Sex with Strangers: a romantic drama in the digital era at Westport Country Playhouse

October 2, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

6_WCP_SexWithStrangers_JLove_CGhaffari_byPChenot

Laura Eason writer/producer on the television series House Of Cards (Netflix) is the author of this interesting and thoughtful play now on stage at the Westport Country Playhouse. Sex with Strangers is part drama, part comedy that focuses on the modern digital age of dating, relationships, and how we learn about the people we meet.

The play has only two characters, Ethan (Chris Ghaffari) and Olivia (Jessica Love). Olivia is a professor and talented but unsuccessful author in her late 30s. She is staying in a woodsy bed and breakfast in the Michigan woods. She is all alone and is there to clear her mind, disconnect from the world and perhaps finish a long overdue novel.

Her tranquility is soon broken by the unexpected arrival of Ethan, another guest during a snowstorm. Ethan is a late 20s blogger and author who interrupts the quiet of the cabin with his demands for food, and general disgust when he discovers there is no wi-fi at the remote cabin. The audience discovers that Ethan is also a writer and internet sensation and has produced two books based on his weekly sexual exploits with strangers he picks up in bars. The titles of the books is where the name of the play is derived. Olivia is not only a English professor but had published a book years earlier that was the subject of mixed and some harsh reviews. The experience of rejection of her novel despite her talent has had such a lasting effect on her that she is unable to finish her second novel despite her talent and ambition. The two are true opposites.

sex with strangers

The conversation in the first act between Ethan and Olivia is in short, rapid exchanges that reminded me more of text messages than true conversation. However as the characters learn more of each other, the conversation evolves and becomes more warm and complex . We find that Ethan is not here by accident and knew about Olivia, her first book and that she would be at the cabin. Indeed he has used the internet to read up about her and seek to out photos of her. It as if he was reviewing an online dating profile and shows the stark differences between the two characters. Olivia is absorbed by the written word, great authors, and dreams of joining her literary idols on the shelves. Ethan is a scrappy internet blogger, who we find dreams of leaving the shallow persona that has made him a success and become a real author. The strangers do become romantically entangled despite their obvious differences. However, Olivia uses the internet to find out more about Ethan and his books and finds she is repelled by his sexual exploits as well as the counter-blogging by women that he slighted.

Act Two shifts gears and is set in Olivia’s apartment. The lives of the two very different strangers become entangled not only in their strange sexual attraction, but their shared ambition to be published. In Act two we see a change in the characters and their relationship as they use each other to achieve their personal goals. The play is a commentary on our digital world, the personas we create online, and how we interact with each other online and in person. The play is sprinkled with humor which helps break the tension between the two characters.

Jessica Love who has Broadway and off Broadway credits in resume does a fine job as Olivia. Chris Ghaffari who was on the Westport stage last year in the hilarious “What the Butler Saw” did an excellent job as Ethan.

The scenic design by Edward Morris were really well done and constructed and drew the audience into the play. The woodsy bed and breakfast cabin was very realistic and effective.

An interesting and thoughtful play with direction by Katherine M. Carter.

The play runs through October 14th 2017

Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct

tel. 203.227.4177

web for info and tickets

http://www.westportplayhouse.org/sex-with-strangers

like I on The Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram>>> i_on_the_valley

Romolo Gastro Pizza: Roman style cuisine comes to Ridgefield. Mangia Bene!!

September 2, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

You have to descend stairs and into the basement of the newest restaurant in Ridgefield Ct., Romolo Gastro Pizza. This is not just another pizza restaurant and that is evident as you enter. It has more the feel of Italian restaurant with the mystery of a speakeasy or some private club. Signage is minimal with only a small wooden sign announcing that you have arrived at a special eatery.

The dark heavy wooden door opens to a fairly narrow and intimate space of approximately 40 seats. The room is similar in decor to its sister restaurant upstairs, Village Tavern. With its low wooden distressed ceiling, brick walls and dark floor, the space has an air of mystery as it is so unlike any other eatery in town. There is no mystery however when it comes to the food which I am happy to report was excellent.

