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Butler HP

“What the Butler Saw” is now playing at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport Ct. This historic theater which opened over 80 years ago has hosted to a long list of amazing theatrical talent. Among the actors to grace the stage here over the years are Jane Fonda, Gene Wilder, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Powell, Jerry Stiller and Paul Newman just to name a few.

The current production is a comedy written by Joe Orton back in the 1960s. It is a classic British farce and the laughs are plentiful as the play(under 2 hours) really moves along. It addresses such topics as marriage, infidelity, mental health, gender roles and gender definition, and of course the changing opinion of who in the cast is sane or insane.

The story is set in Britain in the office of a Doctor at a psychiatric clinic. Dr. Prentice (Robert Stanton) interviews a young woman, Geraldine Barclay (Sarah Manton) who is seeking a job as his secretary. His motives are quite clear wants to seduce the young woman and nearly does so when his nymphomaniac wife, Mrs. Prentice (Patricia Kalember) enters his office and the entire story goes quite mad from here. The audience has to hold on as we learn Mrs. Prentice is being blackmailed by a hotel bell hop (Chris Ghaffari) .The arrival of Dr Rance (brilliantly played by Paxton Whitehead) really shakes things up. He is a psychiatrist sent by the British Government to inspect the clinic. His arrival further turns the story on his head with his crazy misdiagnoses of everyone including Dr. Prentice.

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There is mistaken identity, false accusations and the local police (Julian Gamble) are involved try to resolve the whole mess. The comedic timing of the actors is flawless. Direction by John Tillinger is fantastic and the cast really works together well. Set design of the clinic office and its numerous doors (which are put to comedic use as the actors us them to great effect) is well done.

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The actors have a long list of impressive credentials. Paxton Whitehead has made numerous appearances on Broadway including, “My Fair Lady” , and many television and movie appearances including “Back to School” with Rodney Dangerfield. Patricia Kalember has numerous Broadway and stage credits. She has appeared in films and in television shows such as “Sisters” “Orange is the New Black” , “Law and Order” and many more. The whole cast is wonderful and the audience really enjoyed the performance.

“What the Butler Saw” has adult theme as is not suitable for children.

Don’t miss this hysterical comedy!

For tickets, show times and more information:

http://www.westportplayhouse.org/

Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct.

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If you want a Tuscany inspired dining experience then you must try Arezzo Ristorante in Westport Connecticut. The restaurant is set alongside the Saugatuck River with gorgeous waterfront views. Diners can choose to eat inside in the covered sun deck, or on the open air patio complete with umbrellas and an outdoor bar.

There is a newly renovated interior with stone archways, stucco walls and charming dark wood beams. The bar inside is also inviting with dark leather accents and rich wood details.

Fun and innovative cocktails

The menu has quite a selection with dishes finished in the high heat of the wood burning oven. There are delicious homemade pastas, unique pizza selections and fresh fish, chicken and meat dishes from which to choose. For the salad lover there are many choices from seasonal produce and fun creations such as roasted beets, pistachios and shaved artichokes.

Pasta Tasting: Orecchettie with sausage, Gnocchi, and Seafood Risotto

Antipasto

Eggplant Crustini

Watermelon Salad

Tuna Tartare

Entree selections include dishes for all tastes such as Filet Mignon, Melanzane al forno (Eggplant), various chicken and veal dishes, as well as seafood delights such as Branzino, Fisherman’s Stew (scallops, shrimp, and calamari in a tomato broth with fennel) and more.

Halibut aqua pazza with clams, mussels in a cherry tomato broth

There is also an delightful selection of desserts including fruit tarts, brulees , tiramisu and gelato.

Tiramisu

The view from the outdoor patio is fantastic and the overall ambiance is perfect for dining al fresco on a warm summer evening. For a real Italian restaurant experience, check out Arezzo Ristorante in downtown Westport. Delicioso!