Unique Valentine's Night Out !

Looking for a unique Valentine's Night Out?  Westport Playhouse is offering a reading of Neil Simon's "Chapter" Two a whimsical and touching romantic comedy sure to make this year's Valentine's Day Memorable.  The reading  is part of  Westport Country Playhouse's popular Script in Hand Series, and  will take place on Monday, February 14, 7 p.m.  The cast includes Reed Birney and Geneva Carr.  Best of all, tickets to the one-night-only event are $15.

Based on playwright Neil Simon's personal experience, "Chapter Two" mixes laughter with heartache.  A writer, whose wife has just died, returns to a lonely apartment.  His younger brother, a theatrical press agent and born matchmaker, tries to avert an emotional tailspin by arranging unwanted – and unsuccessful dates.  Then he comes up with a winner, a soap opera actress - but it's a rocky road ahead for the not-so-young lovers. The play was nominated for the 1978 Tony Award for Best Play.
The reading will be directed by Anne Keefe, Playhouse artistic advisor and the Script in Hand Series curator.  The Script in Hand Series is sponsored by Michele and Marc Flaster; with additional support from Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler. The Series is also funded in part, by the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation and Newman's Own Foundation.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, the Playhouse is offering a special Valentine's gift promotion – purchase a 2011 season subscription for five guaranteed dates with your spouse or significant other and receive a voucher for a glass of Prosecco with each subscription.  The special offer is available between February 1 and February 14.  Subscriptions may be purchased online at www.westportplayhouse.org; by calling 203-227-4177, or by visiting the box office at 25 Powers Court, Westport.

About the Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse, a not-for-profit theater, serves as a treasured home for the performing arts and is a cultural landmark for Connecticut. Under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos and management direction of Michael Ross, the Playhouse creates quality productions of new and classic plays that enlighten, enrich and engage a diverse community of theater lovers, artists and students. The Playhouse's rich history dates back to 1931, when New York theater producer Lawrence Langner created a Broadway-quality stage within an 1830s tannery. The Playhouse quickly became an established stop on the New England "straw hat circuit" of summer stock theaters. Now celebrating its 80th season, Westport Country Playhouse has produced more than 700 plays, 36 of which later transferred to Broadway, most recently the world premiere of "Thurgood" and a revival of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" with Paul Newman, and in earlier years "Come Back, Little Sheba" with Shirley Booth, "The Trip to Bountiful" with Lillian Gish, and "Butterflies Are Free" with Keir Dullea and Blythe Danner. For its artistic excellence, the Playhouse received a 2005 Governor's Arts Award and a 2000 "Connecticut Treasure" recognition. It was also designated as an Official Project of Save America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is entered on the Connecticut State Register of Historic Places. Following a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2005, the Playhouse transformed into a year-round, state-of-the-art producing theater, which has preserved its original charm and character. In addition to a full season of theatrical productions, the Playhouse serves as a community resource, presenting educational programming and workshops; a children's theater series; symposiums; music; films; and readings.

Westport Country Playhouse's 2011 season will include five productions:  "Beyond Therapy," a wicked, and wickedly funny, look at the days and nights of the young and single, written by comic master Christopher Durang and directed by Tony Award winner John Rando, April 26 – May 14; "The Circle," the scintillating comedy of manners, written by W. Somerset Maugham and directed by Nicholas Martin, June 7 – June 25; "Lips Together, Teeth Apart," a perceptive comedy about people struggling against their limitations, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director, July 12 – July 30; "Suddenly Last Summer," the poetic, sensual and evocative drama, written by Tennessee Williams and directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, August 23 – September 10; and "Twelfth Night, or What You Will," the beguiling comedy/romance, written by William Shakespeare and directed by Mark Lamos, October 11 – October 29.

For more information or ticket purchases, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.  Tickets may be purchased online 24/7 at www.westportplayhouse.org.
Photo Credit: Robert Benson, 2005.

New Exhibition at The Bruce Museum in Greenwich

The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, has announced its major winter exhibition featuring the work of one of today's most influential artists, photographer Cindy Sherman that will be on view through April 23, 2011.  "Cindy Sherman:Works from Friends of the Bruce Museum" is comprised of approximately 30 works, including large-scale black-and-white and color photographs, drawn from ten local collections in Greenwich and the surrounding communities. The exhibition features the artist's favored themes and suggests something of the chameleon-like diversity of her art.

Although Sherman is the model for her photographs, she is essentially serving as the material for her work, as an actress in a scene.  She is adamant that the photographs are not self-portraits and that they do not represent her or herself role playing. Cindy Sherman serves as her own model, as well as photographer, stylist, make-up person, allowing her to work alone in her studio.  She employs herself to explore various personae and addresses topical issues of the contemporary world while examining the roles of women and the artist.

