One of the most iconic local music venues in our area is hosting a great line up of shows in the coming weeks.
The Teskey Brothers – USA Tour 2025 with Zinadelphia Sunday September 14th
Sam and Josh Teskey, known as The Teskey Brothers, have captured the hearts of many, reaching the kind of global success a blues band out of Melbourne could only have imagined They have released three studio albums featuring a soul-soaked spin on rock, folk and blues.
The Revivalists: Monday September 22 Eight-piece rock ‘n’ roll collective The Revivalists. Renowned for their live prowess, soulful alt-rock anthems, and a distinct mix of many of the classic styles of American music. The Revivalists broke through with 2015’s Men Amongst Mountains, which featured the double-platinum smash single and Billboard Hot 100 hit “Wish I Knew You.”
Johnny Marr with Trace Mountains Friday September 26th
Johnny Marr started his career with The Smiths, beginning an amazing history as one of the most influential songwriters and guitarists in British independent music. His subsequent creative journey has seen him at the heart of The The, Electronic, Modest Mouse and The Cribs, as well as working with such names as The Pretenders, Talking Heads, The Avalanches, and the musician and composer Hans Zimmer – with whom he recorded the score and soundtrack for the most recent James Bond film, No Time To Die, including the Oscar-nominated title track created with Billie Eilish. Should be a great show!!
Oteil and Friends Friday October 3
Oteil and Friends brings their Greatful Dead inspired sound to the Capitol. Oteil & Friends features a rotating cast of all-star musicians (including Melvin Seals, John Kadlecik, Tom Guarana, Jeff Chimenti, John Morgan Kimock, Jennifer Hartswick, Jason Crosby, Natalie Cressman, Lamar Williams Jr., and more) began touring in 2017, and continue to play shows and festivals today.
Yes – Performing “Fragile” in its entirety Sunday October 5th
The iconic progressive rock band Yes will be at the Capitol on October 5th with an epic show. They will be performing their famous album “Fragile” in its entirety! Do not miss this show.
“Theatre People!”, exclaims Olga the Maid as she expresses her frustration with the guests staying at a Newport Mansion. The crowd at the Westport Country Playhouse laughs in unison at the remark and it will be a night filled with constant laughter. The play draws its inspiration from past stage romantic comedies. It includes all the elements including an interesting scenario and setting, rapid fire dialogue and jokes, physical comedy, and a cast of memorable characters.
The people to whom Olga the Maid refers are the guests at the mansion that evening. This hysterical comedy is set in 1948 in a Newport mansion filled with characters that are a part of the theater: Charlotte and Arthur Sanders, a married playwright couple; Margot Bell, a celebrated vocalist and actress, Victor Pratt, a Broadway baritone; and Oliver Adams, a young, naive novelist. Rounding out the cast of characters as is Olga, the mansion’s housekeeper whose snide remarks and sarcasm delivered in a Russian accent deliver some of the best comedic lines of the evening.
The play begins with the playwrights Charlotte (Isabelle Keating) and her husband Arthur (Michael McCormick) entering a beautifully decorated bedroom suite in a posh Newport mansion. They immediately begin to describe the suite as if they were writing a play and even look out at the theater audience and stating this is where the audience would sit. This immediately pulls the audience into the action on stage. This play within a play is a very clever and effective technique. They are soon joined by Oliver the novelist (Rodolfo Soto) who is hoping to reunite with the woman he met once but whom he is madly in love. He wants to tell her about his novel that she inspired him to write, It is that very book that Charlotte and Arthur are desperate to make into a Broadway play. The subject of Oliver’s love is an actress and vocalist, Margot (Mia Pinero) who is at the mansion to sing. She is performing with the bombastic Victor Pratt (Michael McCorry Rose) whose ego is far greater than his talent.
When Oliver, Charlotte and Arthur overhear Margot and Victor in the next room, all their plans for the weekend become unraveled. In a wild attempt to salvage the hope to stage their play, and reunite Oliver and Margot, Charlotte writes an entire new 2nd act to their play based on Oliver’s book which he is hesitant to publish. Charlotte enlists the help of Olga the maid who enters and exits the suite injecting laughs into every appearance.
