<p>WESTPORT, Conn. — Peggy Bud and Tamara Jacobson have more than 60 years of combined experience in education. They have served as educators, administrators, and consultants. Together they wrote the books,&nbsp;<a href="https://navigatingspecialeducation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Navigating Special Education, The Power of Building Positive Parent Educator Partnerships</em></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Lead-Consensus-Performing-Conversation/dp/B0DJ5Y58QG/ref=sr_1_1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Conversations Lead to Consensus</em></a>, with the goal of connecting parents and educators to create positive learning scenarios.</p><p>Now, the pair is teaming with Verso Studios at The Westport Library for a new community contributed podcast, <em>Ask the Educators</em>.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Ask the Educators</em>&nbsp;debuts today with three 15-minute episodes. New episodes will drop bi-weekly (episode #4 will arrive April 30).</p><p>The podcast will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/community-partner-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">the Verso Studios podcast page</a>, through regular podcast distributors such as Apple and Spotify, and also through the&nbsp;<a href="https://asktheeducators.substack.com/publish/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Ask the Educators</em>&nbsp;Substack</a>&nbsp;and on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.navigatingspecialeducation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Navigating Special Education</a>&nbsp;website.</p><p>“We are proud to announce the release of the&nbsp;<em>Ask the Educators&nbsp;</em>podcast<em>,&nbsp;</em>which supports our mission of empowering parents and educators to build lasting partnerships,” Bud and Jacobson said. “Through the collaboration with Verso Studios,&nbsp;<em>Ask the Educators</em>&nbsp;provides parents, teachers, and administrators with insights on placing the child at the center of the conversation.”</p><p>The purpose of the&nbsp;<em>Ask the Educators</em>&nbsp;podcast is to build a common language between parents and educators, with each episode taking a deep dive into relevant 21st&nbsp;century topics, including effective communication and the IEP, building partnerships, empathy and grief, and the 5-C Model of Communication.</p><p>Through animated conversations, Bud and Jacobson provide listeners with tools to foster conversations, collaboration, cooperation, and compromise as the path to consensus.</p><p>Verso Studios is the media arm of The Westport Library. The Library created the&nbsp;Verso Studios Community Producer Partnership&nbsp;initiative in keeping with the studio’s mission to produce content with the community.</p><p>To learn more about Verso Studios’ mission and offerings, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/services/verso-studios/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Verso Studios page</a>&nbsp;on The Westport Library website.</p><p><strong>Ask the Educators with Peggy Bud and Tamara Jacobson</strong></p><p>Verso Studios Contributed Partnership Podcast</p><p><strong>Story</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/verso-studios-at-the-westport-library-launches-new-podcast-ask-the-educators-with-peggy-bud-and-tamara-jacobson-focused-on-building-positive-parent-educator-partnerships/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/verso-studios-at-the-westport-library-launches-new-podcast-ask-the-educators-with-peggy-bud-and-tamara-jacobson-focused-on-building-positive-parent-educator-partnerships/</a></p><p><strong>Verso Studios Podcasts</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/community-partner-podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/community-partner-podcasts/</a></p><p><strong>Listen on Spotify:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5kD09zp5xVgElFuBgM6AiP?si=5ec9a7ed58864efa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://open.spotify.com/show/5kD09zp5xVgElFuBgM6AiP?si=5ec9a7ed58864efa</a><strong>Listen on Apple:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-educators/id1808749722" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-the-educators/id1808749722</a></p><p><strong>For more on Peggy Bud:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.peggybud.com/about-peggy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.peggybud.com/about-peggy/</a></p><p>LinkedIn:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-bud-8404b524/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-bud-8404b524/</a></p><p><strong>For more on Tamara Jacobson:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://tamaraljacobson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://tamaraljacobson.com/</a></p><p>LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-l-jacobson/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-l-jacobson/</a></p><p><strong>Navigating Special Education:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.navigatingspecialeducation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.navigatingspecialeducation.com/</a></p>

