“Guys and Dolls” was the first show David Roth directed, after taking over as Staples Players director in 2000.
He staged it again, 9 years later. And once more, in 2023.
Players’ second director, Al Pia, also did “Guys & Dolls” in the 1980s. The award-winning troupe has done it at least 6 times in total, making it perhaps the most-produced show in their 68-year history.
Today, retired media teacher Jim Honeycutt offers the 2000 and ’09 “nutshell” versions. He edited both in almost exactly the same way.
Shira Hofmekler (also known as Shira Gregory) (Adelaide) is best known for her role in the original Broadway cast of the Tony-Award-winning play “Frost/Nixon.” She also appeared in independent films like “Breaking.” She wrote the player “Helen Unbecoming,” a 2025 semifinalist in the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference.
Peter Duchan (Nicely-Nicely) wrote the book of the musical “Dogfight” (based on the 1991 film). He was a 2011-2012 Dramatists Guild Fellow and a 2014 recipient of the Robert Chesley Playwriting Award. Peter co-wrote the screenplay for “Breaking Upwards” (with Staples graduates Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones), and co-wrote the short “Unlocked” with Wein, an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, Gijon International Film Festival, and many others.
Justin Miller (Benny Southstreet) is a former Staples director of choral activities. He is a choral conductor, composer and arranger, known for his work in the Barbershop Harmony Society and his academic choral teaching. He led the Westminster Chorus and Masters of Harmony to international championships.
Justin Paul (Rusty Charlie) is a composer, lyricist, and half of the acclaimed songwriting duo Pasek and Paul. They wrote the music for “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.” In 2024, Pasek and Paul achieved EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status after winning an Emmy for their song in “Only Murders in the Building.”
Joanna Gang is a voiceover artist based in New York. She is also a non-profit administrator and fundraiser.
Guys And Dolls 2009
Peter Molesworth (Rusty Chalie) is a writer, actor and filmmaker. Acting credits include “Pear,” “How to Catfish Your Ex” and “Fix.”
Max Stampa-Brown (Nathan Detroit) appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Eva Hendricks (Miss Adelaide) is a lead singer, and Dan Shure (Nicely-Nicely) plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band. Their current release is “Back There Now.”
Jake Yarmoff (Sky Masterson) is a Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter. His song “City of Love” can be heard on YouTube.
Max Samuels(Sky Masterson) is a New York-based stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”
Nora Kennedy is a New York-based stage and screen actor and writer, recognized for her film work (“Prom King” and “Taken”), and her one-woman cabaret shows.
Matthew Van Gessel(Harry the Horse) is an actor, director and writer based in New York. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”
In the Black Box, the audience surrounded the courtroom set on all 4 sides. I saw 3 productions. Each time, I sat in a different spot. Each time, the show felt completely different.
On May 28-31, Players will stage “12 Angry Men” for the third time. (They premiered it in 2009. As before, some of the “men” are females.)
The drama — a compelling exploration of human morals and values, and a sharp critique of the American legal system — is familiar. But directors David Roth and Kerry Long have made sure that, like the variety of views from each seat, this one will be quite different from previous productions.
For example, this — like the Sidney Lumet film starring Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley and E.G. Marshall — is set in the McCarthy-era 1950s. (Players’ 2 others were updated to the ’70s.)
For another, the set and costumes are all black and white. They pay homage to the 1957 movie.
From left: Brady Walker, Lilliana Gomez, Griffin Delmhorst.
For a third, it’s the first time that Staples actors have worked with a dramaturg. Former Player AnnaMaria Fernandez helps the ensemble understand the political, racial and social realities of the play’s era.
She brings plenty of insight into the role. She was a juror in the 2018 show.
Perhaps most interestingly, the show is double-cast — but the combinations will be different for every production. That makes each one unique, as actors play off each other in different ways.
“’12 Angry Men is great, for the cast and audiences,” Roth says. “It’s a real ensemble show, with everyone on stage all the time.
From left: Harper Iglehart, Denver Razza, Ari Sklar.
“It’s a fantastic script. It teaches everyone about the judicial process. The jury doesn’t have to believe the alleged murderer is innocent. They do have to agree 100% — all of them — that he is guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The stakes are high. There was a mandatory death sentence for the crime of murder.”‘
Long adds, “It really deals with the prejudices we have inherent in ourselves, while a group of strangers comes together, and figures out how to work as a team.”
“12 Angry Men” will be the last show for several Players, members of a strong senior class. Some will study theater in college.
From left: Blake Raho, Will McCrea, Sara Stanley. (Photos/Kerry Long)
ENCORE: Will McCrae plays Juror #8. That’s the same role his grandfather — the legendary Jack Lemmon — played in the 1997 Showtime film version of “12 Angry Men.”