After being seated we were treated to warm bread with soft cheese. . Very tasty and a sign of good things to come. Our party ordered some appetizers which we all shared. The Burrata Caponata was a great choice with fresh soft locally sourced burrata cheese with a Roman Style eggplant caponata.

We also enjoyed the Polpette which are house made Italian meat balls, which have roasted with fresh tomato, basil and topped with fresh ricotta cheese and black pepper. Poplette can be made in a number of different ways by how you blend the ingredients and seasonings. These were tender and full of flavor. A good choice.

Polpette

The Langostino was also sampled from the appetizer menu. Langostino or “little lobster”is a delicious seafood, though the Langostino is not the same as regular lobster. The meat was soft and delicious and was baked and served with a blend of cheeses, herbs and artichokes and a side of crisp bread. Nice dish for the cheese lover and a good way to start the meal.

Langostino

The main courses at Romolo Gastro Pizza are pasta dishes, salads, meat , and of course their pizzas. Our table enjoyed one of the pasta dishes as well as ordered from the pizza menu. The pasta was Lasagna Romano, again a dish in the Roman style. Thin sheets of house made pasta , parmesan, beef stracotto (Italian slow cooked beef), in a besciamella sauce. Unlike other lasagna dishes this does not have marinara sauce but instead is served in a light and tasty cream sauce. While the portion is not overly large, it was quite filling.

Pizza is the specialty of the house and the Roman influence again is apparent with the rectangular shaped pizzas made with a dough that creates an crispy artisan like crust that performs the culinary feat of being both light yet filling. There are seven different pizzas on the menu and it comprises the largest part of the menu. We chose to sample Nonna Romano, a delicious pizza made with mozzarella, tomato marinara, a touch of garlic, extra virgin olive oil and basil, pecorino cheese, and fior de latte (cheese). A authentic take on real Roman pizza.

Nonna Romano Pizza

Braccio de Ferro pizza was very pleasing and prepared with fresh mozzarella, fresh spinach, garlic, evoo, local ricotta, shaved grana (hard Italian cheese) and aleppo pepper flakes. A delicious and filling pie and full of Italian flavor.

Our third pizza was the evening special called Daniella Pizza, which was the same delicious crust with soft burrata cheese, fava bean puree, zucchini, tomatoes, and mozzerella. A great dish for the vegetarian as many of the pizzas do feature meat as a topping.

There is an nice wine list of Italian wines both white and red and are available by glass or bottle.

Romolo Gastro Pizza is a fantastic addition to the Ridgefield dining scene . Chef Bruno DiFabio a master pizza maker and six time champion in the World Pizza Games and Chef Germano Minin (winner of Chopped on the Food Network show) have brought a winning menu of authentic Roman cuisine to the area.

Da noi si mangia bene!

Romolo Gastro Pizza

378 Main Street Ridgefield Ct (in the rear of the building, downstairs)

tel. 203.769.6249

web. http://romolopizza.com

like I on the Valley for great things to do, dine and experience in Ct, NYC and the Hudson Valley !

http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

join our thousands of followers on instagram>> i_on_the_valley

Appropriate: a must see drama with a deep secret at Westport Country Playhouse

August 28, 2017September 1, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Appropriate_HomepageBox_400x340

As the house lights darken, the sound of cicadas fill the theater and set the mood for the drama that lies ahead. The lights soften to reveal the inside of a dilapidated former plantation in Arkansas. The old once grand home is great disrepair and filled with years of a hoarders collection of both artifacts and secrets.

