#things to do in Connecticut

Highlights of Greenwich Concours 2023, Day one

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The three wheeled Davis Divan, one of only 13 built and restored by Wayne Carini

Opening day of the 2023 Greenwich Concours was a fun filled day with unique cars on the show field, interactive displays, Hagerty’s Ride and Drive event and even food trucks. With cars like the the 1948 Davis Divan (above), to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Chrysler Town and Country station wagon, to a stunning race bred Ford GT40, there was something for everyone. Elvis was in the building as his 1971 Stutz Blackhawk was on display.

John Lennon’s 1972 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon

There was many classes of cars including Hot Rods, classic off road SUVs, Lime Rock Racing legends, Porsche outlaws, Corvettes, cars of Carrol Shelby, and cars from the amazing collection of Wayne Carini. Wayne is a car restorer, collector, and host of the popular television show, “Chasing Classic Cars”. A large audience gathered as Wayne explained each of the 8 cars he brought to the show. He explained their history, styling elements, how he obtained the car and its restoration. Later he signed posters and took photos with attendees.

Wayne Carini discussing his Davis Divan

The Greenwich Concours is a great way to spend the day and the setting is perfect. It is set in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park overlooking Greenwich Harbor. The Concours d’Sport concluded with the announcement of the Best of Show, the stunning 1965 Ford GT40 MK . Well deserved.

If you could not make the event, Sunday June 4th will feature an entire new line of up of classes of cars. The weather looks perfect to enjoy cars from Alfa Romeo, Beach Cars, Ghia Concept cars, the Class of 1963 and more. For tickets and information

http://www.greenwichconcours.com

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I Hate Hamlet. The hilarious Broadway comedy now at the Music Theatre Of CT in Norwalk

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Now on stage at the Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, Fairfield County’s professional award is t the very funny comedy, I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick. The production had the audience laughing during the entire performance.

 The play  involves  Andrew Rally, a young and successful television star who has ended a run on his network show and is looking for work.  His agent, Lillian convinces him to move to New York City and take on the role of Hamlet in Shakespeare in the Park.   Andrew decides to make the move though he is overwhelmed with doubt  that he can make the jump from tv drama actor to Shakespeare.   His realtor Felicia, shows him an old apartment where the famous actor John Barrymore once lived.  Felicia thinks the apartment is perfect as Barrymore himself once played Hamlet.  

Andrew has a problem. He does not like the apartment , he misses Los Angeles and  he hates Hamlet! What is an out of work television actor to do?  With the help of the realtor (who claims to be a psychic), his girlfriend Deidre (who loves Shakespeare) and the agent (who had a brief affair with Barrymore), a séance is performed in the apartment to contact the spirit of John Barrymore.   The madcap comedy really starts to roll as the ghost of Barrymore, dressed as Hamlet appears. 

Though he doubts he can actually perform as Hamlet, the ghost of Barrymore who partakes of champagne and other spirits, challenges Andrew to a sword fight in the apartment.  The fight scenes arranged by Dan O’Driscoll who also plays Barrymore are quite impressive and realistic and still the scene is quite funny.  More humor roles in as Gary, a producer from L.A. enters in an attempt to lure Andrew away from his new role with promises of a new television series and a lucrative contract. His over the top performance had the audience in stitches. Torn in two directions, what will Andrew do?

The  Actors Equity cast is hilarious and the comedic timing is spot on.  Directed by Kevin Conners who delivers yet another wonderful  production to the MTC stage.

 I Hate Hamlet will run three weekends from February 3rd – 19th, 2023 with performances on Fridays & Saturday at 8pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm.  I Hate Hamlet stars Constantine Pappas (Nat’l Tour- Phantom of the Opera, Off B’wayPenelope) as Andrew, Dan O’Driscoll (Off B’way- The Pirates of Penzance, Babes in Toyland) as John Barrymore, Elena Ramos Pascullo (Florida Studio Theatre- Something Rotten, MTC- The Buddy Holly Story) as Deirdre, Liliane Klein (Nat’l Tour- Scrooge, Titanic) as Felicia, Robert Anthony Jones (B’way- Finding Neverland, Nat’l Tour- Phantom of the Opera) as Gary, and Jo Anne Parady (Players Club- The Life of Shakespeare, Stratford Shakespeare Festival- Othello) as Lillian.

Support local theater!!

Ticket prices range from $40-$65 plus fees and can be purchased online

http://www.musictheatreofct.com/i-hate-hamlet

or over the phone (203-454-3883).

