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Staples Players: The Marvin Hamlisch/Maria Friedman Connection
In 2013, a woman spotted signs for Staples Players’ upcoming production: “A Chorus Line.” She’d never seen the acclaimed show, and called a friend suggesting they go together. The friend called the...
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Roundup: Capital Projects, Rosh Hashana, Elon Musk …
As Westport plans major capital projects — a renovation or new Long Lots Elementary School, reimagining of Longshore and others — the Board of Finance does not want to reinvent the wheel. A special...
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Roundup: Foliage Hikes, “Guys & Dolls,” Lunar Eclipse …
With fall foliage at its peak, Aspetuck Land Trust recommends several great hikes. Two are in Westport. Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve is tucked away off Compo Road South. Gentle flat trails circle...
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Lucky 7 For Staples Players’“Guys & Dolls”
“Guys and Dolls” holds a special place in David Roth’s heart. The Broadway classic was the very first show he staged at Staples High School, after being named Players director in 2000. Nine years...
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Roundup: Jimmy Kimmel, Westport10, Clocks Change …
Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue is often edgy. The other night, in a segment on Kanye West’s social media remarks, he aired a (fake) ad for “Yentanyl” — an aid to help those who might be feeling a bit...
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Roundup: Holiday Stroll, Veterans Day, Old Dominion …
Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Holiday Stroll. It’s Saturday, December 3 (5 to 7 p.m.). Last year’s first-ever event was sponsored by “06880.” This year, we’re teaming up with the Westport...
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Remembering Kevin Conroy
Kevin Conroy — the 1973 Staples High School graduate and former Staples Players star whose voice was the definitive Batman — died yesterday. He was 66 years old, and had battled cancer. Conroy was...
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Roundup: 233 Hillspoint, “Guys & Dolls” Drama, Post-Election Coffee …
For a few years now, 233 Hillspoint Road has sat half-finished. Swaddled in blue, with a chain link fence and weeds, it demolishes the beauty of the Old Mill neighborhood. But one day, it will look...
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Friday Flashback #322
The Apple Festival has been gone now far longer than it ran. But for 18 years — from 1982 to 1999 — it was one of the highlights of autumn in Westport. Conceived by Staples High School PTA leader (and,...
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Roundup: “Guys & Dolls,” World Cup, Bridgeport Boatworks …
Last week, “06880” reported on the hard luck suffered by the cast of Staples Players’ “Guys and Dolls.” Henry Carson (Nathan Detroit) fell ill just before the show opened. Freshman Will McCrae stepped...
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Unsung Heroes #264
For over 60 years, Staples Players have entertained, touched and inspired audiences. Some shows are fun and funny; others, thought-provoking or provocative. Over the years, we’ve grown to expect...
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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...
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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...
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“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...
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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. ======================================================= The coastal flood...
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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...
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“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...
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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...
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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...
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[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...
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