Stories
<p>On the last Saturday night in May, I found myself at a table in a renovated theater with 3 High School seniors, all of whom were two weeks away from graduating, two of whom were about to go to college in pursuit of theater degrees, one setting off for a liberal arts degree, all of whom were excited about the show we were about to see. The room was packed, and it occurred to me in these troubled times it felt like we all really needed to be there; sitting in that space together; anticipating sharing an experience- together</p><p>As the final production in Ridgefield Theater Barn’s milestone 60th season, Moon Over Buffalo closed the year with a burst of energy, slapstick, and classic theatrical chaos. Written by Ken Ludwig, the play is a fast-paced farce set in 1953 Buffalo, New York, where aging theater stars George and Charlotte Hay struggle to keep their careers afloat amidst personal drama and professional disasters. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from Hollywood comes knocking, mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and backstage bedlam threaten to upend everything.</p><p><br></p><p>Director Diana Canova keeps the pace brisk and the comedic timing tight—both essential in a show where doors slam as often as punchlines land. Her direction maintains the play’s farcical rhythm without losing the emotional stakes at its core. The result is a show that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious, and is a lively, well-executed homage to the madness of live theater.</p><p><br></p><p>At the center of the mayhem are Gillian Holt and Fred Rueck as Charlotte and George Hay, a pair of fading stage actors still clinging to the spotlight. Holt’s Charlotte is sharp, commanding, and full of theatrical flair, playing beautifully off Rueck’s bombastic and increasingly unhinged George. Their chemistry is palpable and delightfully combustible, anchoring the show’s chaos in a believable (if exaggerated) love-hate partnership.</p><p>Elayne Gordon delivers standout comedic timing as Ethel, Charlotte’s nearly deaf mother, whose misheard lines were consistent crowd-pleasers. Julia Preis brings warmth and wit to Rosalind, the Hays’ daughter trying to distance herself from the family business, while still seeing both her parents in her, Cooper Smithers (Howard) was hilarious as the nervous fiancée of Rosalind coming to meet the well-known parents. His timing and earnest smile had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Matt Donovan is a charmingly earnest Paul, grounding the action with sincerity and looking like he could be coming out of a door on “I Love Lucy” at any moment. Timothy Huber (Richard) acted s the perfect stalwart of the “other option” in life, bringing us in to his love for Charlotte and ultimately his pathos when confronted with the enormity of the soul of an Actor. Clara Sussman rounds out the cast as Eileen with the right balance of vulnerability and mischief and comedic timing.</p><p><br></p><p>Claudia Noel Nerreau’s set design is both functional and visually engaging, with multiple entrances and exits that support the frantic movement demanded by the script. The backstage setting—a theatrical green room and performance space—is rendered with just the right level of lived-in realism.</p><p>Nerreau’s costumes are equally effective, evoking the period with style while adding to the characters’ eccentricities. From George’s swashbuckling Cyrano costume to Charlotte’s glamorous stage attire, each look serves both character and comedy.</p><p><br></p><p>Mark Hanla’s lighting design subtly underscores scene transitions and helps accentuate the moments of dramatic irony and physical comedy. It never calls attention to itself, but its precision helps keep the farce flowing smoothly.</p><p><br></p><p>Remaining performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM through June 21st, with Sunday matinees on June 8 and 15 at 5:00 PM. The Ridgefield Theater Barn is located at 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, CT 06877. Tickets are $30, available at<a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.</a> Seating is cabaret-style, and audience members are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Doors open one hour prior to curtain. All sales are final.</p><p>Moon Over Buffalo is a smart, crowd-pleasing farce, with very few moments from the time the lights go up, where someone, if not all of the audience are laughing — expertly staged, sharply performed, and the perfect finale to a remarkable season. Don’t miss this laugh-out-loud gem.</p><p><br></p><p><em>Photo: Timothy Huber - Richard, Matt Donovan - Paul, Gillian Holt- Charlotte, Julia Preis- Rosalind, Elayne Gordan-Ethel.</em></p><p><br></p>
<p>Join New York Times bestselling author (Tell Me More, The Middle Place) and top 1% podcast host Kelly Corrigan (Kelly Corrigan Wonders) for a conversation about the role of creativity in mental health and societal progress. From coding to gardening, knitting to robotics, making is an irreplaceable part of every life. In fact, the future belongs to makers (it always has). Thanks to widely celebrated, peer-reviewed research in neuroscience, we also know that making is key to brain health and well being. <strong>Families are invited to join us for a deep dive into the how and why of creativity followed by a Q&A with Kelly. Each ticket includes a copy of the book. </strong></p><p><span class="ql-cursor"></span><a href="https://bedfordplayhouse.org/special_events/the-how-and-why-of-creativity-with-kelly-corrigan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bedfordplayhouse.org/special_events/the-how-and-why-of-creativity-with-kelly-corrigan/</a></p><p><br></p>