MTC MainStage

509 Westport Ave in Norwalk, CT.

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Super Nifty Holiday Bash, a fun comedy musical at the Ridgefield Theater Barn

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We have just the event to kick start your holiday season. Live on stage at The Ridgefield Theater Barn is the holiday musical comedy, “Super Nifty Holiday Bash”.  If the holiday season is overwhelming you, this light and very funny musical review is just the tonic to brighten up the season.

The play takes place in 1953 and Doris and Don Campbell are hosting their holiday party.  The house is decorated,  the food is catered, the bar is stocked and there is even a three piece band is in the house to get the party swinging.  It sounds perfect!  But a sudden and unexpected blizzard turns the perfectly planned festivities on their ear.   Waiting for the guests to arrive Don and Doris entertain us with a pair of funny songs which take a satirical look at the holidays, “12 Days of Christmas” and “ Everybody’s Waiting for the Man with the Bags”. 

The first guest Charles Whitmer (Duane Lanham) arrives with his nephew Steven Stephens (Chris Balestriere) and Charles immediatley heads to the bar for a cocktail and instructs Don on the proper way to mix a drink. He wants to get the party started.

An unexpected guest, the flamboyant Gloria Gooseby (Marilyn Crough Olsen) arrives with her assistant Edna Flatly (Rachel Lewis).  Gloria starts the party rocking with some martinis and revealing her obvious affection for the host, Don Campbell (Michael Valinoti).

 Doris (Heather Abrado) is not to pleased with their amorous party crashing guest, but they manage to get together in the spirit of the holidays and belt out the duet “ A Hand for Mrs. Claus”.  Just one of the 16 songs in the show.  

A bit of romance and drama bloom on this snowy night as we learn more about Edna and her failed romance as she sings the hilarious “Never Fall in Love with and Elf”.  Soon she and Steven find an unexpected connection to each other. 

The comedy turns physical as the caterers (Lauren Gulliver Travers and Monica Harrington) burn the dinner, and the fire department has to come and put out the fire.  The entire cast including the band run from the stage and down the center aisle of the theater toward the exits.  The audience was roaring with laughter.

Super Nifty Holiday Bash is a fun and satirical look at the holiday shows and movies of the post war period that often portrayed the holidays in an unrealistic light.  It brings the familiarity of holiday music (with new lyrics), some original songs, and sprinkles the performance with physical comedy, fine vocal performances and charming choreography.

So kick off your holiday season with something different!  Head to the Ridgefield Theater Barn to see Super Nifty Holiday Bash. 

The play is written by Theater Barn regular Duane Lanham, directed by Deb Failla and musical direction by Lisa Hobbs.  Now through December 18th.   Happy Holidays!

For tickets and information:

http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org

Ridgefield Theater Barn

37 Halpin Lane Ridgefield Ct

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Next to Normal: Westport Country Playhouse stages a remarkable version of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning musical

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Behind the perfect lawn, landscaping and the painted red door of the ideal suburban house lives a normal family.  Or does the façade instead mask something else entirely?

This is the question behind the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical “Next to Normal” which is now on stage at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, Ct.  This historic theater which is known for its high quality productions, astounded the audience with their interpretation of this Broadway hit. 

This contemporary musical with its rock/pop score takes on the delicate subject of mental health.  This is certainly a different topic for musical theater.  The six member cast tells the story of what seems to be a “normal”, successful suburban family.  But we soon find out the household has deep issues.  The family is composed of the father (architect), the wife (suburban housewife), the teenage daughter (who is driven to be perfect and to attract her parents love), and the son who we discover passed away as a baby 16 years ago.   The wife, Diana has been struggling for years since the death of her son.  Her struggle with bipolar disorder is a terrible strain on the family.  Traditional therapies of medicine do not seem to work and the family makes the difficult decision to have Diana try electric therapy.  And while the treatment seems to work at first, Diana loses part of her memory.  Her husband Dan wants her to put away the memory of their son and move on.  The family wants to be normal, and will even accept being “next to normal”.  But the son (Gabe) keeps appearing on stage, not as a baby, but as a teenager which complicates Diana’s struggle to heal.    The story takes the audience on a journey of discovery of these very real characters and their struggles.  In the end there is a glimpse of hope that a person and their loved ones can heal, and lead a better life.  

The musical opened on Broadway in April 2009. It was nominated for eleven Tony Awards that year and won three. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama becoming the eighth musical in history to receive the honor. The original cast was white and this production has a diverse multi racial cast which makes the show more relevant to a wider audience.  The cast is lead by Dar.Lee.See.Ah as Diana. Wilson Jermaine Heredia as Dan, Ashley LaLonde as Natalie, Daniel Maldonado as Gabe,  Gian Perez as Henry, and Katie Thompson in the dual roles as Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine.