Will — a familiar face for Players’ audiences over the past 4 years — says that when he learned he would share a role with his grandfather, “I was ecstatic. Realistically, I’m not going to get another chance like this.
“I’ve got some tremendous shoes to fill — and yes, I am a bit scared. But I am determined not to play the role as ‘well’ as he did. I want to bring my own interpretation to the part, and not try to mirror his choices simply because I feel an obligation by blood.
“My grandfather died several years before I was born. Playing this part is the closest I’ll ever get to meting him. I’m honored, terrified, and really, really excited.”
But the 1967 Tony Award-winning musical — set in Berlin as the Nazis rise to power, and which portrays hedonistic nightlife, an interreligious romance, and other adult themes — is a tremendous challenge for high school students.
Which is why Staples Players has produced it, several times.
Two shows were 20 years apart. But they’re tied together by a common thread.
In 1984, under director Al Pia, 12th grader David Roth played the sinister Kit Kat Club emcee. The role — made famous by Joel Grey and Alan Cumming — shifts frequently between playful, vulgar and menacing. It’s difficult for anyone to pull off — let alone a teenager. But Roth is superb.
Twenty years later, he was in his first years as Players co-director, at his alma mater. This time, Brandon Floch embraced the emcee role.
Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt filmed that 2004 production. He also unearthed a videotape of the previous one.
He went to work, editing both. He cut them exactly the same — same highlights, same length, everything.
The only thing different is 2 decades’ worth of technological advances. The ’84 show was shot with one camera, at the back of the auditorium. Audio was captured — not always well — by the microphone on top of the camera.
Starting tomorrow (Friday), beach stickers are required for all Westport beach parking lots.
Receipts will not be accepted. Emblems must be displayed on windshields.
If you order online, delivery takes up to 2 weeks. For quicker service, stop by the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?
Both come together on Saturday, May 9 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,, William Raveis Real Estate rear parking lot), 47 Riverside Avenue).
Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.
There’s a suggested donation of $5 per shopping bag, $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check credit card or Venmo.
100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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On May 3, Histoury brings its look at colonial-era homes to Westport and Weston.
The charter bus will highlight many sites. Four will be open for inside looks: the oldest home in Westport, an 18th-century house almost destroyed during the Revolutionary War and retains original Delft Blue tiles, the Rachel Beers dowager home, and the Osborn Dairy farmhouse.
Vernacular farmhouses, Georgian and Federal homes, and the Cape Cod style are some topics of colonial-era architecture that will be seen and discussed, along with stories about the people and history of those places.
Over the past few months, VFW Post 399 has become one of Westport’s premier music venues.
This Saturday (May 2, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show), the Connecticut Grateful Dead All Stars take the stage.
A great show will be made even greater, thanks to Crispin Cioe. The saxophonist (and longtime Westporter) — a member of the legendary Uptown Horns — has performed with The Rolling Stones. He’s also heard on “Love Shack” and “Living in America.”
A light bar menu (including hot dogs and pizza by the slice) is available. Tickets are $17.85 here, $20 at the door.
Where else can you see the Dead — or Crispin Cioe — for that price?
Speaking of music: Just added, to MoCA\CT’s “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit: a screening of “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” (May 28, 6:30 p.m.).
The 1959 film — captured against the backdrop of the Newport Jazz Festival and America’s Cup — features legends like Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, and Mahalia Jackson. All 3, and others, inspired the works currently hanging in the MoCA galleries
The screening will be followed by a Q-and-A with Yale professor of music and film & media studies Brian Kane. He’ll explore how 20th-century icons continue to shape American culture.
Village Pediatrics’ “Story Walk” — the often-changing displays along the Saugatuck River, outside their Riverside Avenue office — is always worth a look.
The current display sends a particularly important message:
As part of our tribute, we noted that the renowned dancer and longtime Westport resident helped choreograph 2 Staples Players shows (both of which she had starred in): “Alice in Wonderland” in 1964, and “Oklahoma!” 10 years later.
But, Players co-director David Roth notes, there’s another connection.
Her daughter Jennifer DeJesus played Louise — the role Bambi Linn originated on Broadway) in the high school troupe’s 1981 production of “Carousel.”
That Players production is famous for another reason: It featured Michael Hayden as Billy Bigelow.
The Staples star eventually played that role on Broadway, too.
Michael Hayden
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Another “06880” Roundup entertainment follow-up:
Yesterday, we reported that Westport neighbor Nile Rodgers was one of the New York Times’ “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.”
That item followed directly after an item about Wynton Marsalis’ upcoming show at the Levitt Pavilion. (It’s June 28. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow.)
The Levitt’s Carleigh Walsh quickly reminded me that Rodgers — and Chic — played a memorable show at the outdoor venue too. The year was 2016.