Theatre People has all the elements of a classic stage comedy including a great setting, over the top characters, clever writing, rapid fire dialogue, and brilliant comedic timing. Theatre People has it all and add beautiful set design and direction and you have an evening of non stop great comedy. With Broadway actors and Broadway quality set, lighting and sound, Westport Country Playhouse is the place to experience live local theatre.
The cast includes Erin Noel Grennan as Olga, Isabel Keating as Charlotte Sanders ( Broadway: Upcoming “Queen of Versailles,” “Doubt: A Parable,” “The Boy from Oz” – Tony, Drama League, Outer Critics nominations, Drama Desk and Theatre World awards. Michael McCormick as Arthur Sanders Broadway: 15 shows including “Wicked,” “1776,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Curtains,” “Chaplin”; National Tours: “The Producers,” “Les Misérables”; Off-Broadway: “Fly By Night,” “A Man Of No Importance” at Lincoln Center Theater; TV: “Blue Bloods,” ”Brain Dead,” “Elementary,” “House Of Cards”; 18 Broadway and Off-Broadway cast albums Mia Pinero as Margot Bell (Broadway: “Sweeney Todd” as Johanna/Beggar Woman, “West Side Story” as Maria. Michael McCorry Rose as Victor Pratt (Broadway/Tours: “Wicked,” “Anastasia,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” next season’s “The Queen of Versailles”; Film: Universal Picture’s “Wicked,” “Disenchanted” for Disney, and Rodolfo Soto as Oliver Adams (Westport Country Playhouse: “In the Heights” as Usnavi.)
Playwright Paul Slade Smith is an actor and playwright living in Brooklyn with his wife, who is a member of the “Theatre People” cast (Erin Noel Grennan). Smith’s play, “Unnecessary Farce,” is the winner of nine regional theatre awards, and has had over 325 productions throughout the United States, and in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Iceland, Singapore, and Japan.
Director Mark Shanahan is Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator. In 2024, he directed “The 39 Steps,” the Playhouse’s inaugural production for the 2024-25 season, as well as the Playhouse’s holiday offering, “A Sherlock Carol.” Mark also warmed up the crowd prior to the show by having the opening night attendees shout in unison “ We are Theatre People!”.
“Theatre People” running time is approximately two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. The first act is around 35 minutes with the second act being around 50 minutes. Single tickets start at $40 and are subject to change based upon availability.. For information on special offers, including discounts for students, senior citizens, educators, military and first responders, Indigenous peoples, professional playwrights, and groups, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes,
Do not miss “Theater People” now on stage at the historic Westport Country Playhouse!
We all need a good laugh right now. Westport Country Playhouse has just what we need , an evening full of laughter. On stage now at the iconic playhouse is the comedy masterpiece, The 39 Steps.
The 39 Steps is a parody adapted from the John Buchan’s 1915 novel and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock . The story of intrigue and spies as portrayed in the book and the movie remains, but the plot is now framed in an over the top physical comedy format.
The play calls for the entirety of the 1935 adventure film The 39 Steps to be performed with a cast of only four actors. It is this constant and brilliant change of characters by the cast plus lightning fast costume changes that add to the comedic effect.
Plot:
The story concerns an ordinary bachelor in London , Richard Hannay, , who becomes caught up in preventing an spy ring from stealing sensitive British military secrets. Mistakenly accused of the murder of an intelligence agent who tells him about the “39 Steps” ,Hannay goes on the run to Scotland and finds himself mixed up with an attractive woman. Trying to avoid the police and while hoping to stop the spy ring and clear his name. He has found his ordinary and somewhat boring life turned into a real live spy thriller.
The theatrical version keeps the basic story of the spy thriller, but injects a heavy dose of physical British comedy. The four actors keep the audience on the edge of their seats with the non -stop action as Richard is chased from London onto a train car and north into Scotland where he attempts to solve the mystery of the spy ring, unmask the 39 Steps and prove he is innocent. The chase scene on the train is particularly funny.
