This being Westport, the middle school drama program is as robust as many high schools’ elsewhere.
And — this being Westport — when Coleytown Company plans a fundraiser, it’s Broadway quality.
Literally.
“Carrying the Banner: A Broadway Concert” — set for February 2 (7 p.m.), in support of the troupe’s March production of “Newsies” — features 4 original cast members from Disney’s “Newsies,” with a live professional band.
And one of the performers is from Westport.
Adam Kaplan — a 2008 Staples High grad, and former Players star — played the lead role of Jack Kelly, and was in the ensemble. He also starred in “A Bronx Tale,” the national tour of “Kinky Boots,” and “Show Boat” with the New York Philharmonic.
Another Westport/Broadway connection: The evening is produced by “John Proctor” and “Hunger Games” producer — and Coleytown Company director — Ben Frimmer.
He’s working with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein (“Newsies,” “Frozen”), on this show. It features songs from “Newsies,” and other hits.
Proceeds will support costumes, sets, lighting, sound and more for Company’s spring production, along with future needs.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Adam Kaplan (far left) with “Newsies” fans.
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Speaking of the arts: Staples musicians made a record this year.
But it’s not the vinyl kind.
A record 69 students earned acceptance into the Connecticut Music Educators Association Western Region Music Festival.
That’s the highest number of students from any school in the region, encompassing more than 50 public and private high schools in Fairfield County.
Students audition through a rigorous process that includes prepared repertoire, scales and sight reading. Performers are selected for honors band, orchestra, choir and jazz ensembles.
Festival participants spend 2 days in intensive rehearsals with guest conductors. It culminates in a concert this weekend at Wilton High School.
Western Region Music Festival students can audition for the All-State Music Festival.
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Speaking still of the arts: Among the Broadway and film stars performing last night in “The Pancake Club” — the first Script-in-Hand-reading of the 2026 series at the Westport Country Playhouse — were Tony Award recipient (and Weston resident) James Naughton, 4-time Academy Award nominee Marsha Mason, and 2-time Tony Award recipient Judith Ivey.
Script in Hand readings take place monthly, on Mondays.
Taking a break from rehearsal yesterday. James Naughton is at far left; next to him in the front row are Marsha Mason and Judith Ivey. Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is 7th from left. (Photo/Andrea Quiles)
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The Blondinit — known for its fine, fresh Israeli food, and special High Holy Days and Hanukkah menus — has added a new feature.
Starting this week, the Church Lane restaurant is offering introduce “Shabbat To Go” dinners.
Serving 4 to 6 people, orders include 5 pounds of slow-braised brisket, saffron rice, Israeli salad, 2 16-ounce salatim of your choice, and 4 latkes.
Orders must be placed by Wednesday of each week. Pick-up is on Friday. Click here; then click on “Shabbat,” and scroll to the bottom.
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New York Polyphony — acclaimed by NPR for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts,” and by The New Yorker as “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” presents a “Sky of the Heart” concert at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (January 24, 5 p.m.).
The vocal chamber ensemble’s innovative programming spans Gregorian chant to contemporary commissions. Their focus on familiar and rare works of the 12-17th centuries brings early music to modern audiences.
A reception follows the performance. Click here for tickets, and more information.
New York Polyphony
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Former Westporter Andrew Wilk was the Y’s Women’s guest speaker yesterday.
The 5-time Emmy Award-winning producer/director/musical theater and symphony conductor/writer — best known as the executive producer of “Live From Lincoln Center” — showed excerpts from “Simple Gifts,” one of his award-winning programs.
Andrew Wilk
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The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is Thursday (January 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
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Speaking of this Thursday, at the VFW: James Weidman returns, for 2 Jazz at the Post shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
He’ll be joined by bassist Harvie S, drummer Ryan Sands, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Longtime Westport resident and former Westport Public Schools employee Marjorie Santella died last month in Siesta Key, Florida. She was 91.
Marge grew up in Westport, and attended local schools. She then returned as a beloved educator and administrative assistant.
Marge had 3 children with her husband Lou Santella, the well known owner of Saugatuck’s iconic Riverside Barber Shoop.
She proudly embraced his Italian heritage in many ways, from her collection of Pinocchios to memorable trips to Italy. Marge and Lou were active members of the Sons of Italy, and helped organize many Festival Italianos.
In 2003 the couple retired to Siesta Key. Marge was an avid theatergoer, and Rummikub player. Her family says, “She lived Florida life to the fullest, and brought everyone else along for the ride.”
Marge was predeceased by her husband Lou, and sons Michael and Louis, and sisters Nancy Soyak and Carol Less. She is survived by her son Mark; daughters-in-law Joanne, Emily and Rosé; grandchildren LJ, Adriana, Amy, Christopher, William and Alyse; great-grandchildren Liam and Millie Jean, and sister Loretta Hornyak.
A celebration of life will be held this spring, at Assumption Church.
Marge Santella
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Most “Westport … Naturally” photos show natural scenes — animals, plants and the like — of (duh) Westport.
This one is clearly not natural.
But we’ve never featured a cow before.
So … enjoy this one. Jonathan Alloy spotted it the other night on Woodcock Road off Newtown Turnpike.
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And finally … in honor of Coleytown Company’s upcoming production of “Newsies” — and fundraiser to support it (story above):
(Stop the presses! Big news! If you click here, you can make a tax-deductible contribution in support of “06880”! Thank you!)