Much like the mysterious cicada insect that lives underground only to return every 13 to 17 years and sing its mating song, the adult Lafayette family which has been distant from each other decides to reunite at the plantation after the death of their father. The purpose is to liquidate the estate and the decaying plantation house. Of the three adult children, each has a different reason for returning. Toni, (Betsy Aidem) the oldest is the executor and is there with her son Rhys (Nick Selting) to oversee the sale of the contents of the home and the plantation itself. However, she cannot seem to get a grasp on letting her father go, and the sale she charged with arranging is disorganized. Her brother Bo (David Aaron Baker), has come in from New York with his family so he can recoup his financial outlay of taking care of his father, and for his wife Rachel (Diane Davis) and kids (Allison Winn and Christian Camporin) to learn something about the reclusive father whom they have never known.

Appropriate0391web

Into the mix comes the long lost brother Franz (Shawn Fagan), the youngest sibling and the misfit of the family who has been out of touch from the family for 10 years. With him is his earthy and soulful young girlfriend, River (Anna Crivelli). Franz (formerly Frank) was a burden to his family for years and then dropped out of sight. Franz has returned not to seek money or his share of the estate, but to reunite with his siblings and make peace with his family, His visit is to cleanse himself from the person he was and to confront his troubled past growing up in the plantation. With the assistance of River, he has reinvented himself and the misfit now morally rises above his siblings.

Appropriate0672web

Old houses as well as families have deep secrets that perhaps are best kept that way. But by accident a horrible secret about their father emerges from the hoard of items found in the house. Each sibling must grasp with this discovery. There is denial, intrigue and accusations as we learn about each member and their relationship with their father. The remaining family members struggle not only with the discovery of this secret, but must deal with the decay of their family ties which parallels the decay of the plantation itself. I will not disclose the secret as that if for you to discover.

Appropriate is a brilliantly written play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. It is complex, and thought provoking. I found myself rewinding the scenes of the play in my mind long after I left the theater. Direction by David Kennedy is wonderful as the audience is immediately drawn into the action and held there for the duration. The set design is wonderful and captures the decay of the plantation. Special note should go the effects, lighting and sound which are all instrumental to the performance.

Notable acting performances include Betsy Aidem as Toni who commands the stage as her character swings from sadness to remorse to rage during the play. Shawn Fagan as Franz gives an illuminating performance of a character who embodies redemption. It is perhaps Anna Crivelli as River whose rational zen like character brings both levity and calm which is the most memorable performance.

This is a must see drama and one of the finest I have seen in some time.

The show runs through September 2 2017

Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct

tel.203-227-4177

tickets: http://www.westportplayhouse.org/tickets/Calendar/Buy/id/3962

Like I on the Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

Instagram: i_on_the_valley

An Evening of One Acts 2017 at the Ridgefield Theater Barn

July 3, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

one-acts-2017a

Now appearing at The Ridgefield Theater Barn in Ridgefield Ct. is An Evening of One Acts 2017. The evening features 8 short one act plays that are written by local authors, and are acted and directed by talented local artists. The plays are very funny and entertaining, and as always a great way to spend an evening. An Evening of One Acts 2017 is a great showcase for the talent in our area and the evening was a real success with much laughter and applause showered on the show on opening night.

Most of the plays are comedies and range from being witty to downright hilarious. One of our favorites was The Computer Lesson written by Myles Gansfried and directed by Kay Mayr which tells the touching and funny tale of Morey (Larry Greeley), his son Alan (Rick Haylon) and Sammy the computer tech (Roberto Perez). Alan insists that his elderly father Morey who lives alone move to assisted living and give up his apartment, or learn to use a computer and the internet so he can stay connected to the world. Morey has no interest in computers at all but accepts his son’s ultimatum rather than move into assisted living. When the computer arrives, Morey is more than flustered, and calls the computer Tech in India to walk him through the set up and his intro to computers. Though they are separated by oceans, age and knowledge, the lonely Morey begins to bond with Sammy over the phone and a friendship ensues . Each man finds that they are able to assist each other in some way, and Alan’s hope of opening his father’s world has come to fruition. A heart felt, funny and wonderfully acted and directed performance.

