.

PS: As Bob Weingarten notes, free COVID tests are available online from the US government. Click here for details.

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The ever-changing Winslow Park Animal Hospital front lawn has gone whole hog for the holidays.

Their decorations are a welcome treat for anyone — and by that, I mean “everyone” who waits at the Post Road light between the Westport Country Playhouse and Playhouse Square.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Meanwhile, Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is ready for Christmas too.

She enjoys everything about the holiday.

Except the traditional ham dinner.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Speaking of animals … Mary Hoffman writes from the Compo Beach neighborhood:

This morning we woke up to a very clean, meatless deer leg …

 

… and a very large wolf looking at us. It is bigger than a typical German shepherd.  Dog owners beware!”

The wolf, with deer bone in its mouth. (Photo and screenshot/Mary Hoffman)

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Longtime Westporter Dick Rauh is 97 years old.

But you’re never too old to have a Westport Library exhibit.

His botanical paintings are featured in the Sheffer Gallery, from now through February 28. An artist talk and reception, with Rauh and Miggs Burroughs, is set for January 29 (2 p.m.).

“06880” reader Larry Bartimer urges everyone to see the exhibit.

“What an amazing man!” Larry says. “He is the most alert and intelligent 97-year-0ld man I have ever met. He should be celebrated. He kept us captivated at his Library show.”

Dick Rauh (Photo/Larry Bartimer)

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Hundreds of singers, and orchestra and band members, were the stars of this weekend’s Candlelight Concert at Staples High School.

In a supporting — but very important — role: dozens of red and white poinsettias.

The holiday plants enriched an already wonderful show. Lynn Untermeyer Miller captured a small part of the array, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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And finally … Dino Danelli — one of the greatest drummers in rock history — died Thursday in New York. He was 78, and had been in ill health for several years.

Inspired by Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, he helped make the Rascals one of the first American bands to capitalize on the success of the British Invasion.

The New York Times says Danelli “merged percussive virtuosity with a rock sensibility. Like Ringo Starr of the Beatles, he set the template for the rock drummer archetype: disciplined and precise, but with a flair that drew the crowd’s eye.”

When the Rascals were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, Steven Van Zandt — who played with Danelli — called him  “the greatest rock drummer of all time.” Click here for a full obituary.

(“People everywhere just got to be free.” But “06880” isn’t free to produce. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

Roundup: Little Barn, Kelli O’Hara, Alan Fiore …

On Friday night, Little Barn was the place to be for Hibachi Dinner.

The popular Post Road restaurant’s menu has not changed. Hibachi Dinner is the name of an equally popular band, featuring 3 Brannigan brothers — Terry, Eamon and Seamus — plus Maddy Cerito, and special guest Dylan Curran.

The place was packed. Some of the most energetic fans were members of Staples Players. A week after their great “Guys and Dolls” show closed, they were there to support Seamus, a cast member.

Friday’s Little Barn crowd.

The high school band Dulcit (Grant Hill, Freddie Aldridge, Liam Donaldson and Jake Weissman) opened for Hibachi Dinner. Last night, it was Strictly Business. (That’s the name of another local band that played.)

High school audiences don’t buy drinks at the bar. But Little Barn owner Scott Beck doesn’t mind. He’s happy to provide a venue for them, and their friends.

Kudos to him and his staff. And of course, to Hibachi Dinner, Dolcit and Strictly Business, we say: Rock on!

Hibachi Dinner (from left): Seamus Brannigan, Maddy Cerito, Terry Brannigan, Eamon Brannigan, Dylan Curran.

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Speaking of entertainment: Our neighbor Kelli O’Hara opened at the Metropolitan Opera last week as Laura Brown in the new American opera “The Hours.”

Her costars include legendary star Renee Fleming and multi-Grammy winner Joyce DiDonato.

This is Kelli’s 3rd Met appearance. She starred previously in “The Merry Widow” and “Cosi Fan Tutte.”

Brava!

Kelli O’Hara acknowledges a standing ovation, after her Metropolitan Opera debut. Joining in: Renee Fleming (white dress) and Joyce DiDonato (red dress). (Hat tip and photo: Nancy Diamond)

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Alan Fiore has done it again.

The 2021 Staples High School graduate and current Berklee College of Music student has just released his new single, “A Matter of Time.”

It’s part of an EP, with several previous songs.

It’s just “a matter of time” before Alan hits the big big big time. You heard of him first on “06880.”

Click here to listen, on your favorite streaming platform.

Alan Fiore

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Remarkable Theater closed for the season last month, with some blockbuster Halloween films.

A month later, here’s the scene at the Imperial Avenue parking lot:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

No worries. There’s plenty of time before the 4th season begins next spring.

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Before this holiday weekend gets too far in the rear view window, here’s one more turkey-themed “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Rusty Ford)

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And finally … Irene Cara, the Academy and Oscar- Award-winning singer most famous for her title songs from the films “Flashdance” and “Fame,” has died. She was 63. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your place for all kinds of entertainment news. Please click here to help keep it coming. Thank you!)