<p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse Presents “Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance” on Thursday, May 1</strong></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse will present “Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance,”&nbsp;on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. For over 50 years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. The company’s 2024-2025 season celebrates the life and legacy of beloved Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison.</p><p>The program on May 1 will feature Houston Thomas’ premiere&nbsp;<em>Down the Rabbit Hole</em>, a work inspired by&nbsp;<em>The Matrix</em>&nbsp;film series exploring the relationship between humans and technology; Alvin Ailey’s&nbsp;<em>Streams</em>, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac; and Baye &amp; Asa’s&nbsp;<em>John 4:20</em>, an&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(25, 27, 16);">explosive adrenaline rush,</span></p><p>This season, eight new dancers—Carley Brooks, Meredith Brown, Jennifer M. Gerken, Xavier Logan, Xhosa Scott, Darion Tuner, Eric J. Vidaña, and Jordyn White—join the four returning members Alfred L. Jordan II, Kiri Moore, Corinth Moulterie, and Kayla Mei-Wan Thomas.</p><p>Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Under the leadership of Sylvia Waters, who served as artistic director for 38 seasons, Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. Today, with Artistic Director Francesca Harper at the helm, she brings fresh perspectives to Mr. Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.</p><p>Tickets are $75, $80.&nbsp;For full details, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/ailey-ii" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(234, 56, 15);"><u>&nbsp;https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/ailey-ii/</u></a></p><p>Event Sponsors are Judy and Scott Phares. 2025 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Westport, CT - Once again, Westport Library's Big Spring Book Sale will offer thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories, plus vintage vinyl, CDs, DVDs, audio books and ephemera, plus a large selection of framed artworks and photographs, from small desktop pieces to large wall pictures. There's something for everyone, from infants to seniors!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DETAILS:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Book Sale Hours</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Free Admission:&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friday, May 16th – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (please note Noon start time)&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Saturday, May 17th – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sunday, May 18th – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Half Price Day! Nearly everything offered at half price ($1 Fiction and $1 Children's books remain at $1)&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Monday, May 19th – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – This is "Bag Day" – Fill our Logo bag for $10, or your equivalent-sized bag for $8, or buy individual items for half-price (your choice)&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Early Access Hours, Paid Ticket Holders Only:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friday May 16th from 8:45 a.m. to Noon</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Be among the first to shop the Book Sale! Tickets for Early Access Hours go on sale online starting Wednesday, April 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at: </span><a href="https://westportbooksaleventures.org/so/2dPOfrcpD/c?w=IaEPGuLco9PSfLGWFy6IKP06HtXalZHNh1SSpRxl5SE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9TcHJpbmcyMDI1Qm9va1NhbGUuZXZlbnRicml0ZS5jb20iLCJyIjoiOTVlNWRiYjYtMDhiZC00ZDVmLWIxYzQtY2M3ZjI5MWU1NGU5IiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiMzQ0N2FhMjEtYmI5NS00OTY4LTgzMjItYjUwZTQyMTkyNGY0In0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://Spring2025BookSale.eventbrite.com</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Priority for entry during early access hours is given to ticket holders who purchase tickets online in advance.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets are $35 each plus the ticketing platform's processing fees.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A maximum of 125 tickets will be sold.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Of special interest for this sale:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">An Anglophile's paradise: a large collection of books about Princess Diana, her children, and other members of the British monarchy. And check out our Featured Specials for a porcelain Princess Diana Bride Doll by the Danbury Mint!&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Surplus copies of the Staples High School Yearbook from various years between 2000 and 2024</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Novels by NY Times best selling author Jane Green, translated into 17 languages, in new condition&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A large assortment of framed art and photographs, from small desktop pieces to large wall pieces, and including framed photographs by Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Spencer Platt&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Another huge assortment of jigsaw puzzles, at bargain prices&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Fiction for just $1 – a conference room filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction and fantasy books, and young adult fiction, plus paperback novels, all offered at just $1 each. [Note: books in this room will remain priced at $1 each on Sunday's half-price day.]