The video (click here or below) shows the intro to his “Get Lucky” hit. It’s very personal, and emphasizes his artistic identity as a songwriter on countless hits he has created, produced, recorded and influenced.
The video also includes a stage-side view of Rodgers, playing his signature guitar.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 22 and 28.
A 34-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with 2 counts of operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, failure to meet minimum insurance requirements and failure to appear, after an officer on Post Road West noticed a vehicle with a suspended and expired registration, unconfirmed insurance coverage and a possible active arrest warrant. He was released on a $7,500 bond.
A 37-year-old Stamford woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to grant right of way, following a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Riverside Avenue. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police continued their month-long crackdown on texting while driving. They issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 48 citations
Distracted driving: 12
Violation in a school zone: 9
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Failure to renew registration: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Breach of peace: 1
Failure to move over for an emergency vehicle: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Tinted glass violation: 1
Violation of permit requirements: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
If you see these in your rear view mirror — or coming the other direction — pull over!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a bleeding heart — the floral, not the political kind!
And finally … the Nile Rodgers item above got us thinking about his mega-monster hit. It definitely deserves another spin, here on his hometown “06880”:
In the fall of 2007, Staples Players produced “Beauty & the Beast.”
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s adaptation of the beloved fairy tale musical is this week’s “nutshell” — a 17-minute highlight reel filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.
Whether you enjoyed Staples Players’ recent production of “Urinetown,” or missed it, here’s a chance to see it again.
Well, not exactly. This is the spring 2006 version.
Each week, “06880” is presenting a series of “nutshells” — highlights from the esteemed high school troupe’s show, filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long have inspired many cast and crew members to go on to lives in the theater. Here, from the 2006 “Urinetown,” are a few examples:
Adam Kaplan was most recently seen as Gary on the new Max series “The Girls on the Bus.” He starred on Broadway in “A Bronx Tale,” directed by Robert De Niro. Other Broadway and national tours include “Kinky Boots,” “Newsies” and “Show Boat.” He has also been in “The Big Leap,” “Chad in Up Here,” “Elsbeth,” “Somewhere In Queens” and “Deception.”
Mia Gentile is a singer, actor and writer. She appeared in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway, impersonated many divas in “Forbidden Broadway,” created music as part of MISSYFIT, and starred in the hilarious viral video “The Stanley Steemer Variations (by Mia)” which got her on “Good Morning America.”
Tyler Paul co-founded the innovative Northeast Children’s Theatre Company, while still in college. He is now head of people and talent at Paravision, a leader in computer vision and biometrics identity solutions.
Hannah Dubner is a Chicago-based actor, writer and movement artist seen on TV series (“Don’t Schmuck It Up” and “How Did That Happen?!” (2018), and short films (“Return to Sender.”
Jacob Heimer is an actor, singer and dancer. He has an extensive resumé in TV (“Law And Order”), film (“Gold Star,” and Broadway “Beautiful.”
Anna Slate is a singer, actor, writer, performance artist and educator. Her credits include “Indecent,” “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” “Romeo & Juliet,” “Handle with Care,” “The Fantasticks,” “A Little Night Music” and “Alice Unwrapped.”
Megan Wttl is a commercial voice actor.
Nick Boak is an entertainment executive “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Warcraft” and “American Hustle.”
Scott Weinstein is an award winning director, creative director and producer of new and existing work for theatre and live events.
Taber Onthank is a musician, songwriter and former actor (“Amy and Peter Are Getting Divorced”). He is the husband of actress Britt (Baron) Uomoleale (“Glow”), his former high school sweetheart.
Brittany (Baron) Uomoleale is an actress known for “Glow,” “The Thing About Harry” and “Into the Dark.”
Britt Hennemuth is senior vice president of production for Universal Pictures. He is known for “Break a Hip,” “John Proctor Is the Villain” and
“Untitled Archie Comics Movie.”
Sally Eidman is an actress, singer/songwriter and creator. Her credits nclude “Torch,” “Beauty Queen” and “James,” along with many shorts and national commercials.
Chris McNiff is an actor, singer and dancer. He has been in “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Who’s Got Me?,” “Mary Poppins” and “Elf: The Musical.”
Drew Angus is a recording artist. His albums include “Late For the Party,” “You And Me,” “Under Covers Deluxe” and “Hold Onto Something.”
Spring of 2007 brought Staples Players’ production of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”
The Tony Award-winning musical by Rupert Holmes — based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel — is notable for its interactive, “solve-it-yourself” format.
Notable too was that Holmes himself came to the high school, and met with the cast and crew during rehearsals.
Click here or below for highlights of that show. Thanks, as always, to Jim Honeycutt. As Staples media teacher, he filmed the production.