Our other favorite was The Drive written by Tracy James, direction by Nick Kaye with Eileen Fickes, Pamme Jones, and Nicole Veach. This story involves three women who travel to Ireland. As they stuff themselves and their luggage into a very tiny rental car, they start out on their adventure on the narrow windy lanes of the Irish countryside. They rely on the GPS provided by the rental agency to guide them to their destination. The GPS (named Lucy) who speaks in a proper English accent announces each turn in the road. However the comedy start when the distracted women miss a turn and the GPS comes to life and begins to correct the women, and eventually start insulting them in a dry but hilarious manner. The women start talking back and arguing with Lucy the GPS (voiced by Anna Frankl-Duval) but they are no match for her wit. The audience was laughing the entire performance.

The Evening of One Acts 2017 is filled with fun and fine moments like this and should not be missed. The performances run through July 15th 2017 with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm. There is a Sunday Matinee on July 9th at 5pm.

Tickets are $25 each. Doors open one hour prior and most guests bring dinner, snacks or drinks to enjoy prior to the performance. Seating is cabaret style at tables. So grab some friends, or a date and enjoy a fun evening of one act plays.

for tickets and info: http://ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/pages/special-events.php

Ridgefield Theater Barn

37 Halpin Lane Ridgefield Ct

like I on the Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram >>>> i_on_the_valley

Lettice and Lovage: a brilliant British comedy at the Westport Country Playhouse

June 12, 2017June 14, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Lettice_WebHeader_UPDATED

A hysterical comedy is now in production at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport Ct. The play “Lettice and Lovage” is a witty British comedy that opened in Britain in 1987 and then on Broadway in 1990 where it was nominated for a Tony and has been the recipient of much acclaim.

In the play we meet Lettice Douffet who is a tour guide at a historic English manor run by the Historical Trust. Lettice finds that the tourists who visit the site are bored as the home was never the scene of anything of real historic interest. She embarks on embellishing the history of the manor with grand stories and details that are from her fertile imagination. Her boss at the trust Lotte Schoen gets wind of her historical inaccuracies and fires her. After a change of heart Lotte visits Lettice at her flat where they enjoy an potent beverage called Lovage. During this meeting the strict Lotte lets down her guard and reveals that under the dull trappings of a civil servant she is really a devoted lover of British culture and architecture that she feels is being destroyed by modern society. An unusual friendship is formed as they embrace Lettice’s creed of Enlarge, Enlighten, and Enliven!

lettice 2

The play is clever, funny and a real delight. The actors are wonderful and the direction is fantastic as the audience learns about the Lettice and Lotte and how their unusual relationship has enriched both their lives. Set design is particularly good with three separate sets used during the performance.

There are excellent performances from the entire cast with Kandis Chappell as Lettice , Mia Dillon as Lotte , Sarah Manton as Ms Framer (last seen in “What the Butler Saw at the WCP) and Paxton Whitehead the veteran actor who played the part of Mr. Bardoff on Broadway. Mr. Whitehead has a long and distinguished career of stage and screen performances.

The play was written by Sir Peter Shaffer who has written such classics as Equus and Amadeus. Direction is by Mark Lamos who has directed many plays at the Playhouse and is himself a Tony award winner.

The play runs through June 17th

For Tickets and information: http://www.westportplayhouse.org

Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct tel. (888) 927-7529

Like I on The Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram>>>>> i_on_the_valley

Viceroy Publik House: A hip English Ale House with Indian roots opens in Stamford

June 6, 2017June 7, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Irene May 731

A new restaurant, pub and music venue has joined the restaurant scene in downtown Stamford Ct. Viceroy Publik House is a unique new addition to Summer Street and offers a two level townhouse where you can discover the fusion of Indian and English cuisine along with the energy and vibe of an upscale English pub.