&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To see a list of our Featured Specials, please visit our website's </span><a href="https://westportbooksaleventures.org/so/2dPOfrcpD/c?w=akCvqd-AZhPbs0SkfG6TqWEIx5DM3TvT3x0lDLgbNtc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2VzdHBvcnRib29rc2FsZXZlbnR1cmVzLm9yZy9vdXItZXZlbnRzIiwiciI6Ijk1ZTVkYmI2LTA4YmQtNGQ1Zi1iMWM0LWNjN2YyOTFlNTRlOSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6IjM0NDdhYTIxLWJiOTUtNDk2OC04MzIyLWI1MGU0MjE5MjRmNCJ9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">"Events" page</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Items will be added to the Featured Specials list periodically until the date of the sale.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more book sale details and procedures, including procedures to be followed by high volume purchasers, please visit our website's "</span><a href="https://westportbooksaleventures.org/so/2dPOfrcpD/c?w=akCvqd-AZhPbs0SkfG6TqWEIx5DM3TvT3x0lDLgbNtc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2VzdHBvcnRib29rc2FsZXZlbnR1cmVzLm9yZy9vdXItZXZlbnRzIiwiciI6Ijk1ZTVkYmI2LTA4YmQtNGQ1Zi1iMWM0LWNjN2YyOTFlNTRlOSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6IjM0NDdhYTIxLWJiOTUtNDk2OC04MzIyLWI1MGU0MjE5MjRmNCJ9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Events</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">" page at </span><a href="https://westportbooksaleventures.org/so/2dPOfrcpD/c?w=akCvqd-AZhPbs0SkfG6TqWEIx5DM3TvT3x0lDLgbNtc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2VzdHBvcnRib29rc2FsZXZlbnR1cmVzLm9yZy9vdXItZXZlbnRzIiwiciI6Ijk1ZTVkYmI2LTA4YmQtNGQ1Zi1iMWM0LWNjN2YyOTFlNTRlOSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwiYyI6IjM0NDdhYTIxLWJiOTUtNDk2OC04MzIyLWI1MGU0MjE5MjRmNCJ9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.westportbooksaleventures.org/our-events</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Support your community:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">become a Book Sale Volunteer !</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It takes the collaboration of scores of Volunteers to make a book sale event successful. Volunteers help set up at the Library before the sale starts, unpacking and merchandising the thousands of books and other media to be sold; during the sale Volunteers keep displays tidy, greet customers, assist with way-finding, help add-up (tally) customers' purchases, and cashier. Many hands make light work!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Send an email to: </span><a href="https://mailto:volunteers@westportbooksaleventures.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">volunteers@westportbooksaleventures.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion:</span><a href="https://www.rural-fuels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Rural Fuels</a></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Nick Piliero, owner of </strong><a href="https://www.rural-fuels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rural Fuels</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tell me about the history of Rural Fuels</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rural Fuels has actually been around since 1947. We started off providing propane to the community after World War II as there was a high need but few people delivering in our area. Since then, we’ve added heating oil delivery and HVAC installation and services to communities across Western Connecticut.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What are your best selling products or services?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We’re pretty well known for our propane delivery and tank installations. Many of our propane customers have been with us for decades, so we must be doing something right!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do you use any local businesses to support your operations?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We support local businesses daily – from printing and mail services to equipment supplies and fuel deliveries – Rural Fuels couldn’t run without great local partners.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined Rural Fuels?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the last year especially we’ve really grown our HVAC installation practice. We get a lot of calls about old equipment that doesn’t perform like it should; much of it is 20-30 years older than its expected lifespan! Our Equipment Expert and Lead Installer Brian does a great job putting customers at ease for what can be an unexpected and large purchase for their homes. This testimonial says it all: </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We recently switched to Rural Fuels for all of our heating and boiler needs. They were very honest about the limitations and remaining life of our 30+ year old boiler upon initial tune-up. Eventually, the boiler did start to fail to a point where we decided to pull the trigger on a new one and Brian at Rural Fuels could not have been more transparent with our options and what his recommendation would be considering our situation. We had our new boiler system installed today and the team was incredibly professional and customer-friendly.</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:info@rural-fuels.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">info@rural-fuels.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or go online </span><a href="https://www.rural-fuels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.rural-fuels.com/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on Facebook</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RuralFuels/?ref=embed_page#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> here</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