Throughout her long career, Sherman has continually appropriated and confronted numerous visual genres, including the film still, centerfold, historical portrait, and fashion photography.  Sherman's photographs imitate these representational tropes, using them to challenge images in popular culture and the mass media.

The show opens with a selection of photographs from Sherman's landmark series of Untitled Film Stills (1977-80). Perhaps the most well known and recognizable works of Sherman's career, these black-and-white photographs seem to depict stills for films that never existed. In each of these photographs, Sherman places herself in the role of various female character types from B-movies and film noir.  By turning the camera on herself, Sherman raises challenging and important questions about the role of women in society and the representation of cultural stereotypes.

The exhibition follows Sherman's subsequent career through several of her major series, including the Centerfolds, Disasters and Fairy Tales, the History Portraits, Clowns, the Women from California series, and her most recent works, the Rich Women series. In each of these series, the artist continues to manipulate and reprogram her appearance to adopt multiple roles. In 1981, Sherman simultaneously imitated and challenged men's magazine centerfolds in a series of photographs commissioned, but never used, by Artforum. These large-scale photographs adopt the saturated colors, close-cropping and overhead camera angles of the centerfold, while depicting the artist in various female roles, both familiar and unexpected.

Sherman's later series explore an ever-expanding assortment of archetypal roles and social types. The artist's Disasters and Fairy Tales (1985-1989) are more fantastical and grotesque than her earlier work. Sherman dons complex disguises and prostheses in these twisted fairy tales, intentionally taking on increasingly frightening and deformed personae. In the late 1980s, Sherman turned to Old Master paintings for inspiration.  These History Portraits (1988-1990) depict the artist dressed as figures from famous works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and others. The Rich Women series showcases Sherman's newest cast of characters who are immediately recognizable as belonging to the upper echelons of society. These photographs of aging speak to issues of class and presentation.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a scholarly catalogue with contributions by Mr. Silver and Bruce Museum Executive Director Peter Sutton, as well as an interview with Linda Nochlin, pioneering feminist art historian and Lila Acheson Wallace Professor at NYU's Institute of Fine Arts, who discusses Sherman's fascinating oeuvre at length.

The Bruce Museum is located at 1 Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA. General admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and free for children under five and Bruce Museum members. Free admission to all on Tuesdays. The Museum is located near Interstate-95, Exit 3, and a short walk from the Greenwich, CT, train station. Museum hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Mondays and major holidays. Groups of eight or more require advance reservations. Museum exhibition tours are held Fridays at 12:30 p.m. Free, on-site parking is available. The Bruce Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376, or visit the Bruce Museum website at www.brucemuseum.org.

Photo Credit:

Cindy Sherman

Untitled, 1981

Color photograph

24 x 48 inches

Edition of 10

Courtesy of the Artist and Metro Pictures

Skis in the Salisbury Sky - L C T Monthly - The Litchfield County Times

Skis in the Salisbury Sky - L C T Monthly - The Litchfield County Times

Western CT Blog: CT FILM FESTIVAL’S 2010 “CT GROWN AWARD” WINNER, HARVEST OPENS THE WARNER THEATRE’S INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

Western CT Blog: CT FILM FESTIVAL’S 2010 “CT GROWN AWARD” WINNER, HARVEST OPENS THE WARNER THEATRE’S INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL: "Western CT Blog"

CT hoteliers: Put tax toward tourism | Hartford Business

CT hoteliers: Put tax toward tourism | Hartford Business

Rebuilt ski jump lands Junior Olympics in CT | Hartford Business

Rebuilt ski jump lands Junior Olympics in CT | Hartford Business

Connecticut provides an intriguing backdrop for great gatherings

Connecticut provides an intriguing backdrop for great gatherings

Lake Compounce Announces Name of New Ride!

Lake Compounce has announced that their new Zamperla Mega Disk'o ride will be called Rev-O-Lution. Lake Compounce fans chose their favorite name from the two posted on Facebook and on www.lakecompounce.com. Susan Healey of Deerfield, MA was the lucky fan chosen to bring a guest on the ride's maiden voyage in May.

The Rev-O-Lution combines a rocking motion with a spinning motion, and positions riders on pedestal, motorcycle-like seats that face outward. Each ride accommodates 24 riders, 48" or taller, and the outward facing seats provide a visual experience for onlookers as well.

"We are happy with the name Rev-O-Lution, and it was fun to involve our guests in the naming because we appreciate their enthusiasm for and loyalty to the park" says Lake Compounce General Manager Jerry Brick. "We had some fun with the logo and the theming, and we hope our guests are as excited about this new addition as we are."