Irene May 713

The theme recalls the British Raj era of Colonial Rule over India from 1858 to 1947. Decor features vintage photographs and maps on the walls in the intimate and more formal downstairs dining room. Upstairs is the Tiger Room which creates a hip and more modern atmosphere with its modern prints (including one of the Beatles in India), curved banquettes , bar with wine cabinet that looks like an English Telephone booth . A British Triumph motorcycle serves as a backdrop for the stage area which hosts different musical artists.

There is a list of interesting and creative cocktails including House of Victoria and the Bengal Tiger (gin based), and Sun City, an interesting take on the Mule with Bourbon and Ginger Beer. All are interesting combinations that will have you sampling more than one from the bar.

Irene May 721

The menu that we sampled was classic English Pub Fare, elevated to a finer level and filled with Indian influences. The Spicy Vindaloo Wings were tasty but I must caution as the hot spice will linger on your lips! The Bombay burger is made from spiced lamb and served on a toasted brioche roll with fried egg and mint aioli. A more modern version of the burger not found in your average pub and an example of the innovative way in which the Chef has developed the menu.

The Faroe Island Salmon was excellent and was served with an orange soy ginger glaze that gave this British favorite a bit more flavor. The pub standard of Fish and Chips was great with tender sustainable cod prepared in a Heineken beer batter and served with Viceroy curry ketchup.

Also on the menu are items such as the Lamb Madras with lamb served in a madras curry and coconut cream with rice pilaf. The Bisto Steak is another good choice and fits well in the overall British pub theme.

Music promoter and Stamford restaurateur Eric Monte is your host and can be seen moving about the restaurant mingling with guests, or introducing the band as it begins it set in the Tiger Room upstairs.

photo credit: Viceroy Publik House

The Viceroy is certainly a very unique and lively restaurant experience for our area and is one you will want to check out.

Irene May 697

Viceroy Publik House

211 Summer Street Stamford Ct

web http://www.viceroystamford.com tel. (203) 658-8423

Like I on the Valley on facebook for cool dining and events!

http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

Instagram for great pics>>>>>>>>>>>>> i_on_the_valley

all photos by I On the Valley unless noted

End of the Rainbow: The final come back of Judy Garland comes to the Music Theater Of CT

April 12, 2017April 12, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Judy end of rainbow

End of the Rainbow has come to the Music Theater of Connecticut in Norwalk. The play chronicles the final comeback of screen and singing icon Judy Garland. The play written by Peter Quilter opened in the West End of London in 2010 and was the winner of several Olivier Awards. It opened on Broadway in 2012 and also was the recipient of several Tony nominations as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. MTC is now proud to stage the first New England production of this play.

The setting of the play is in London in 1968 as Judy Garland and her fiance and soon to be fifth husband Mickey Deans, arrive for a five week run of shows that they hope will pull Judy’s career out of its spiral of bad press and her battles with addiction. The play is staged in her suite at the Ritz Hotel in London and onstage at the Talk of the Town where the audience is entertained by a number of standards including, “For Me and My Gal”, “You Made Me Love You (I didn’t want to do it)” and “Over the Rainbow”. Joining Judy for her tour is her adoring pianist and arranger, Anthony who despite his sexuality is in love with Judy and wants to take her away from her young fiance whom he perceives to be an opportunist.

The two act play which moves back and forth between the theater and the hotel room reveals to the audience Judy Garland’s struggles with alcohol, pills, and the reality that her shining star is not as bright as it had been. As Judy spirals out of control during the 5 week run of her stage comeback, she manages to upright herself and finish her performance. The play is an emotional roller coaster for the audience as we see the struggles and successes of such a famous star.

judy 3

The production features Colleen Sexton as Judy Garland and she delivers an emotional performance which captures the spirited and spunky character of Judy Garland. Her vocal performances were outstanding and did not attempt to mimic Judy, but instead capture the raw energy and vitality of her style. The audience was thrilled and rose to a standing ovation.