Now, in retirement, he’s producing these weekly nutshells.
Several “Drood” actors went on to careers in entertainment, including:
Hannah Dubne (Ms. Rosa Bud): “Hamlet,” “The Big Gay Italian Wedding”)
Zoe Apoian (Helena Landless)
Britt Hennemuth (Reverand Chrisparkle): Senior vice president of production development and special projects, Universal Pictures
Drew Angus (Horace): recording artist
Brittany Uomoleale (now Baron): “Glow,” “Final Fantasy VII Remake.”
ENCORE!To promote the show, Players filmed a series of videos.
This one features Mia Gentile, who played Princess Puffer. She went on to a Broadway career, including “Kinky Boots.”
Here’s another, with Tyler Paul (who went on to make his mark in children’s theater), and the late Joe Ziegahn, Players’ longtime and much-loved technical director.
When Westport’s new assistant town attorney begins work in June, she won’t need a lesson in local government.
Candice Savin is a familiar face. From 2021-25, she was our 3rd selectwoman. Before that she served on the Board of Education, including 2 years as chair.
Savin is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, and earned a law degree at Duke University.
She has been a board member at The Conservative Synagogue and the Westport chapter of Hadassah. Since 2012, she has co-chaired the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser.
“Affordability” — a hot topic nationally these days — is the theme of this year’s 10th annual Westport Woman’s Club Art Show.
Sixteen local artists — with works curated by Miggs Burroughs — are on display Thursday, April 23 (4 to 7 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Burroughs says that by featuring smaller, original works across an array of styles and media, the show offers buyers affordable, local pieces.
Artists include Robin Babbin, John Bygott, Bonnie Edelman, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Rachel Hall, Elisa Keogh, Shelley Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Larry Morse, Jon Puzzuoli, Butch Quick, Jodi Rabinowitz, Cindy Wagner and Tammy Winser.
Guest artist Sean Keating will show work in the drawing room, where small works donated by the participating artists as chance prizes will be on display.
This year’s show honors the memory of Jo Fuchs Luscombe. The former WWC president — who also served as state representative, 3rd selectwoman and Zoning Board of Appeals chair — died last year.
The opening reception (April 23) features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin, playing on the Woman’s Club piano.
Net proceeds benefit local community service organizations, and need-based scholarships.
To see a PDF catalogue (including measurements, media and prices) before the show, email DorothyECurran@aol.com; put “Art Show Catalogue” in the header.
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The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (April 9), for a session on “Computer Basics.”
It returns May 21, covering “Tips for Resume & Cover Letter,” and June 19 (Intro to Excel).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
Speaking of the Library: Staples Players’ first-ever collaboration with that institution — a staged reading of the whimsical, funny and poignant show “Almost, Maine” — drew a large crowd last night.
And because this was both Players and the Library — neither of whom do things halfway — it ended with a Q-and-A led by playwright John Cariani.
Playwright John Cariani (standing), Staples Players co-director David Roth, and the cast of “Almost, Maine.” (Photo/Susan Garment)
Uni K Wax is opening its first Connecticut location in Playhouse Square tomorrow (Wednesday) — and “06880” readers can snag a deal.
The studio — with all-natural ingredients and “elevated hygiene practices, including individual wax warmers for every service” — offers 50% off their first wax, to anyone using the code 06880Blog.
Click here or follow on Instagram for information about services, opening offers, and memberships.
Wax treat.
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Jazz vocalist Alma Micic first came to Jazz at the Post as part of her guitarist husband Rale Micic’s ensemble. She rocked it.
This Thursday (April 9, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7), she returns — and shares the stage with him.
The life of Adé Van Duyn — the artist, educator and longtime Westporter who died in October at 98 –will be celebrated this Saturday (April 11, 11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International.
Adé Van Duyn.
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Tidal flats are ready to burst out with spring colors, in today’s brown-but-not-for-long “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … on this date in 1862, the Union Army defeated the Confederates near Shiloh, Tennessee.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We depend on donations from readers like you. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Our look back at Staples Players’ past shows continues today, with the fall 2005 production of “Children of Eden.”
David Roth and Kerry Long directed the 1991 musical. Based on the Book of Genesis, it tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the flood.
Longtime media teacher Jim Honeycutt created these “nutshells,” part of “06880”‘s continuing coverage of Players, yesterday and today.
He notes that some of actors in this show went on to bigger things.
Mia Gentile (Eve) starred on Broadway in “Kinky Boots.” She also made it onto “Good Morning America,” with hilarious Stanley Steemer ads.
Jacob Heimer (Adam) starred on Broadway in “Beautiful.” Adam Kaplan (Japheth) went on to star on Broadway too, in “A Bronx Tale.”
Drew Angus (Ham) is now a successful recording artist.
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