From start to finish the cast had the Playhouse audience laughing and clapping through the many jokes, gags, and innovative use of props. Homage is paid to Hitchcock himself with his memorable profile on stage, his voice use to introduce the play and the references to his films Dial M For Murder, Psycho, and North By Northwest.
We were laughing throughout the performance and long after the curtain call. For the laughs you need, run to the Westport Country Playhouse and enjoy this hilarious classic comedy. First rate theater is right in your backyard at this historic and iconic venue.
Cast:
Joe Delafield, Seth Andrew Bridges , Sharone Sayegh, and Evan Zes
Directed by Mark Shanahan (also the Playhouse Artistic Director)
Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical with well know tunes that weaves together many of the hit songs of the 1960s rock group, The Four Seasons. Unlike other jukebox musicals that use familiar hit songs to tell a fictional tale (Mamma Mia and others), Jersey boys tells the actual story of the band. Starting from its early days in New Jersey as the “Four Lovers” to the addition of a young teenager named Frankie Valli, to the addition of a young song writer Bob Gaudio who would go on to pen their many hit songs. It was interesting to learn that a young Joe Pesci (the actor) introduced Gaudio to the band. The show ran on Broadway from 2005 to 2017 with over 4000 performances.
The play covers the ups and downs of the band, their personnel changes, money and management issues and their endless road tours. Even with problems with the record label and getting their songs played on Top 40 radio, the Four Seasons would succeed in the turbulent and constantly changing era of f1960s rock music.
The format of the play is both story telling and live performances that weave together the saga of the Four Seasons from their humble Jersey roots, to their rise and eventual break up. The story is both funny and sad, but it is the music and harmonies that lift the audience up during the performance.
The Music Theatre of Connecticut has produced yet another highly professional theatrical experience. The small intimate theater in which the audience sits three sides surrouning the actors creates the feeling that you are in the performance itself. It’s quite extrodinary. In a musical such as Jersey Boys, sound is vital to success and the sound crew delivers concert quality sound as the harmonies that are so much of the Four Seasons sound are delivered with clarity. Over 30 songs are part of the musical which the cast delivers to the delight of the audience.
A great cast of 14 actors rotate on and off the stage. Michael Fasano reprises his role as Frankie Valli which he played on the national tour. He really pulls off the unique vocal range of Frankie Valli. Nathan Cockroft (Tommy DeVito), Sean McGee (Bob Gaudio), and Steven Petrovich (Nick Massi) round out the rest of the band and deliver solid acting and vocal performances. The vocal harmonies were impressive.
The rest of the cast has plays numerous roles, including fans, wives, mobsters, record executives and even Joe Pesci. Seamless costume changes allow these actors to assume several different roles during the show. The cast of Brianna Bauch, Emily Solo, Skye Gillespie, (all seen above) John Treacy Egan, Michael Luongo, David L. Murray Jr., Robert Peterpaul, and Jeff Raab does a fantastic job of playing so many roles critical to the telling of the story.
Kevin Conners delivers yet again another wonderful directing achievement. This is a Broadway quality production right next door in an intimate and professional venue.
A hysterical new musical Smorgasbord is now on stage at the Ridgefield Theater Barn. The play billed as “A Musical Menu” is the creation of Bradford Blake, a very talented and funny lyricist. His holiday themed “Wreck The Halls” was a big hit at the Theater Barn in the past. This musical revue has food as its subject matter and Blake (who also directs the play), takes the audience on a wild comical ride through the world of food.
Anya Caravella, Robert Geils, Tracey Marble and Zachary Theis serving up comedy and music
The stage of the theater features three talented musicians under the direction of Charles Smith. They are dressed as chefs and set the tone for the evening. The very talented and humorous cast of Anya Caravella, Tracey Marble, Robert Geils and Zachary Theis are tasked with leading the audience through a menu of 19 intricate original songs. The vocals are quite good, and the comical acting of the cast had the opening night audience laughing the entire evening. The cast is very talented and the vocals of Anya Caravella were quite impressive. The direction by Mr. Blake was excellent as the timing of the comedy is spot on.
Act One which was called “First Course” is composed of 10 different songs taking the audience on a tour of different foods. Some of the standout numbers were “Chez McDonald’s”, “De Fruit Song” and “Pigoletto” a hilarious look at Italian cuisine. Eating alone is never fun and “The Frozen Turkey TV Dinner Blues” is a witty look at the subject.