Lake Compounce, part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks, is New England's Family Theme Park and the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America and is preparing for its 166th season.

End of the Line Film and discussion at Audubon Greenwich Connecticut

If you are interested in learning about how overfishing is impacting the environment, our food, and our future be sure not to miss the special film "End of the Line" presented by the Audubon Greenwich this Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 p.m.  In this moving documentary, Rupert Murray dives deep to illuminate the cold truth about industrial pillaging of Earth's oceans with his film, "The End of the Line". This is the first major feature documentary film to reveal the devastating effect that global over-fishing is having on fish stocks and the health of our oceans. Researched and shot over a two year period, the film follows the indefatigable investigative reporter Charles Clover as he confronts the politicians and celebrity restaurateurs who exhibit little regard for the damage their policies-and their menus-are doing to the oceans. Narrated by Ted Danson and endorsed by and with major marketing support from National Geographic, Greenpeace and the Waitt Family Foundation, "The End of the Line" is a must-see for all who love the ocean and its creatures.

In addition to the film, attendees are in for a special treat and discussion.  Jamie Pollack will attend the event as the New York Representative for the Pew Environment Group's 'National Fisheries Reform Project' which focuses on ending overfishing by 2011. She is also the Co-Founder of Shark Savers, a international shark conservation organization focusing on lowering the demand for shark fin soup and setting up shark sanctuaries around the world. The Pew Environment Group is currently working on a campaign to ban surface longline fishing in the Gulf of Mexico which they use to catch swordfish and yellowfin tuna. While longlines kill swordfish and yellowfin, they also kill bluefin tuna, marlin, sharks and sea turtles as well. This method of fishing is extremely destructive and indiscriminate because It kills everything in its path.  She will be on hand to take questions from the audience, distribute sustainable seafood cards and explain the innovative "fishphone" app that is available on cell phones.

Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Suggested donation only $12 online or $15 at the door. Under 21 years old: $5 suggested. Includes an organic wine & cheese reception from 6:00-7:00 pm. To reserve your seat online, visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/144027. To check for door ticket availability, contact Jeff Cordulack at 203-869-5272 x239 or jcordulack@audubon.org. For more information about the film & event, visit: http://greenwich.audubon.org/Programs_SpecialEvents_EndoftheLine.html or http://endoftheline.com

EXCELLENT X-COUNTRY SKIING IN LITCHFIELD HILLS

A snowy winter means mountains of fun in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills, where opportunities for many kinds of outdoor recreation abound.

Imagine the quiet swoosh of a cross country skier gliding across the winter landscape in one of the many state parks and nature centers that abound in this unspoiled northwest corner of the state.  Here are a few of our favorite spots to cross country ski.

White Memorial Foundation, on 71 Whitehall Rd. (off Rte. 202) in Litchfield offers 35 pristine miles of trails to explore.  The Apple Hill Trail is especially scenic for x-country skiing as it meanders for approximately two miles from Laurel Hill to the summit of Apple Hill, the highest point around Bantam Lake.   An observation platform located on top of Apple Hill provides stunning views of the lake, hills and unspoiled countryside as far as the eye can see.  Gliding through open fields and forests you may catch a glimpse of a white tailed deer or a red fox.

Burr Pond State Park, on Burr Mountain Rd. in Torrington offers a lovely blue blazed three mile trail with very little elevation that circles Burr Pond making it easy to ski on.  The trail takes you through a portion of Paugnut State Forest with its sheltering pines and hemlocks.  In addition to including many fine views of the pond – popular with ice fishermen, you will also glide through a variety of habitats.

Collis P. Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Rd., in Redding is a quiet hideaway park that offers several unexpected charms.  The hill at this park is excellent for sledding and sliding and the network of trails here, most were former roads offer excellent and easy cross -country skiing.   The Blue Trail circles the park in a 5.7-mile loop that is perfect for an afternoon excursion.  A highlight of the park is the unique bronze animal sculptures made by Anna Vaughn Hyatt, one of America's most prolific sculptors.

Ski Jump Network - Litchfield Hills picked for national ski jump competitions

Ski Jump Network - Litchfield Hills picked for national ski jump competitions

State’s Three Regional Tourism Districts Announce Plans to Participate in International Tourism Summit

CONNECTICUT’S TOURISM REGIONS APPLAUD GOV. MALLOY’S REJOINING DISCOVER NEW ENGLAND
State’s Three Regional Tourism Districts Announce Plans to Participate in International Tourism Summit

CONNECTICUT, JANUARY 19, 2011 – In support of the Governor’s recent announcement reinvesting in Discover New England, the State’s three Tourism Regions have announced that they will participate in Discover New England’s Annual Summit and International Marketplace on April 4-6 in Washington, New Hampshire.

