<p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is excited to announce the cast for their upcoming production of WAITRESS. This production will close out the theater’s seventh spectacular season (which has included JERSEY BOYS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and FEW WORDS: A DANCE CYLCE) and promises to be a heartfelt and captivating production of this Tony Award-nominated hit musical.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, a talented pie-maker trapped in a small-town diner and an unhappy marriage, who dreams of a better life. When a baking contest in a nearby county—and a chance at a fresh start—present themselves, Jenna must find the courage to rebuild her life. Featuring an original score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, including beloved songs like "She Used to Be Mine," "Opening Up," and "Everything Changes," WAITRESS is a celebration of friendship, motherhood, and finding the strength to follow your dreams.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">A.C.T. of CT’s Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine says, “WAITRESS is a beautiful, deeply human story about resilience, hope, and the transformative power of kindness. The character of Jenna reminds us all that even when life feels overwhelming, we can summon the courage to change our story. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this emotionally rich and musically gorgeous show to our A.C.T. of CT stage.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">The production will star&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Abigail Sparrow</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;as Jenna,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Amma Osei&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">as Becky,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Shaylen Harger</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;as Dawn,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">John Alejandro Jeffords&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">as Dr. Pomatter,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Cody Jenkins&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">as Earl,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Joseph Torello</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;as Cal,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Wesley Slade</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;as Ogie,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">David Sitler</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;as Joe and&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Maeve Marbury</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;as Lulu; and will feature&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Raul Calderon, Liz Davis, Tara Forseth, Kai&nbsp;Horvit, Lauren Marut, Val Moranto, Jason Ivan Rodriguez, Ariana Valdes, Justin Waite, Christopher Brian Williams</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">WAITRESS has a book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, based on the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly. The A.C.T. of CT production will be directed and choreographed by Sara Brians, with music direction by Nicholas Connors. The show’s scenic design is by Kristen Martino, costume design by Leslie Bernstein, lighting design by Dalton Hamilton, sound design by Shannon Slaton, wig/hair design by Carissa Thorlakson, casting by The Casting Collaborative, and music supervision by A.C.T. of CT’s Grammy-nominated Bryan Perri.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">WAITRESS is rated PG-13 and will run from&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Thursday, May 29 through Sunday, June 22, 2025</strong><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">. Performances are: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm &amp; 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">Many performances are already sold out, so please call the box office at (475) 215-5497 for best availability. Please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://actofct.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bc87da4f6d091ddbec61b40ac&amp;id=6aeb8918aa&amp;e=832017f452" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137);">actofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">&nbsp;for more information. Senior/Student and Group pricing is available. For more information about A.C.T. of CT, season subscriptions, education programs, sponsor/donor opportunities, A.C.T. of CT’s First ACT! program, and other theatre-related news and announcements, visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://actofct.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bc87da4f6d091ddbec61b40ac&amp;id=c26b13fabf&amp;e=832017f452" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137);">actofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(32, 32, 32);">.</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, in partnership with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty of Ridgefield, is thrilled to announce the third annual Emerging Artists Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize the talent of emerging artists in the community.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The selected scholarship winner will receive a monetary award of $500.00 along with a prestigious opportunity to showcase their work at the Guild of Artists satellite gallery located at William Pitt Sotheby's. This exhibit offers a platform for the recipient to gain exposure and connect with art enthusiasts and patrons.