The “Second Course” is just as creative and comical. The audience responded to “Taco”, “Tomorrow’s the First Day” (an amusing look at dieting), “Sukiyaki Sue” and one of our favorites “At Lebebschmittel’s Deli”, a very funny tune about a Jewish deli. The evening concludes with an ode to ice cream in “One Scoop”. The song draws inspiration and from the classic 1970s musical, “A Chorus Line”.
Opening night for Smorgasbord was filled with laughter at the Theater Barn. This is a unique venue which you must experience. Doors open one hour prior to the performance and guests sit at tables and are encouraged to bring their own food to enjoy prior to the show. The lobby also features a snack bar that also features wine and beer. Support local theater and enjoy a great evening of laughter.
This very witty and amusing show runs through February 29th. This is a show is just the recipe to shake off the winter blues with non stop comedy.
While there are many fine restaurants in our area, it is unique to discover an eatery that is provides a great menu, friendly service and a dining atmosphere that is warm and inviting. La Cameliain Mt Kisco is such a place. Perched on a hill in a 19th Century home, the restaurant is instantly welcoming. I felt as if I had walked into the home of a favorite relative, or a quaint New England or European inn that was overflowing with charm and warmth. The feeling was instant comfort.
While the restaurant has been operating since 1984, current owners Victor and SerafinaVarela have infused new life, an updated menu and genuine warmth and hospitality into La Camelia. The interior has wide wood floors, fire places and wooden tables draped in linen. Prints and tapestries adorn the walls. There are three separate dining spaces and a bar, all with a unique charm of their own.
The menu is comprised of authentic Spanish and Portuguese dishes, tapas (small plates), sangria and wines. The fresh flavors of the Iberian Peninsula are all here to explore and enjoy.
We started with a pitcher of white wine sangria which was served in a traditional hand painted ceramic pitcher instead of glass or plastic. This authentic beverage was a great way to start our culinary tour.
Sangria served from a beautiful hand painted ceramic pitcher
The Sopa de Lagosta (Lobster Soup) was warm and delicious on a cold night. Served in a unique fish shaped bowl , this lobster bisque also included crab meat and a piece of toast floating on top. It was hearty and delicious.
Sopa de Lagosta (Lobster Soup)
Since Spain and Portugal border the sea, the menu is full of seafood options. We enjoyed the Tostada de Gambas, a warm tapas with grilled shrimp, fresh guacamole and served over in house made crunchy chips.
Tostadas de Gambas
Another great tapas was the Mexilhoes na Cataplana, or steamed mussels in a red sauce. A very unique presentation of this classic dish as it was served in a covered metal bowl with a hammered finish. Lifting the cover allowed the fragrant flavors of fresh steamed mussels in a slightly smoky red sauce to fill the air. This unique presentation and fantastic preparation is what makes La Camelia so special.
For our main dishes we sampled (at the suggestion of the staff), the Bife na Pedra which is black angus steak that is lightly grilled on each side then served on a cooking stone. You slice the steak and allow the hot stone to cook it to your liking. A really fun, interactive and authentic dish which we highly recommend.
A visit to a Spanish restaurant is not complete without enjoying Seafood Paella. I am big fan of this dish and La Camelia delivers with all seafood including mussels, clams, shrimp, and topped with a 1/2 pound lobster. The presentation of the dish was wonderful, and the taste was perfection.
Seafood Paella
With just a bit of room left for dessert we were surprised to see a dessert cart rolled into the dining room. Again a charming detail we have not seen in some time in dining and another example of the hospitality at La Camelia. There were several great looking desserts with the Carrot cake and the Chocolate Mousse being our favorites.
La Camelia is a very special dining experience. The warmth and genuineness of the hosts, friendly staff, amazing dishes from the sunny Iberian peninsula and a cozy welcoming atmosphere make this a must dine destination.
We cannot wait for warmer weather when the side patio opens up for outside dining. A perfect restaurant for date night, or a gathering of friends.
I On The Valley 