<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Last night, a group of A.C.T. of Connecticut’s most devoted supporters had the rare opportunity to step inside the creative process during a working rehearsal of the theater’s much-anticipated production of</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> Fiddler on the Roof</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. Directed by Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine and featuring the music direction of Bryan Perri, this unique rendition of the timeless musical promises to be an unforgettable exploration of storytelling, culture, and history.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Story That Hits Close to Home</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“This is my story. I feel very, very connected to it, and very, very personal,” Levine fought back tears as he addressed the attendees. As the grandson of Russian immigrants and a Jewish person who grew up immersed in the teachings of remembrance, Levine’s connection to </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fiddler on the Roof</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> is deeply rooted in his family’s history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“In Hebrew school, we’re taught to always remember to never forget. The moment we stop remembering, atrocities can happen again. Bearing witness is essential and creates a responsibility, and that’s a cornerstone of our production.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine’s one-of-a-kind approach underscores this ethos. Throughout the performance, the entire cast of 25 remains on stage, symbolizing collective witnessing. Even when not directly involved in a scene, the actors—seated on scenically designed risers—serve as silent observers, embodying the ever-present weight of history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine says, "This artistic choice highlights the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives and their shared experiences, reflecting the communal struggles and triumphs of Anatevka. By keeping the cast visible, we emphasize that each individual’s story is part of a larger narrative. The village’s collective memory and resilience take center stage, amplifying the universal themes of tradition, change, and survival. My hope is that this artistic choice also invites the audience to engage more deeply, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility for these timeless stories."</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Innovative Vision Meets Timeless Tradition</strong></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fiddler on the Roof</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> traditionally opens with the iconic number, “Tradition.” However, Levine’s vision offers something bold—a prologue that sets the stage in a deeply emotional and meaningful way before the familiar song begins.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“I didn’t want to simply restage the original Broadway production,” Levine explained. “This is a story that my family has lived, and I wanted to bring that intimacy and authenticity to every moment.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine’s desire to make the production personal extended to the casting process. “When actors came into the audition room, I looked for those who, in a sense, felt like my family. It’s more than talent; it’s about storytelling and connection. These actors could be my aunts, sisters, or brothers. That’s why they’re here.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Original Choreography with Cultural Roots</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Collaborating with choreographer Josh Assor, Levine ensured the movements in this production evoke the emotional core of Jewish culture while reimagining some of the classic choreography originally created by Jerome Robbins. The result is a dance language that feels rooted in tradition yet fresh and dynamic.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Music That Speaks to the Soul</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Under the music direction of Music Supervisor Bryan Perri, A.C.T.’s 11-piece orchestra provides the evocative soundtrack that breathes life into the village of Anatevka. Songs like “Tradition” and “Miracles of Miracles,” previewed during last night’s rehearsal, moved both cast and audience members alike.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“There have been a lot of tears during our rehearsal period,” Levine confessed, highlighting the emotional gravity of the material. “We don’t shy away from the darker parts of the story. That’s where the truth lives.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Production to Remember</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka in Imperial Russia at the turn of the 20th century, </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fiddler on the Roof i</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">s a story of faith, family, and the struggle to balance tradition with change. Through Levine’s innovative direction and A.C.T.’s exceptional cast, this production will not only honor the original but also challenge audiences to reflect on their own role in bearing witness to history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">ACT of Connecticut’s</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> Fiddler on the Roof </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">opens on February 6 and runs through March 9, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience this reimagined masterpiece that promises to resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Purchase tickets</span><a href="https://www.actofct.org/fiddler-on-the-roof" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> https://www.actofct.org/fiddler-on-the-roof</a></p><p><em>*This image was taken during a working rehearsal of Fiddler on the Roof</em></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Playhouse NEW SHOWS on sale next week!</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Chazz Palminteri's One Man Show -A Bronx Tale on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 7:30PM</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Teed &amp; Brown Broadway &amp; Cabaret Series</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri returns to the Ridgefield Playhouse stage with “A Bronx Tale”! Whether you have yet to see this show, or have seen it many times, Palminteri never disappoints.&nbsp; Last year, The Tribeca Film Festival debuted a filmed performance of the autobiographical one-man stage play, written, directed by, and starring Chazz Palminteri. This is your chance to see this production live!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Judy Collins with The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 8:00PM</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">068 Magazine Singer-Songwriter Series</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Judy Collins, the award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Joining Collins for this special evening are members of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra to bring her chamber-folk masterwork to full bloom.