The three offices – the Western Regional Tourism District, Central Regional Tourism District, and Eastern Regional Tourism District – will join efforts to host an interactive booth and be a participating sponsor at Discover New England’s annual major annual marketing event.

At the Summit, Connecticut’s Regions will meet with International Tour Operators and Travel Agents and International Press from the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, and other European countries to tout Connecticut’s many attractions. The presence of the State’s Region’s Tourism leaders will ensure that Connecticut and the many tourism industry businesses represented by the three regions can deliver their marketing messages directly to key decision-makers.

Over the past few years, Connecticut has been losing market share in the very lucrative market of international visitors. While the State Tourism Office has been unable to promote Connecticut as a destination to these travelers, the State Regional Tourism Districts have been working together to maintain Connecticut’s presence. In rejoining the Discover New England organization, the Regional Districts and the State will once again be able to immediately call on their support to encourage foreign visitors to choose Connecticut as a destination.

Connecticut Tourism Regions have a long track record of representing Connecticut’s hotels and attractions at the Discover New England Summit and International Marketplace as well as at the U.S. Travel Association’s Annual Pow Wow, one of the biggest International Marketplaces in the World.

Bridgeport’s Arena is Renamed Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard

Webster Bank, a leading New England commercial bank, has entered into a ten-year naming rights agreement for the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut with Centerplate. Effective immediately, the Arena will be named Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.

Centerplate is responsible for managing and marketing the arena for the City of Bridgeport and is also the leading hospitality provider to North America's premier sports and convention centers.
"We are extremely proud and pleased to welcome Webster Bank as the naming rights sponsor for our Arena at Harbor Yard," said Mayor Bill Finch. "This is a great day for the City and for the bank."
In exchange for the naming rights investment, Webster Bank will be featured prominently in signage, including a new full-color outdoor marquee. There will also be signage facing the harbor and visible from the Long Island Ferry and the Metro North Railroad Station, and another facing the northbound side of Interstate 95.

"We're delighted to demonstrate Webster's commitment to Connecticut's largest city and to have the Webster Bank brand paired so prominently with this spectacular entertainment venue in the heart of the Park City," said Michelle Crecca, Webster Bank's chief marketing officer. "This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to create a multi-faceted, long-term Webster brand experience – not only with the people who attend a game or a show, but with city residents and commuters who will see the Webster name from Interstate 95, the train station and the ferry landing."

In addition to the exterior building signage, Webster Bank will appear on highway directional signage, at the box offices, on either end of the basketball court, and within the center ice location whenever ice hockey is in operation. The agreement also provides Webster Bank with the exclusive rights to install Webster ATMs in the arena concourse. Webster will also receive digital messaging rights, promotional exposure in brochures, collateral materials and websites, and premium hospitality options.

"We are delighted to have found the ideal naming rights partner for this signature Bridgeport property," said Des Hague, President and CEO of Centerplate. "Together with Webster Bank, we have crafted a platform to engage consumers and provide a meaningful benefit to Bridgeport and its citizens."

Celebrate a Traditional Burns Night in Washington CT

Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, will be honored at a Highland Feast with a piper, Celtic music, and Haggis on January 29 at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Washington Green. This Burns Night celebration, a Scottish tradition, will feature a six-course meal with smoked salmon, venison, partridge, and a tasting of 6 to 10 single malt whiskies.

It may not be Scotland, but anyone can celebrate the anniversary of the famed poet’s birth, and St. John’s is ready to do it in style. A piper will announce the Haggis, delivered to the main table by the chef.  Haggis, a sheep’s stomach filled with the sheep’s intestine and oatmeal, is a big part of the tradition, although there will be plenty of other good things to eat at this Burns Night. Scottish fare includes tatties (potatoes) and neeps (turnips), and a pudding called a “Tipsy-Laird-Trifle.”  The meal will be preceded by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served with dinner.

Kilts, trews and tartans are encouraged and everyone will join in the recitation of favorite Burns poems, toasts, prayers, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

The Highland Feast is $95 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. John’s Community Outreach Committee. For more information or to make reservations, call St. John’s at 860-868-2527. St. John’s Episcopal Church is located at 78 Green Hill Road, just across from the Washington Green. The Parish Hall faces 9 Parsonage Lane, with plenty of convenient parking.

Western CT Blog: Mohawk Mountain Ski Area Makes Planning Easy

Western CT Blog: Mohawk Mountain Ski Area Makes Planning Easy: "Western CT Blog"