Tag Archives: Staples Players

Roundup: Beach Stickers, K-9 Dog, Shred Day …

Attention, beach lovers!

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.

Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

(Photo/Mark Marcus)

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Last week, “06880” reported on Onyx.

The retired Westport Police Department K-9 dog had an eye tumor. Surgery was needed — and expensive.

Readers stepped up.

The news is good. Kevin Smith reports that Onyx had surgery on Tuesday.

All went well. He and Onyx’s many friends await an oncology report next week.

Onyx

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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.

Click here, then select “Calendar” for details.

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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?

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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.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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As the weather warms up, so — every Saturday morning — do Joggers Club members.

Then they run.

The very inclusive group meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at the Greens Farms train station. Everyone is welcome, from fast pace to slow walking.

Two suggested routes — about 4 and 7 miles — are posted each week, on Facebook, Instagram and Strava.

Each week ends with free coffee and bagels.

Dues are $50 a year. All new members receive a free Lululemon shirt — a $78 value itself.

For membership and more information, click here.

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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:

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On Monday, “06880” wished a happy 100th birthday to Bambi Linn.

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.

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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!

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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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”:

(With “06880” — your hyper-local blog — you never need to freak out about missing a Westport event, story, feature or photo. We do hope you’ll click here though, to support our work. Thank you!)

 

Staples Players Rewind: “Beauty & The Beast”

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.

Click here or below to enjoy:

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

Staples Players Rewind: “Urinetown”

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.”

And now … on with the show!

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)  

Staples Players Rewind: “Beauty & The Beast”

Our trip down Staples Players’ memory lane continues with “Beauty & the Beast.”

The cast of the fall 2007 production, directed by David Roth and Kerry Long, included several actors who went on to professional careers.

  • Adam Kaplan (Cogsworth) starred in “Newsies” and “A Bronx Tale” on Broadway.
  • Hannah Dubner (Belle) has performed in many shows, including “Hamlet” and “My Big Gay Italian Wedding.”
  • Andy Friedland (The Beast)  had a part in the series “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He is now executive director of Hiller International.
  • Dan Shure (Belle’s father) is a recording artist in Charley Bliss, with Players actress Eva Hendricks.

Now … sit back and enjoy the show!

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)  

Staples Players Rewind: “The Mystery Of Edwin Drood”

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.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Assistant Attorney, Affordable Art, Career Coach

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.

She will work with town attorney Ira Bloom and his colleagues at Berchem Moses. She succeeds Eileen Lavigne, who will retire on June 5.

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.

Candice Savin

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“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.

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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)

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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.

They’re joined by bassist Peter Slavov and drummer Jason Tiemann. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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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.

(Photo/Dick Alley)

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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!)

Staples Players Rewind: “Children Of Eden”

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.

Now you can say, “I saw them ‘when.'”

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: VersoFest, “Almost, Maine,” Apartments …

Congolese drums had never been heard in the Westport Library before yesterday — or perhaps in any other library, anywhere.

But there they were at 10 a.m., kicking off a jam-packed VersoFest Saturday with a dance and drum workshop.

Cumbe Dance, at the Westport Library. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

Also yesterday: actress Gina Gershon discussed her new memoir, “AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs,” with journalist/rock memoirist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota.

Gina Gerson, with Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)

Last night ended with musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets).

He read from his new poetry book “Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer,” was interviewed by author Douglas Rushkoff, and finished with a set of acoustic songs.

David J (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

The 5th annual music, media and more event concludes today (Sunday), with a panel on AI and the music industry (10:30 a.m.), a conversation with Capitol Theater owner and festival producer Dean Budnick (12 p.m.), a Suno workshop (12 p.m.), and a screening of “Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead” (2 p.m.).

Click here for details and registration. 

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Speaking of the Library: It’s a storied Westport institution.

So is Staples Players.

On Monday, April 6 (6:30 p.m.) they’ll collaborate for the first time ever, on a staged (and free!) reading.

David Roth’s Theatre 3 Advanced class presents “Almost, Maine.” The whimsical, funny and poignant show takes place as northern lights hover about a remote town. Residents fall in and out of love, in unexpected and hilarious ways.

And — because neither Players nor the Library ever does things halfway — playwright John Cariani will come to the reading, and lead a talkback afterward.

Click here for more details.

The cast of “Almost, Maine.”

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As promised, the new apartments being built at 85 Post Road West — between Kings Highway Elementary School and Riverside Avenue — include “affordable housing” based on state guidelines.

Applications are being accepted for the 22 1- and 2-bedroom units. The maximum rental prices are $2,100 and $2,511  respectively.

Applicants will be contacted first come, first served, and given the opportunity to submit supporting documentation and go through the verification process.

Click here for the submission form. Questions? Call 475-999-2445.

Early stages of construction last year, on Post Road West. 

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Speaking of new construction: As Coastal Luxury Homes prepares to convert 455 Post Road East — the former Connecticut Humane Society — to 25 apartments and 5 townhouses, they’re paying homage to the former tenants.

Coastal has donated all the cages and crates inside the building to TAILS (The Alliance in Limiting Strays).

The other day, 20 volunteers used a big truck and 2 smaller vans to give them — just like the animals they serve — a new home.

Cages get a new home, thanks to Coastal Luxury Homes and TAILS.

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Cold weather did not deter Trout Unlimited members from getting outside — though not on the Saugatuck River.

The other day Andy McNab and Pippa Bell Ader collected most of the garbage strewn about Ford Road, and the parking lot across the Bridgewater bridge.

Pippa adds this gentle, but important, reminder: “Westporters have the opportunity to help clean up the town, on and around Earth Day (April 22).”

Andy McNab smiles as he cleans up other people’s trash near the Saugatuck River, at the Glendinning property. (Photo/David Ader)

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Big Y hosted Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs) yesterday.

Club members and Homes with Hope personnel collected donations for the Gillespie Center food pantry.

Donations are always welcome. Click here to build on SLOBS’ great foundation.

Staples SLOBs (right) with Homes with Hope personnel, at Big Y.

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Mardi Gras is over.

But our Minute Man is still celebrating. Check out the beads around his neck.

Party on, big guy!

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Aspetuck Land Trust‘s spring native plant sale begins next month. Ordering for non-members begins April 11.

Click here to preview the offerings.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Michael Szeto.

After installing a birdfeeder this past week, his first visitor was a Cooper’s hawk. It frequently visits back yards, to prey on small birds drawn to feeders.

(Photo/Michael Szeto)

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And finally … on this date in 1871, Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria.

Which brings to mind 2 songs by British bands, each of which mentions one of them.

(A day in our life includes a reminder that “06880” relies on the generosity of our readers. If you appreciate these daily Roundups — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “City Of Angels”

In the spring of 2004, Staples Players brought “City of Angels” to the stage.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped the Tony Award-winning musical, with dual story lines — and all of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions — called “nutshells” –Spri we bring you back to that show about a Hollywood screenwriter, and his detective creation.

Click here or below to see.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Staples Players Rewind: “Oliver!”

In the fall of 2003, Staples Players brought “Oliver!” to the stage.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped it — and all of director David Roth’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions, we bring you that memorable “Oliver!” Click here or below to see.

And “consider yourself” lucky to be entertained so well!

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)