Luke Darnell portrays Mickey Deans her fiance, and delivers a fine performance as the character tries desperately to keep Judy on track and away from her addictions. Thomas Conroy who plays Anthony her pianist is impressive as he has dual roles as her pianist and as her friend and adoring fan. A complex role which he handles well. He brought heartfelt emotion to the role. Matt Densky has the task of three roles including Hotel Porter, BBC Radio Interviewer, and Stage manager and he shines especially in the role of interviewer.

The director (and co-founder) is Kevin Connors, who has brought to the area a memorable production that stays with the audience long after the curtain call. The set design (Jordan Janota) is effective in using the small intimate stage to effectively convey the feeling that you are in two separate locations.

Please don’t miss this show. End of the Rainbow runs April 7-23, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Note: Adult content and language. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Tickets are $30-$55. Reservations suggested.

http://www.musictheatreofct.com tel. 203.454.3883

Music Theater of Connecticut

509 Westport Avenue Norwalk Ct.

photo credits: Music Theater of Connecticut

Like I on The Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

Instagram: I_ON_THE_VALLEY

Rumors: a hysterical Neil Simon play at the Ridgefield Theater Barn

March 6, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

rumors 2

A very funny play “Rumors” written by Neil Simon is bring laughter to the Ridgefield Theater Barn in Ridgefield Ct. Rumors is the only farce written by Neil SImon whose credits include “Lost In Yonkers”, “The Odd Couple”, “Goodbye Girl”, “Biloxi Blues” and more. The audience on opening night was laughing throughout the two act play which runs approximately 2 hours.

The play is set in at a home in the New York City suburbs where a tenth wedding anniversary party is to take place. As the guests begin to arrive, they start to discover some odd things going on in the house. The host has been shot in the head and is bleeding upstairs, his wife is missing and cannot be found and the help who should be preparing for the party are missing as well. A real mystery. Add to that a cover up of the shooting by the guests. One of the guests who is running for State Senate, and he wants to avoid any scandal. Throw the police into the mix, and you have the recipe of an evening of who done it meets over the top comedy.

The production features the direction of Scott Brill and the show producers are Pamme Jones and Paulette Layton. The cast is wonderful and has great energy as you will see. The cast of Jody Bayer (last seen at the Barn in Calendar Girls, the hysterical Duane Lanham (also seen in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Wreck the Halls on the Barn stage), and the talented Deborah Burke, Kristin Gagliardim Rick Haylon, TIm Huebenthal, Leigh Katz ,Daniel Mulvilhill ,Matthieu Regney and Chhandra Som.

The Ridgefield Theater Barn is a fun venue. It is small, only 70 seats and you sit at round or rectangular table and you can bring in your own food and wine to enjoy prior to the performance. A great place to enjoy some local theater.

The best part: tickets are only $24 and makes for a perfect date night. The show is on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. The show runs through March 25th.

Ridgefield Theater Barn

37 Halpin Lane Ridgefield Ct

for tickets: ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org

Like I on The Valley on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram: I_ON_THE_VALLEY

Winfield’s: fine dining in a elegant tropical atmosphere

January 26, 2017January 26, 2017 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

irene-january-325

It was a cold and damp January evening outside, but inside Winfield’s at the Greenwich Hyatt, I felt as if I was on vacation in a tropical locale. Was I in Miami? The Caribbean or Mexico? I was in fact inside a restaurant that is a tranquil tropical oasis filled with tall palm trees, tropical plants, garden umbrellas, a waterfall and running stream, a gazebo bar, and soaring Mayan pillars that support the glass roof. It is a very special indoor space and is located inside the Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Old Greenwich Ct. The restaurant has just launched a new menu which were eager to try.

I felt I was in a tropical paradise and dining on delectable food and sipping classic cocktails. There are many nice dinner selections and plates to share with a broad assortment for all tastes. There is also healthy options by creating your own entree by selecting the meat/fish/tofu and then choosing the sauce and the sides.