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Applicants, aged 16 years or older, are encouraged to submit their portfolios for consideration. Submissions must be received by May 25th, 2025 to be eligible for the scholarship. The selection process will be based on artistic merit, originality, and potential for growth.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Interested individuals can receive an application by contacting Paul Gervais at </span><a href="mailto:pgervais@wpsir.com." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">pgervais@wpsir.com.</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists and William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty are committed to fostering artistic development and providing opportunities for emerging talents to thrive. This scholarship represents our dedication to supporting the vibrant arts community in Ridgefield and beyond.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last call for </span><a href="https://vy8gtsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001obAp-Vx78q-mnXl6KsiZub9_xEWP8GaOsreZMdNGsptjP8anJOpDUjI_9AYsGOUZSsjsGfdT9MAc8CdRdOXSPVcChfTRvnWPqRzkB4cbb_1PAFGDgNChFybEZ1Zhz-kE6xNAqKGmS6qqgLRKW0JBVWUB511OjqLOST88zFGgl3o-B8c2cZbpvoZV119rbbjqtIDi3lszYMCNh3THkLIY4xu892hS2Pi1Jm3se-OLT_va8NJb4W6bVxoTroMcZ9sYcug8mUcXCdW5hpoteOjmldTbIvFIMspcMZ2_FK_aZKu_6bZax1WzdgItZTgPeB1nlOQ7oAY-T-mdXMeaID9xIvXtEPZMjBCHWsmsGpcTGdnS5oaiuHIp41RtKkOsXTWNlFIgze_1e6kYZsv9NX_BfUjcPcy95UIL&amp;c=U9ymJ6EbdttH7G82Gya5CpUfVgVA1hHzrIsn5uzpaDPF-PG_OcGbPw==&amp;ch=SFeuy-FwU7GyL2rkduItW5ZmqAhI1s-simFxh6Rj4LCumWwzdDwkJA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HANNAH BERNER</a> tickets! The stand-up comedian will perform at The Ridgefield Playhouse on <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sunday, May 4 at 8pm!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets start at $35 - </span><a href="https://vy8gtsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001obAp-Vx78q-mnXl6KsiZub9_xEWP8GaOsreZMdNGsptjP8anJOpDUjI_9AYsGOUZSsjsGfdT9MAc8CdRdOXSPVcChfTRvnWPqRzkB4cbb_1PAFGDgNChFybEZ1Zhz-kE6xNAqKGmS6qqgLRKW0JBVWUB511OjqLOST88zFGgl3o-B8c2cZbpvoZV119rbbjqtIDi3lszYMCNh3THkLIY4xu892hS2Pi1Jm3se-OLT_va8NJb4W6bVxoTroMcZ9sYcug8mUcXCdW5hpoteOjmldTbIvFIMspcMZ2_FK_aZKu_6bZax1WzdgItZTgPeB1nlOQ7oAY-T-mdXMeaID9xIvXtEPZMjBCHWsmsGpcTGdnS5oaiuHIp41RtKkOsXTWNlFIgze_1e6ntoFdZTBBY6L4h4FOjLOtX&amp;c=U9ymJ6EbdttH7G82Gya5CpUfVgVA1hHzrIsn5uzpaDPF-PG_OcGbPw==&amp;ch=SFeuy-FwU7GyL2rkduItW5ZmqAhI1s-simFxh6Rj4LCumWwzdDwkJA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Opening Act: Ali Kolbert</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hannah Berner is a stand-up comedian and New York Times Best-Selling author known for her relatable humor and charismatic crowd work. She rose to prominence with her debut comedy special “We Ride at Dawn” which premiered at #2 on Netflix. Berner hosts two hit podcasts, Giggly Squad alongside Paige DeSorbo and Berner Phone with Des Bishop, which have garnered over 100 million combined downloads. Berner was included in Variety’s 2024 “The New Power of New York” list, The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 “The Creator A-List” and Variety’s 2023 “Top 10 Comics to Watch”.&nbsp;</span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Barts Tree Service Comedy Series</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This spring, the Golf Performance Center (GPC) in Ridgefield unveiled </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The National</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">, a premier 9-hole short course designed to offer a world-class short game experience - just $20 to play 9 holes. </span></p><h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">We asked Edward Murphy, the Director of Operations at GPC to share </span><u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">10 Fun Facts about The National.&nbsp;</u></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">1) It's an Executive Short Course</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">2) You only need a couple of wedges and a putter to play</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">3) It can be played at night</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">4) The record for 9 holes is 7 under par</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">5) Men, women and children all play from the same tee's</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">6) The Greens are as challenging as any private country club</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">7) The Norwalk River runs through it</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">8) Professional golfers play a tournament on it every year</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">9) Can be played with various routings</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">10) The National was designed by King &amp; Collins renowned golf course architects.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Tee times can be booked online through the GPC website or by calling the Pro Shop at 203-790-4653. Non-members are welcome and can reserve tee times up to 48 hours in advance, whereas course members can book 1 week in advance.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For more information about The National Short Course, membership options, and to book your tee time, visit</span><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/the-national" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/the-national/.