Tag Archives: Westport Country Playhouse

Ice Cream Parlor Games

Posted on October 30, 2013 | 5 comments

On Sunday, “06880” reported on the return of an ice cream parlor to Westport. The post was illustrated with a snippet of a menu from the old, much-loved Ice Cream Parlor downtown.

Two days later, I added Tracy Sugarman’s 1950s drawing of teenagers inside the popular hangout.

Now — thanks to Kathie Bennewitz — I’ve got an entire front cover of the menu.

Ice cream Parlor menuBut not just any menu. Kathie — the town’s art curator — says this one was signed by dozens of actors.They performed at the Westport Country Playhouse. After shows, they crossed the Post Road for a treat.

Among the names: Elizabeth Taylor. Mike Todd.  Claude Raines. Sid Caesar. Eli Wallach. Kirk Douglas. David Wayne. Dorothy Gish. Gene Tierney. Bert Lahr. Doris Day.

Imagine the stories they could dish.

(The menu is now part of the Westport Historical Society archives.)

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Posted in Arts, Looking back, Organizations, People, Westport Country Playhouse

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Home Is Where Her “Hart” Is

Posted on July 26, 2013 | 3 comments

Melissa Joan Hart — known to young fans across America for her roles in “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” and “Melissa & Joey” — is a Westport resident.

So she won’t have far to go on Monday (July 29, 7 p.m.) for a play reading event.

“Any Wednesday” is at — and a benefit for — the Westport Country Playhouse.

Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Joan Hart

For over 80 years, the Playhouse has hosted some of the biggest names in theater: Paul Robeson, Helen Hayes, Alan Alda, Cicely Tyson — you get the idea.

But Monday’s reading has a decidedly local feel.

There’s fellow Westporter Brian J. Carter. Joanna Gleason and Chris Sarandon will also read — they’re in Fairfield, and no strangers to Playhouse productions.

There are other intriguing tie-ins too.

Sandy Dennis — a longtime North Sylvan Road resident — originated the “Any Wednesday” role on Broadway. She also starred in many Playhouse shows.

Jason Robards — who was in the “Any Wednesday” film — lived in Southport. The Playhouse’s theater is named in his honor, and his son Jake has appeared on the Playhouse stage.

Jane Fonda — who played Melissa’s role in the film — appeared on the Playhouse stage in 1960. Her father — Henry Fonda — preceded her here in 1937.

It’s starting to sound less like “Any Wednesday.” And more like “Six Degrees of Separation.”

(Tickets are $100, $50 and $25, and include a “Meet the Cast” party following the July 29 reading. For information and reservations, call 203-227-4177, or click here.)

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Posted in Arts, People, Westport Country Playhouse

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Westport: A Town Filled With Showoffs

Posted on June 20, 2013 | 1 comment

“The Show-Off” is running now at the Westport Country Playhouse.

And, between now and the final curtain on June 29, the Playhouse is running a social media campaign.

A straw hat — similar to the one worn by the show’s title character — is being photographed on prominent people all around town.

If you’re Facebook friends with the Playhouse, or follow it on Twitter, you’ll see Westport’s favorite clothier, Bill Mitchell:

Bill Mitchell

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg:

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg

Playhouse managing director Michael Ross:

Westport Country Playhouse managing director Michael Ross

And even Milky White:

Milky White

Who is Milky White, you ask?

One of the most important characters in “Into the Woods.”

And here’s the “prominent Westport” connection: In the summer of 1950, future composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim was one of a dozen Playhouse apprentices.

(Click for the social media links: Facebook; Twitter). 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Looking back, People

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Even More Sandy Stuff I’m Finally Able To Get To

Posted on October 31, 2012 | Comments Off on Even More Sandy Stuff I’m Finally Able To Get To

I’m still plowing through emails. Here’s a sampling. Apologies if I haven’t posted yours yet. Keep ’em comin’!

Hurricane Sandy made Soundview Avenue very sandy indeed. The view is toward Compo Beach. (Photo/Betsy Phillips)

Norwalk Avenue, looking toward Bradley Street. The tide has receded, but the water has no place to go. (Photo/Betsy Phillips)

Some of the more than 75 Staples students who showed up at Longshore today, an hour after receiving a call from principal John Dodig for cleanup help. Another work session is planned for Friday.

  • The Farmers’ Market will be open tomorrow (Thursday) in the Imperial Avenue parking lot.  There’s hot coffee, fresh food and WiFi. They’ll also collect food and coats for those in need.
  • The Westport Country Playhouse is open again Thursday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for cell phone and laptop charging.  Free coffee, too!
  •  Johanna Rossi passes along the website for CTWatchdog.com, with free legal advice on insurance for victims of Hurricane Sandy. “I don’t want to see fellow Westporters taken advantage of, especially senior citizens,” she says.