Starters: We shared some of the appetizers in order to get a sample of what Winfield’s has to offer. We tried the Poached Shrimp with grilled lemon , the Mediterranean trio of roasted red pepper hummus, baba ghanoush, egg plant caponata and grilled pita bread. Both were delicious with nice presentations and great choices for the vegetarian in your party.

Poached Shrimp with grilled lemon

Mediterranean Trio

We so sampled the Maryland Crabcake with roasted butternut squash and brussel sprout relish with lemon pepper aioli. The crabcake was perfectly cooked and the compliment of squash and spices made for an interesting taste treat. A very nice presentation on a unique plate.

Maryland Crabcake

If pizza is your favorite try one of the several flatbreads offered. The margarita pizza flatbread with fire roasted red and yellow tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella is a sure winner.

Main Course: I selected the Pan Seared Salmon with asparagus and Mediterranean couscous. This was a light healthy choice and so delicious.

Pan Seared Salmon

If pasta is your favorite, try the Pumpkin ravioli, with shaved brussel sprouts, and dried cherries in a butternut squash sage cream sauce. A real satisfying dish with an interesting combo of ingredients, though I wish the cream sauce was a little lighter. A real comfort food. For steak lovers, we tried and enjoyed the NY Strip Steak with potatoes and roasted asparagus. The steak was cooked as ordered and was delicious.

Pumpkin Ravioli

Desserts: You will want to try one of the excellent desserts. We sampled two including the Marquis Chocolate cake (yum!), and the interesting Croissant with pumpkin spice ice cream. Both were great and a fun way to round out an excellent dining experience.

Need to get away but can’t make it to the islands? Then have dinner and drinks in the tropical oasis at Winfields .

irene-january-317

Winfield’s at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich

1800 East Putnam Ave Old Greenwich Ct.

tel: 203.637.1234

web: https://greenwich.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/Winfields.html

like I On the Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

Instagram: I_ON_THE_VALLEY

Sleuth: A great mystery to solve at the MTC Mainstage in Norwalk

November 10, 2016November 10, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

sleuth

A wonderful mystery play has come to the MTC Mainstage in Norwalk, Ct. Sleuth is being presented at the theater in a limited run through November 20, 2016. The play was originally produced in 1970 and written by Anthony Schaffer and was released as a motion picture in 1972 starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine. Both actors received Academy Award nominations for their performances.

The plot involves Andrew Wyke, and British writer of crime novels who lives in a country home in the English countryside filled with games. He invites his wife’s lover, Milo Tindle to his home to confront him on their relationship. Surprisingly, Andrew wants Milo to run off with his wife but Milo does not have the means to support her in the lifestyle to which she has grown to enjoy. Andrew hatches a plot whereby Milo will break into Andrew’s home, steal a large sum of jewelry which he can pawn, and Andrew can file a claim against his insurance policy. Andrew’s plan has much more than just insurance fraud as we find out. The plot begins to thicken and the audience is drawn deeper into the intrigue and the working of the crime novelists mind. The play keeps the audience on the edge of your seat until its conclusion

009

The story moves along quite briskly during the two hour performance which includes fantastic performances by David Brickman as Milo Tindle and John Little as Andrew Wyke. The theater is a small intimate space with seating on three sides of the stage. The stage is flat and level with the first row of seats so that you feel as if you are actually in the play itself. The set design by Jordan Janota is great as the manor house parlor is filled with furniture and games and that gives the feeling that you are inside one of the rooms from the board game, CLUE. Very effective.

The play enjoys wonderful direction from Pamela Hill, and credit to Kevin Connors ( Executive Artistic Director) and Michael Blagys (Lighting design) for their contributions to such a great evening of theater.

Tickets start at $45 and are available online.

MTC Musical Theater of Connecticut

509 Westport Avenue Norwalk Ct tel: 203.454.3883

web: http://www.musictheatreofct.com/

Like I on the Valley on facebook http://www.facebook.com/ionthevalley

instagram: I_ON_THE_VALLEY