The two hour plus musical is filled with over 40 songs that tell the story of this family and their struggles.  It is part serious drama, part rock show, part musical theater and 100 percent stunning.  The set design and lighting design is an essential part of telling the story and Westport Country Playhouse lives up to its usual high standards. While the entire gives outstanding performances, and they harmonize well, the highlight of the evening is the vocal performance of Dar.Lee.See.Ah.  Her singing and acting brought the capacity crowd to its feet.  She is a vocal tour de force.

The play is directed beautifully by Marcos Santana who also directed and choreographed the brilliant version of  “In The Heights” which we attended at the Playhouse in  2019.  He has also choreographed two shows on Broadway as well.   

While and interesting topic for musical theater, Next to Normal is the kind of show that pauses you to think about the lives that go on behind seemingly normal doors.  It also gives hope when life is darkest and lifts you up with a musical score full of  energy.  A show not to be missed.  True Broadway quality right in our own area.

Next to Normal is onstage through April 24th.

For tickets and information:

http://www.westportcountryplayhouse.org

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Teresa Caputo, The Long Island Medium comes to the Palace Theater in Stamford on April 7th

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Theresa Caputo, star of the hit TLC show “Long Island Medium” is coming to the Palace Theater in Stamford on Thursday April 7, at 7:30 pm.   As part of the evening,Teresa will share personal stories about her own life and explain how her gift works. She will deliver healing messages to audience members and give people comfort knowing that their loved ones who passed are still with them, just in a different way. Theresa has been a practicing medium for over 20 years.


Although Theresa will be giving readings to various audience members throughout her show, the purchase of a ticket does not guarantee a reading.

Teresa states that she has been seeing, feeling, and sensing “Spirit” since she was four years old, but it wasn’t until she was in her 20s that she learned to communicate withe the departed. Teresa wanted to use her gift to deliver healing messages that would help people . Not only is she a practicing medium, but tours the country with her live show and is the author of four books.

A limited number of PRE-SHOW VIP photo opportunities will be available as an add-on. Patrons are to arrive at 3:30pm for a 4:30pm photo taken by a professional photographer (no personal cameras or smart phones will be allowed). Your photo will be ready to download within three business days of the event. Instructions on how to get your photo will be handed to you during the VIP pre-show event. Please note that neither autographs nor readings will be available. When arriving at the venue, please head to the box office for further instructions.

It should be a very interesting and thought provoking evening for all attendees. For tickets and information:

https://www.palacestamford.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=theresacaputo&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

The Palace Theater

61 Atlantic Street Stamford, Ct

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Man of La Mancha: the classic Broadway musical now at Westport Country Playhouse

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Philip Hernandez as Don Quixote

The dramatic and stirring Broadway classic Man of La Mancha has returned to the stage at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport Ct.   This beautifully staged production at the Playhouse is true Broadway quality in every way.  This is a brilliant show that cannot be missed.

Man of La Mancha is a musical inspired by the story of Miguel de Cervantes imprisonment during the Spanish Inquisition and is also inspired by his book Don Quixote written in 1615.  The musical adaptation places Cervantes in a dungeon prison awaiting his hearing for charges brought against him by the inquisition.   Cervantes is a self described poet and play write, as well as a tax collector.  His latter position and his act of taxing  a church has placed him in prison.  His fellow prisoners upon meeting Cervantes and his loyal sidekick decide to have their own “mock trial” and seize his manuscript.  The show is staged in the prison “commons” as the prisoners await trial.  The curtains open to steel bars separating the actors from the sold out audience.  The set is dramatic in both design and lighting and sets the mood for the evening.

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Cervantes demands the opportunity to defend himself before his fellow prisoners and using his skills as an actor and a trunk full of costumes and props, he launches into a virtual “play within the play”.  Along with his sidekick Sancho, the other prisoners become part of this story woven by Cervantes.  Cervantes spins the tale of a noble knight  on a noble quest, and he becomes Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha.   Despite living in an era of fear and despair, Quixote is a dreamer.  He dreams of a world where knights still roam spreading virtue and morals, performing noble quests and coming to the aid of their Lady.  He exclaims he has seen and experienced the misery and tragedy in life, but he rather instead find the beauty and the goodness in life.

wedding

Gisela Adisa as Aldonza/Dulcinea

Quixote is a idealist and a dreamer and the audience (as it has been since its Broadway debut in the 1960s) becomes a fan of Quixote. His idealism for a simpler  and kinder world is in stark contrast to the reality of 16th Century Spain.  Indeed his spirit and  ideals are what attract so many current audience members .