Coffee An’ opened at 6:30 a.m., and did a booming business all day. The power may be out in many homes, but we all need our donuts. (Photo/Larry Perlstein)

At Compo Sandy flooded streets, deposited sand everywhere, and knocked over cement cookout grills. But she couldn’t defeat the cannons. As they’ve done ever since the Revolutionary War (well, 1909 — they’re replicas) — the Compo cannons never wavered. (Photo/Jeb Backus)

Of course, some things never change. Arlene Avellanet reported that Arby’s was open. As usual, no one was there.

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Organizations, People, Restaurants, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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3 For Free

Posted on October 30, 2012 | 2 comments

Three very different local businesses have stepped up to help, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

  • Westport Country Playhouse will open its lobby to the public to charge cell phones, laptops, etc. beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, October 31) at 11 a.m.  Free coffee, too!
  • Barcelona restaurants in South Norwalk, Fairfield, Stamford and Greenwich offer working bathrooms, charging outlets, and free WiFi.  Everyone is welcome. No purchase required — you can even bring in your own food, if you like.
  • And Westport Invitations — at the foot of Long Lots Road, behind Bertucci’s —  is open all week long as a free charging station. Power, cable and phone lines are available for all.

That just scratches the surface. If you own — or know of — a business or organization that’s helping everyone from customers and clients to complete strangers, click “Comments.”

Thanks to all, from a grateful town.

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Posted in Local business, Restaurants, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Andre’s Mother (And Ann’s Brother)

Posted on October 14, 2012 | 1 comment

Years ago, Jonathan Sheffer wrote the music for the movie “Andre’s Mother.”

It was an American Playhouse production — and Lindsay Law, Staples Class of 1967, served as executive producer.

Written by Terence McNally and starring Richard Thomas, “Andre’s Mother” was one of Sheffer’s 1st film scores. The 1971 Staples grad went on to become a nationally renowned composer and conductor.

When his sister — Westport philanthropist Ann Sheffer — learned that the film will be screened this Thursday (Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.) as part of Play With Your Food’s “Short Cuts” series, she told artistic director Carole Schweid. Carole invited Jonathan to speak immediately after the screening, at Norwalk’s Garden Cinema.

But this is Westport, and connections run even deeper than that. Last month, at the Westport Country Playhouse gala, Ann sat with — who else? — honoree Terence McNally, and co-host Richard Thomas. They remember Jonathan well — from everyone’s younger days — and are as thrilled as Ann that “Andre’s Mother” lives on.

Ann Sheffer (left) at last month’s Westport Country Playhouse gala with (from left) Richard Thomas, Nathan Lane, Tyne Daly and Terence McNally.

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Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Raising “Raisin” To New Heights

Posted on October 13, 2012 | 1 comment

It’s easy to think of the Westport Country Playhouse as one of the nice perks of living here: a renowned, venerable theater providing entertainment and enjoyment in comfortable surroundings.

Easy, but wrong.

The Playhouse is far more than that. During every run,there’s thoughtful, provocative auxiliary programming that adds so much more to the experience.

With the current production of “A Raisin in the Sun,” though, the Playhouse has reached new educational and contemplative heights.

The show — which since its 1959 Broadway debut has stirred audiences with its passionate, emotional portrayal of a black family striving for its piece of the American dream — is the springboard for a series of speakers, panels, educator workshops, student projects and other special events.

TEAM Westport — the town committee on multiculturalism — developed programming that began even before the first curtain rose. It runs through the final performance, on November 3.

Last month, a half-day workshop provided teachers with important techniques and resources to engage students in the rich tradition of African American literature. A feminist author spoke at the Westport Library, analyzing race, class and gender in the drama. The Unitarian Church hosted a discussion on its relevance today, and the Westport Arts Center exhibited powerful Chicago street photographs.

The show opened to great reviews, and many more events lie ahead.

  • Director Phylicia Rashad talks about her long history with the play as an actor, director and African American woman (Sunday, Oct. 14).
  • Steven R. Carter, author of a book about playwright Lorraine Hansberry, discusses the evolution of her life and art (Sunday, Oct. 21).
  • There’s a post-matinee conversation on the theme of community (Oct. 28), and a talk-back with actors (Nov. 1).
  • The film “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” will be screened on Oct. 29.
  • A series of civil rights films — all made by Westporters Bill Buckley and Tracy Sugarman — are being shown on Wednesdays this month at the Senior Center.
  • Before the show on Thursday, Oct. 18 and Nov. 1, the Playhouse will host family communal dinners. That’s on top of special pre-performance receptions for the LGBT community (last week) and young professionals (Oct. 19).

A collaboration with the Westport Arts Center and McGivney Center in Bridgeport features a student photo project that explores the power of autobiography, and the unique ways in which people experience the world. Images — taken with disposable cameras — are exhibited in the Playhouse lobby, and online.

