Mike Krysiuk is a Westporter, a 1974 Staples High School graduate. He works in the Tax Collector’s office in Westport’s Town Hall, he was a victim of a drunk driver accident, and Mike Krysiuk is a playwright. His one-man play “I Don’t See My Shadow” is about his experience as a teenage victim of a drunk driver. His co-author is Frank S. Petrilli. This play will be presented at the Westport Historical Society on Friday October 21.
Mike said, “With the hope of preventing teen deaths due to drinking and driving, I wrote this play based on the book “Why Me, Why Now?” about an automobile accident that I was in and the role that alcohol played. This story needs to be told. Drinking and driving caused a very dangerous mix that night. It could have been fatal but thanks to the support of my family, it was not. I was the lucky one. This is why I feel compelled to share this story with anyone who is open to understanding.”
One of the challenges in producing a play based on a true-life experience is finding the right actor. The producers held auditions and the right actor showed up. Cooper Ramsey, a young New York-based actor originally from Seattle, took the train to Westport to audition because after reading the play he said he felt a close connection to the play and needed to be a part of this. Cooper wrote in an email, “Thank you all for the opportunity to be a part of this production. I want to emphasize how much this play means to me, and that it is my top priority. Words can't express how enthusiastic I am.”
Jason Howard is directing “I Don’t See My Shadow.” The performance will be at the Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place in Westport, on Friday October 21 from 6-8 PM. Reservations can be made by calling 203-222-1424. The play is recommended for all ages. Refreshments will be served prior to the performance. A free-will donation from audience members will be greatly appreciated.