His idealism is manifested brilliantly in the song “The Impossible Dream” which is the hallmark of the evening.  The song is instantly familiar to many, and yet it is so fresh and relevant today.

Philip Hernandez  is masterful in the role Cervantes/Don Quixote (only actor in Broadway history to play both Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert in “Les Misérables”; original Broadway casts of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and Paul Simon’s “The Capeman”)  He has a wonderful  deep voice that filled the playhouse on opening night.  A brilliant and memorable performance.

Gisela Adisa as Aldonza/Dulcinea (Broadway’s “Beautiful,” First National Tour of “Sister Act,” regional theater’s “Lights Out:  Nat King Cole” – 2018 Barrymore Award nomination) is wonderful  in her dual role.    Tony Manna play Sancho Panza  the side kick and faithful companion to Don Quixote(Off-Broadway’s “These Paper Bullets,” “Timon of Athens,” “The Hasty Heart”; Netflix’ “Maniac”).   He brings to the role a sort of humor and warmth to which the audience enjoyed.

This production of Man of La Mancha  is directed by Mark Lamos who has directed  many plays at Westport Country Playhouse since 2008.  His extensive New York credits include “Our Country’s Good,” for which he received a Tony Award nomination. A former artistic director at Hartford Stage, he earned the 1989 Tony Award for the theater’s body of work.   His direction of this production is mostly faithful to the original, but injects  a modern vibe with the costumes of some of the cast as well as a reference in the dialogue to our current political climate that was recognized by the audience.

This is one of  the great Broadway musicals of all time.  Its story is timeless and quite relevant in the world we now live.  Make sure you see this wonderful show.

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

Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Ct Westport Ct.

Box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529,

 

 

 

Greenwich Concours d’Elegance car show returns June 3-5th

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ferrari

 

Greenwich Concours d’ Elegance celebrates its 20th anniversary at Roger Sherman Park on June 3rd, 4th and 5th.   The event described as “A Festival of Speed and Style”  includes two days of collector car,motorcycle and boat displays and as well Bonhams auction house will be holding its collector car auction on  Sunday June 5th at the Concours.

The festival  events are as follows:

Friday June 3rd– Concours entered vehicles will participate in a grand tour parade down Greenwich Avenue at 4pm.

Saturday June 4th–  The Greenwich Concours Americana– will feature American cars and motorcycles with a special display honoring Ford performance cars including the Ford GT 40 which celebrates its famous win over Ferrari at the 24 hours of Le Mans race back in 1966.    There is also a preview of the cars to be sold at the Bonhams auction. Saturday’s show will also highlight Brass Era cars, prewar classics, rare muscle cars, incredible Corvettes, fabulous 1950s cars and early Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Sunday – The Greenwich Concours International – will feature a field of foreign makes from 1900 to the present.  There will be a special circle of historic BMW s including a 1937 BMW 328 MM Bügelfalte, as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary.   Ferraris starring on Sunday include a 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet, 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 1961 Ferrari 250 TRi/61 Spider, 1958 Ferrari 180 Testa Rossa Pontoon-Fender Children’s Car, 1949 Ferrari 166S Coupe and 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Coupe fresh from receiving a platinum award at this year’s Cavallino Classic.

bmw

Bonhams will host its Greenwich Concours Auction on Sunday, June 5th, 12:00pm. Viewings are on Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 9am-12:00pm. A Concours ticket and purchase of a Bonhams sale catalog are required for admission to the Sunday auction.

This year’s Grand Marshal of the will be Connecticut’s own Wayne Carini, car restorer, collector and host of Velocity Channel’s “Chasing Classic Cars”.

Admission:  $40 for one day, $60 for both days.  Hours 10 am to 5 pm

Where:  Roger Sherman Baldwin Park  100 Arch Street Greenwich, Ct

For more information:

http://www.greenwichconcours.com

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Greenwich International Film Festival June9-12 announces special events to its schedule

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GIFF

The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) announced today additional special events for its second edition, as well as its jury members for competition films. GIFF will be hosting special events such as “LOL: The Big Business of Comedy” and “Children’s Acting Workshop.” The festival will also be honoring John Turturro at a conversation series entitled “Spotlight On.”