<p>The 2025 Brewster Summer Music Series kicks off its fifth season on Wednesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Southeast Veterans Park Gazebo in Brewster Village. Concerts are held at the corner of Railroad and Morningthorpe Avenues. There is ample parking nearby and the site is easily accessed via Metro North. Be sure to Like and Follow the series on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrewsterSMS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Facebook Page</a> for continuous updates.</p><p>This Cultural Arts Coalition program is presented to the community at no charge with performances by local and regional professional musicians on seven consecutive Wednesday nights in June and July. Music starts at 6:30 and wraps up at 8:30 for all shows.</p><p>New this year, food and ice cream trucks will be on site! Bring your lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy these evenings under the summer sky with your neighbors and friends.</p><p><strong>The 2025 Brewster Summer Music Series Lineup:</strong></p><p>June 18: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JayPrinceandFriends" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Jay Prince and Friends</a> - Rock, Funk, R &B</p><p>June 25: <a href="https://latinjazznet.com/reviews/albums/chico-alvarez-el-montunero-country-roots-urban-masters/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Chico Alvarez and Mafimba</a> - Afro-Cuban Big Band</p><p>July 2: <a href="https://www.bookendsband.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Bookends Band</a> – 70’s and Beyond</p><p>July 9: <a href="https://www.waybehindthesun.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Way Behind the Sun</a> – Traditional Country</p><p>July 16: <a href="https://tillyfosterbluegrass.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Tilly Foster Bluegrass Band</a> Modern Bluegrass/Americana</p><p>July 23: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/itsjohnhsmith" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">John H. Smith Band</a> – Blues/Jazz</p><p>July 30: <a href="https://genevievefaivre.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Genevieve Faivre and Friends</a> - Brazilian, Jazz and more</p><p><strong>The concert series is made possible by the generous donations of the following business sponsors:</strong></p><p><a href="https://guardianveterinaryspecialists.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Guardian Veterinary Specialists,</a> <a href="https://byramconcrete.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Byram Concrete & Supply</a>, <a href="https://www.airprofs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Air Professional Associates</a>, <a href="https://www.tompkinsbank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Tompkins Bank</a>, <a href="https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/bill-flash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Edward Jones Financial</a>, <a href="https://www.costanova.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Costa Nova</a>, <a href="https://www.aceendico.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Ace Endico</a>, <a href="https://www.suburbancarting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Suburban Carting</a>, <a href="https://generalbakeshop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">General Bakeshop</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Stuart-W-Bates-Inc-100064162054805/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Stuart Bates</a>, <a href="https://hearitthere.com/event/chico-alvarez-mafimba-brewster-summer-music-series-brewster-ny/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Hear It There</a>, <a href="https://www.forwardmotioncounselinglcsw.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Forward Motion Counseling</a>, and <a href="https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/pete-harckham" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Senator Harckham</a> . Katy Faivre, program director, expresses thanks to all who help make the series happen – “along with the enthusiastic audience, which gets bigger every year!”</p><p>The program is also made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with additional funding by local community sponsors and individual supporters.</p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV) is partnering with The Picture House Regional Film Center in Bronxville, N.Y. to host an exclusive screening of </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Audrey’s Children</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, a film about the renowned physician Dr. Audrey Evans. </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Audrey’s Children</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, tells the story of the trailblazing pediatric oncologist and co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House built in 1974 in Philadelphia.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The film, starring Natalie Dormer, made its theatrical debut last month in theaters across the U.S. and this local screening at The Picture House Regional Film Center in Bronxville will be held </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, May 15th</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> at 7 p.m. with a welcoming ceremony, light refreshments and a post reception. At the conclusion of the film a Q & A session will be held with writer and producer Julia Fisher Farbman. According to Brittany Moretti, Executive Director at RMHGHV, the film showcases Dr. Audrey Evans’ inspiring life as a woman in medicine, while emphasizing the realities and hardships Ronald McDonald House families go through each and every day. She recognized that treating a child with cancer meant supporting and caring for the entire family. “Her vision lives on through hundreds of Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide — including our own House located at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. Come learn more about how one person can change the world</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and how the spirit of Dr. Evans' mission continues through the work we do,”said Moretti.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">RMHGHV, a 12 bedroom House which is just steps away from the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY., provides a home away from home for families of sick children. When families face medical challenges the House offers an atmosphere of comfort, hope and courage, keeping them close to the care and resources they need. The House is filled to capacity almost every night and provides meals, laundry and respite services for families during their stay.“</span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Audrey’s Children</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> beautifully captures Dr. Evans’ tenacity, brilliance, and above all compassion,” added Moretti. “The remarkable film tells the untold true story of Dr. Audrey Evans and supports our mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.” </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Limited seating is available so reserve your spot early. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.and movie begins promptly at 7 p.m. For more information regarding </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Audrey’s Children </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">or to RSVP visit </span><a href="http://rmhghv.org/Audrey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">rmhghv.org/Audrey</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or email Luke Dougherty at </span><a href="mailto:ldougherty@rmhghv.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ldougherty@rmhghv.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> "We are honored to partner with such an impactful organization for this moving and important film,” said Clayton Bushong, Executive Director of The Picture House Regional Film Center. “Audrey’s Children is a celebration of compassion, resilience, and hope, and we’re proud to help share Dr. Evans’ remarkable legacy with our community.” </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">The Ridgefield Theater Barn recently opened registration for their new Spring workshop, Little</span><em style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;"> </em><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">Theater. </span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">LITTLE THEATER</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Taught by KATIE KELLY</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">May 5-28 (4 classes)</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">$250</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">A workshop for our youngest theater kids! An opportunity to introduce theater to kids 6-8 years old in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. They will engage in improvisation and stage performance and learn to tap into their creativity through games, songs and movement activities.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">STARTS MONDAY, 5/5/2025</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Mondays: 4:45-5:30pm</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">4 Weeks: 5/5/25-5/28/25 (4 sessions)</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">CLASS DATES:</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/5/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/12/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/19/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/26/25 NO CLASS</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Wednesday, 5/28/25</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">RTBK workshops are geared toward kids grades 3 through 12 with an interest in acting, improv, singing, or musical theater. The programs are non-audition based, inclusive to all and offer a fun, nurturing environment where kids can be themselves. Financial aid and scholarships are available to any student.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">For more information, including full descriptions, a complete schedule, workshop and package prices, and registration details, please visit the Barn website, </span><a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">. Those with questions regarding financial support should reach out to Executive Director Pamme Jones at </span><a href="mailto:executivedirector@ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">executivedirector@</a><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/new-fairfield-connecticut/stories/ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p>Dust off your derby hats from your closet and</p><p>Sip & Stroll along the sidewalks in New Fairfield. </p><p>Sponsored by New Fairfield Parks & Recreation</p><p> Saturday, May 3rd</p><p>4pm-8pm</p><p>Be sure to wear derby best (bold, bright, and floral). Music provided by the Snake Dog Band</p><p><br></p><p>$30.pp (age 21& up) includes a specialty glass & map of participating businesses.</p><p>Glasses are limited pre-registration is recommended</p><p>Online registration opens on April 3rd</p><p>use the QR code in the flyer to register or call</p><p>203-312-5633</p><p>With your paid glass, visit the businesses listed on your map for a sample of their complimentary</p><p>offerings.</p><p><br></p><p>Glasses are limited for this event and may sell out!</p><p><br></p><p>Walk-in on May 3rd glasses are: $35.pp</p><p><br></p><p>Pick up your glass & map at New Fairfield Town Hall, 4 Brush Hill Rd. between 4 & 6 pm. </p>
<p>The Putnam Chorale is accepting sign-ups for its Summer Ensemble 2025. Separate from the Fall/Spring classical repertoire, the Summer Ensemble is a smaller group with lighter music and an opportunity to join fellow singers in the camaraderie of making summer music. This year’s summer conductor will be Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox, a specialist in a cappella and barbershop genres. The theme is <strong><em>American Greats: Ready for Anniversary 250</em></strong>, focusing on Americana by Irving Berlin and others, as we move into celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the USA. Making this summer’s experience unique is the emphasis on a cappella singing. Wynn will guide the group in listening and singing exercises to create beautiful melodies using only voice. Some Barbershop inspired arrangements will be included. (All material will be for mixed voices.) The ensemble will sing from sheet music. No memorization will be required. As the material develops, smaller groups will be formed, such as quartets, octets, etc. to afford interested singers the change to enjoy the fun of small group singing. </p><p><br></p><p>Sample songs include: Blue Skies, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Always, God Bless America, This Land is Your Land, and more.</p><p>The ensemble will rehearse from May through July at Carmel High School, culminating in two or three area performances in late July or early August. </p><p><br></p><p>To get on the list for more information (no commitment), click here: <a href="https://forms.gle/SWm1isFp8GsTrusVA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>2025 Summer Ensemble</em></strong></a><strong><em> </em></strong>or visit <a href="https://news.hamlethub.com/brewster-new-york/stories/PutnamChorale.org/summer2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>PutnamChorale.org/summer2025</em></strong></a></p><p>Reach the Chorale at<a href="https://news.hamlethub.com/brewster-new-york/stories/845.520.7574" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 845.520.7574</a></p>