</a></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Run, Refuel, Rejoice: Celebrate Mom the À Table Way</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you're joining the runners for Ridgefield’s beloved </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Run Like a Mother</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 5K this Mother’s Day, there’s no better way to refuel—and celebrate—than with a delicious, no-prep dinner from </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">À Table</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Show Mom just how much she’s loved with a thoughtful meal she didn’t have to plan, shop for, or cook. À Table’s </span><a href="https://atableus.square.site/?mc_cid=adb63dad5b&amp;mc_eid=a4b0c75bcf#CLADZGUKYMWTPQZM7AUJRK6D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Mother’s Day menu</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is available for </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">pre-order and pick-up on Saturday, May 10</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, offering a simple, elegant (and delicious) way to celebrate Mom!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">No time to plan ahead? No problem. Just stop by the shop—À Table makes it easy to pull together something special on the spot.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And there’s more than food on the table.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">À Table is helping make Ridgefield’s Mother’s Day tables beautiful, too—with gorgeous new French table runners and napkins from </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Garnier-Thiebaut</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, known for their timeless elegance and craftsmanship.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Need a floral finishing touch? À Table is excited to be partnering with New Petal Flower Farm to offer fresh, locally grown bouquets, available in-store Thursday through Saturday.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Other gift ideas include:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> – Curated </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">gift baskets</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> – Thoughtful </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">gift certificates</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> – Gourmet pantry staples and home accents she wouldn’t buy for herself—but will be glad someone did</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Located in </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Marketplace at Copps Hill Plaza</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> at </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">109 Danbury Road</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in Ridgefield, À Table is the local go-to for French-inspired fare, gifts, and tableware—making it a perfect stop for anyone looking to honor Mom in style.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hours:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 6pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Saturday: 10am – 5pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit </span><a href="https://www.atableus.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.atableus.com/</a> and follow along on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atableus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">@atableus</a></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Ridgefield Named One of 9 “Connecticut Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness”</strong></p><p>In a recent article by <em>World Atlas</em>, Ridgefield’s hallmark warmth and welcoming spirit earned it a spot among just nine Connecticut towns recognized for their exceptional hospitality. As the piece notes, <em>“one charming aspect about the state that people forget to mention is the warmth of its residents. While the whole region can be considered friendly, some areas stand out for demonstrating unsolicited hospitality… here are some of Connecticut's small towns with unmatched friendliness.”</em></p><p>Ridgefield was the only town in Fairfield County to make the list.</p><p>Described as a <em>“bedroom”</em> community [do you agree?] <em>“with affluent residents who don't mind sharing their local attractions with visitors,”</em> Ridgefield is celebrated not only for its openness but also for its vibrant cultural offerings.</p><p><em>World Atlas</em> writes, <em>“The town boasts a rich theater scene, with multiple venues where residents frequently congregate to support homegrown talent. You can join them inside the Ridgefield Playhouse to watch entertaining performances in a modern 500-seat arena. The glowing Classic Revival-style Lounsbury House is another cultural hub that hosts special events, including weddings, gatherings, and festivals.”</em></p><p>Notably absent, however, were mentions of several other beloved cultural institutions, including A.C.T. of CT, Ridgefield Theater Barn, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists—each contributing to the town’s creative identity.</p><p>Where the article shines is in its praise for Ridgefield’s natural beauty. <em>“You can escape [to] the serene grounds of Ballard Park for a relaxing picnic as you admire its colorful display of flowers and gardens. The site also hosts the annual Ridgefield Art Festival, bringing everybody together to celebrate creativity.”</em> We would add: the annual summer Art Walk, when downtown is transformed into a living gallery, is another artistic gem not to be missed.</p><p>*Photo by HamletHub</p>