Comprised of directors, producers, writers, and actors, “LOL: The Big Business of Comedy” is a conversation  guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Panelists include Richard Brener (President of Production of New Line Cinema), Chris Bender (Producer of We’re The Millers, Vacation, Horrible Bosses), Peter Principato (Head of Principato-Young – Talent Manager; Producer of Wet Hot American Summer), Stuart Cornfeld (Partners with Ben Stiller; Producer of Dodgeball, Zoolander, Tropic Thunder), & comedian Will Arnett (Arrested Development). Moderated by Deadline Hollywood’s New York Editor Mike Fleming, this event will take place on Saturday, June 11th at 8:00PM and will be followed by an after party.

“Children’s Acting Workshop” reveals secrets from the pros on how to make it in the entertainment industry.  Acting Coach, Matt Newton, Casting Director, Adrienne Stern, and Moderator and Acting Coach, David Gideon, along with some of Hollywood’s bright young stars including The Jungle Book’s Neel Sethi and actress Peyton List (of Disney Channel’s Bunk’d) will be participating in this engaging workshop on Saturday, June 11th at 1:00PM. The festival previously announced it will screen The Jungle Book on Friday, June 10th at 4:00PM.

The Greenwich International Film Festival will take place June 9th ‐ 12th, 2016. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase at http://www.greenwichfilm.org/2016-box-office/  or at the festival’s box office.

 About The Greenwich International Film Festival

Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that hosts a world-class film festival in Greenwich, CT. The goal of the festival is to bridge the worlds of film, finance and philanthropy. The second annual festival will take place June 9th to 12th, 2016, and will support important human rights initiatives, as part of its social impact focus.  The four-day event will feature a star-studded Opening Night Party, film premieres, educational panels, a Children’s Acting Workshop, an honoree gala, and more.  For additional information, and a full list of films at the Festival, please visit:

www.greenwichfilm.org.

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An evening for Chocolate, dessert and Wine lovers!

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chocolate evening

A nice way to celebrate Valentine’s day is to celebrate it early by attending the 8th Annual Chocolate, Dessert and Wine Lover’s Evening. The event takes place on Thursday February 4th from 6 pm to 9pm at the Stamford Marriot Hotel in Stamford Ct. This annual event is the largest chocolate tasting event in Fairfield County.
This event allows guest to sample chocolate and desserts and sample wines from 70 different vendors. There will be entertainment provided, music, door prizes and shopping. .Representatives from restaurants, bakeries, chocolatiers, and food markets will be there. So ticket holders can sample and then purchase their favorites from the many vendors. With Valentine’s Day less than 2 weeks away, it is a great way to pick up a unique or special gift, and have fun as you do!
The emcee of the event will be Chef Plum, from Plum Luv Foods and a Food Network regular.
Tickets to this event are $45 or $80 a pair. and can be ordered online at http://www.dessert.brownpapertickets.com
All proceeds for this event will benefit Pacific House a men’s shelter. The shelter provides meals, shelter, and social services , and housing placement to both men and women in Connecticut.
Some come out and celebrate early and know that you are helping a great local cause. Age 21 and over for this event

Chocolate, Dessert and Wine Lover’s Evening
Stamford Marriot Hotel
243 Tresser Blvd Stamford Ct.
ticktets: http://www.dessert.brownpapertickets.com
shelter info: http://www.shelterforhomeless.org

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Maritime Aquarium:Come inside to explore the aquatic world and more

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Harbor Seal

Winter can be a challenge to find fun things to do indoors. A recent trip to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk proved you can have a great time (and great family time) despite the cold weather. The aquarium is a real treasure and is both entertaining and educational, with an emphasis on the aquatic life of the Long Island Sound.
As you wander through the aquarium you will notice there are many exhibits to explore and learn, not just one or two large tanks. There is the shark and ray touch pool, the jellies (jelly fish) tank, and my favorite is the harbor seal area where seals swim in a pool that is both inside and outside the aquarium building. There are also exhibits on frogs, fish of Long Island Sound, river otters, and much more. The aquarium is open 10am to 5pm.

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Jellies !

There is also an IMAX theatre at one end of the building (additional charge) which shows a rotating schedule of movies. We caught a screening of the Humpback Whale which was beautifully filmed and educational.  A cafe and fully stocked gift shop are also on site.
There are numerous events throughout the year and the next one coming up is the Chocolate Expo on January 31st from 10 am to 7pm. There will be 40 chocolate and other specialty vendors on site as well as demonstrations from celebrity chefs.

For more info and ticket prices:
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
10 North Water Street, Norwalk Ct
http://www.maritimeaquarium.org
www .thechocolateexpo.com

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