<p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand Playreading of “Paris”&nbsp;by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright on Monday, April 14</strong></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of “Paris,” a fierce, funny, and subtle look at working-class America, on Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m. The play is written by Eboni Booth, winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Director is Anissa Felix.</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2eWDaF-JXA?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p>"’Paris’ by Eboni Booth is a powerful, beautifully written play about the deep need to be seen, tackling issues of race, commerce, community, and invisibility in a small town workplace,” said Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand series curator. “It’s a remarkable piece of modern American theatre by a brilliant writer, using suspense, humor, and great heart to illuminate the quiet struggles and resilience of characters whose experiences often go unnoticed.”</p><p>Director Anissa Felix added, ‘”Paris’ poses the question of power dynamics within the workplace. How does one behave when they are instilled with power at their job but are disenfranchised in their everyday life? And why is it okay for certain people to break the rules, but not for others?”</p><p>“Paris” is about Emmie, one of the only Black people living in Paris, Vermont. She desperately needs a job. When she is hired at Berry’s, a store off the interstate selling everything from baby carrots to lawnmowers, she begins to understand a new kind of isolation. “Paris” is a play about invisibility, being underpaid, and how it feels to work on your feet for ten hours a day.</p><p><strong>Hillary Fisher</strong>&nbsp;will play Emmie (Broadway: “The Notebook”; Off-Broadway: “Between the Lines,” “Cyrano”; Regional: “Pamela’s First Musical,” “Cinderella,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Ragtime”; Television: “The Chica Show”; Pace University B.F.A , LaGuardia High School);&nbsp;<strong>Alison Cimmet</strong>&nbsp;as Maxine (Westport Country Playhouse: “Romeo and Juliet,” “She Loves Me”; Broadway: “Gary,” “Amelie,” “She Loves Me,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” “A Tale of Two Cities”; BA Brown University;;&nbsp;<strong>Deirdre Madigan</strong>&nbsp;as Wendy (Westport Country Playhouse:&nbsp;“And A Nightingale Sang,” “A Marriage Minuet,” “A Few Good Men,” several Script in Hand readings; Broadway: “Hillary and Clinton,” “Sweat,” “A Delicate Balance,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”; Off-Broadway: “Philadelphia, Here I Come,” “Coal Country,” “Exit Strategy”);&nbsp;<strong>John Ottavino</strong>&nbsp;as Dev (70 professional productions in 36 states and seven countries, including "A Doll's House" on Broadway, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" in Leningrad; Regional: "Circle, Mirror, Transformation" - Kevin Kline Award, "Blackbird" - Cincinnati Award).</p><p><strong>Julius Thomas III</strong>&nbsp;as Gar (Westport Country Playhouse: “Broadway’s Bad Boys”; NAACP Theatre and Helen Hayes awards-nominated actor; Broadway: Alexander Hamilton in “Hamilton,” Barry Gordy in “Motown: The Musical”; and others; six Broadway National Tours);&nbsp;<strong>T.J. Wagner</strong>&nbsp;as Logan (Seen on Amazon Prime, The BBC, and Spotlight on Plays Digital Theatre; National Tour: “M3gan: The Musical”; Regional: “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” “The Break,” “All Fall Down”; TBFA from Ithaca College; and&nbsp;<strong>Frederick Weller</strong>&nbsp;as Carlisle (Broadway: “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Mothers &amp; Sons,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “Take Me Out”; Awards: Obie, Drama Desk; Nominations: Lucille Lortel (2); Drama Desk (2); Film: “BlacKKKlansman,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “The Shape of Things,” “Stonewall”; TV: “In Plain Sight”);&nbsp;<strong>Serenity S’rae&nbsp;</strong>will read stage directions (Credits in acting, writing, and performance; Liberations Theatre Company’s New Play Workshop; Boston University BFA, Theatre Arts).</p><p>Playwright&nbsp;<strong>Eboni Booth</strong>&nbsp;is a writer and actor from New York City. Her play, “Primary Trust,” won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “Paris” had its premiere at Off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company in 2020. Booth is a resident playwright at New Dramatists and a recipient of a Steinberg Playwright Award, a Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, and a John Gassner Award. She is a graduate of Juilliard’s playwriting program and the University of Vermont.