The Playhouse is also working with students in an after-school program at the Carver Center in Norwalk on a creative writing project. The youngsters will attend a show, and see their work published on the Playhouse website.

There’s even more. But you get the idea.

The Westport Country Playhouse is far more than just a handsome theater. TEAM Westport is far more than just another town committee.

And the impact of the partnership between the two ripples far beyond the usual autumn audience, sitting comfortably in their familiar red seats.

Westport Country Playhouse

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Posted in Arts, Library, Organizations, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remembering To Celebrate Westport

Posted on September 19, 2012 | 3 comments

The question seemed reasonable. An “06880” reader working with a few non-profit groups wanted to know where she could find a calendar of events in Westport for October, and on through winter and spring.

For scheduling purposes — her own, and her organizations’ — she needed to see what the Downtown Merchants, Rotary clubs, Westport Arts Center, library, Wakeman Town Farm, Westport Woman’s Club and others had planned. And when.

I sent her to WestportNow.com. Every day — in between photos of sunsets and teardowns — the local site posts a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events.

No good, the “06880” reader said. It’s only for that day.

There’s a “Celebrate Westport” community calendar on the official town website. But that didn’t do it either.

“Everyone is slacking on putting in their events,” she said.

She’s right.

“There (sic) something going on almost every evening,” the Celebrate Westport site says.

But you wouldn’t know it. Entire weeks are empty.

The Westport Country Playhouse is unlisted. There are no library events. Not even — on the official town website — official town meetings.

A Westport Historical Society reception on October 5 — celebrating  “US Postage Stamps by Westport Artists” — is listed on the Celebrate Westport calendar.

The Celebrate Westport calendar is a great tool. You can be reminded of events by email, notified of changes, even forward info to friends.

But it’s all wasted if no one uses it. Or updates it.

I’ve done my job. I’ve posted a link to the Celebrate Westport calendar on the right side of my “06880” home page.

Now I just have to remember to use it.

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Organizations, Westport Country Playhouse

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“Connecticut: Still Revolutionary”

Posted on May 15, 2012 | 14 comments

“Connecticut: Still Revolutionary” is our state’s new brand.

Doesn’t that just roll off your tongue?

Remember “I ♥ New York”? It’s only 4 syllables. Ours is 11!

And you thought Connecticut was a puny little state.

The good news: We only spent $500,000 on the logo and “other creative materials.”

Governor Malloy’s new tourism push — a $27 million, 2-year campaign involving TV, radio, billboards and social media (plus a website, ctvisit.com) — highlights Connecticut’s many attractions. They are, in case you forgot, our shoreline, hills, Mystic Aquarium, Essex Steam Train, Goodspeed Opera House, and — is this a great state our what? — 2 tribal casinos.

And you thought there was nothing to do in Connecticut!

In announcing the campaign yesterday, Governor Malloy also referenced a different type of revolution: the sexual one.

Not a big fan of the sexual revolution.

Yes! In Griswold v. Connecticut — a groundbreaking 1965 case — the Supreme Court struck down a law prohibiting the use of contraception. That paved the way, 8 years later, for Roe v. Wade. Which led, basically, to Rick Santorum being considered (well, by some people) a legit candidate for president of the United States.

You go, Land of Steady Habits!

As a loyal Westporter, I’m pissed the governor did not mention 2 local revolutions as he launched the campaign.

The Westport Country Playhouse revolutionized summer theater — and Broadway — when it opened in 1931.

And The Stepford Wives — set right here in Westport — revolutionized an entire generation of women when the book and movie came out in the 1970s.

For a few years — ever since the sexual revolution, actually — women had been asserting themselves in the workplace, at the voting booth, and in the bedroom.

Suddenly, though, Stepford Wives realized the importance of being submissive, docile housewives.

It’s taken a while, but now women are back on top. Thank you, 50 Shades of Grey.

You say you want a revolution…

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Posted in Entertainment, Totally random, Westport Country Playhouse

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Westport Country Playhouse Has A Cow

Posted on May 9, 2012 | 6 comments

If you’ve seen “Into the Woods” — the current Westport Country Playhouse production — you know that Milky White is an udderly adorable cast member.

Okay, she’s a wooden cow. But she’s no different from any living, breathing actor or actress. On days off from performances, she wants to get out of the old Playhouse barn and moooove around Westport.

Playhouse associate director of marketing Beth Huisking snagged these photos of Milky White, out and about the town.

First, she spotted this truck. She’s asking, “Got milk?”

Then she wandered over to SunnyDaes. Looks like they’re just chewing the cud.

Finally — like anyone from out of town — she just had to see Stew Leonard’s. Milky White was very impressed with her first-ever chocolate milk.

“Into the  Woods” runs through May 26. Milky White still has time to visit Shake Shack.

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Posted in Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

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