</p><p>Director&nbsp;<strong>Anissa Felix</strong>&nbsp;has performed in several Broadway shows, including “Motown: The Musical,” “Sunset Boulevard” starring Glenn Close, and “The Donna Summer Musical,” and television shows. Her most recent work can be seen in Netflix’s “Survival of the Thickest.” She was assistant director for Westport Country Playhouse’s “A Sherlock Carol” and “Theatre People.” She is making her directorial debut with the Script in Hand playreading of “Paris.”</p><p>“Anissa Felix is a director who provides wonderful insight, depth, and collaboration in her work, and it’s always a joy to have her at the Playhouse,” said Shanahan. “I can't wait to see Anissa and her accomplished cast bring this incredible play to life.”&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Kevin Jinghong Zhu</strong>&nbsp;is stage manager (Westport Country Playhouse: “Kim’s Convenience,” “As Bees in Honey Drown,” “Tribes”; Broadway: Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”; Off-Broadway: “A Delicate Balance,” “It’s a Wonderful Life, MFA: Yale School of Drama).</p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">Tickets are $30. Running time is 90 minutes, no intermission. Some adult language.</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">For full details, visit:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/paris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/paris/</a></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">The Script in Hand Playreading Series is supported by Joyce Hergenhan and the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation. 2025 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">The upcoming Script in Hand playreading season is scheduled on&nbsp;Mondays at 7 p.m. in 2025 as follows: May 5, June 9 (“The Shark Is Broken”, behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film “Jaws”), Sept. 8, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1;&nbsp;titles to be announced.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">Script in Hand playreadings offer intimate storytelling as professional actors&nbsp;use their skills to catapult the audience’s imagination without benefit of scenery or costumes.</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend April 11-12</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/oliver-nurseries-plein-air-speaker-series-9d503" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Plein Air Speaker Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 10:00 am - 10:45 am</p><p>Make a morning of it by grabbing coffee at our coffee bar, strolling our park-like grounds, checking out our curated selection of vendors and connecting with our gardening community!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/plant-swap-6edc3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Plant Swap</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Bring a plant to swap or take some home! You don't have to bring plants to take home and you can bring plants without taking.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-luck-of-the-irish" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Luck of the Irish!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to create St. Brigid's crosses - an Irish tradition of a woven cross that is hung over a doorway to evoke St. Brigid's blessings and mark the beginning of Spring!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/an-easter-on-mulberry-street---play-reading" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"An Easter on Mulberry Street" - Play Reading</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center, Weston</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>An Italian-American family prepares for Easter on the home front during WWII in this bittersweet comedy written and directed by Frank S. Petrilli. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-rock-and-roll-playhouse-music-of-taylor-swift" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Rock And Roll Playhouse: Music of Taylor Swift</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 13, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children aged ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/tulip-bulb-opening-reception-at-grace-salmon-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tulip Bulb: Opening Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Grace K Salmon Park, Westport</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 13, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Emily Teall's interactive steel sculpture, Tulip Bulb, has been planted at its new home in Westport, CT! Tulip Bulb is now at Grace K. Salmon Park at Imperial Landing, where it will remain for the next 5 years. This event will also feature poetry by Donna Disch and local musicians. Please come by to celebrate!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ancient-aliens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ancient Aliens</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 13, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Ancient Aliens LIVE is an experiential extension of Ancient Aliens that explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. The ninety-minute live experience celebrates the long-running program Ancient Aliens on The HISTORY Channel and features leading Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, UFO investigator Nick Pope, and ancient civilizations expert, Jason Martell, as they discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon, paving the long road to Disclosure.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>