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more and purchase tickets </span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">ONE WEEK from tomorrow, on Sunday, February 2, the Charter Oak Rooms at Ridgefield Parks &amp; Recreation will transform into a haven for food enthusiasts and community supporters as the Rotary Club of Ridgefield hosts its much-anticipated&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Annual Taste of Ridgefield</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. With two tasting sessions, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., this culinary event promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Showcase of Local Flavors</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This year’s event will feature over 20 of Ridgefield's finest restaurants and spirit shops, each offering a sampling of their signature dishes and premium wines. From savory to sweet, there’s something to tantalize every palate. Taste of Ridgefield is not just about great food and drinks—it’s about celebrating the community’s vibrant culinary scene and supporting important local initiatives.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Supporting Scholarships and Community Grants</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Proceeds from the event directly benefit Ridgefield High School scholarships and Rotary Club Community Grants, ensuring that every delicious bite makes a difference.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Tickets and Details</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early to secure their spot at this popular event. Tickets can be purchased at</span><a href="https://ridgefieldrotary.org/taste-of-ridgefield/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://ridgefieldrotary.org/taste-of-ridgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">ridgefieldrotary.org/taste-of-ridgefield</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Participating Restaurants and Vendors</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Attendees can look forward to sampling the culinary excellence of:</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Benjamin</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Cellar XV Wine Market</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ridgefield LiquorNod Hill Brewery</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ancona's Wine &amp; Liquors</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Blazer Pub</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Posa</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Odeens BBQ</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Terra Sole</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Gallo</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Lantern</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Stacey's Totally Baked</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bailey's Backyard</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">À Table with Sarah + Bernard</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Queen B Coffee Company</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Brasserie Saint Germain</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Southwest Café</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Some Things Fishy Catering</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ridgefield Bagels &amp; Bakes</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Tablao Wine Bar &amp; Restaurant</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ross Artisanal Bakery &amp; Café</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fletch’s Bagels &amp; Cafe</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bareberger</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Hideaway Kitchen &amp; Bar</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Corner Café of Ridgefield</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Join the Rotary Club of Ridgefield for an afternoon of flavors, community spirit, and philanthropy—one taste at a time.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more and purchase tickets =&gt;&nbsp;</span><a href="https://ridgefieldrotary.org/taste-of-ridgefield/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://ridgefieldrotary.org/taste-of-ridgefield/</a></p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“P-06877-etry”</strong></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Welcome to another "P-06877-etry” feature where Ridgefield’s second Poet Laureate, Ira Joe Fisher, shares his poetic prowess with HamletHub readers. </span></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TrhHNXoU4zg?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Free</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The snowflakes aren’t falling,</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">they’re floating,</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">rolling,</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">playing</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">in the pine-shadowed day.</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Snowflakes reluctant</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">to end their frost-kissed</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">tumbling</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">through the biting air,</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">reluctant</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">to lock</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">their pieces of heaven</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">upon earth,</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">to end their giddy descent</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">as shackled gems</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">with nothing to do</em></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">but sparkle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For poetic inspiration, follow Ira Joe Fisher on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/irajoefisher/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">irajoefisher</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And Ira Joe Fisher - The Professional Speaking Coach on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049350887865" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook&nbsp;</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Interested in honing your speaking skills? Send Ira a note: &nbsp; </span><a href="mailto:ijfspeaking@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ijfspeaking@gmail.com</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Economic &amp; Community Development Commission encourages filmmakers to visit the first designated&nbsp;Cultural District in the&nbsp;state of Connecticut&nbsp;– Ridgefield. Our small&nbsp;but vibrant&nbsp;New England town has a flavor all its own, with period dwellings from the 18th, 19th, 20th&nbsp;and 21st&nbsp;centuries, a beautifully preserved Main Street, acres of open space, and easily accessible shopping and transportation.&nbsp;</p><p>The ECDC webpage&nbsp;<a href="ridgefieldct.com/film" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>ridgefieldct.com/film</strong></a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;more&nbsp;information and a contact form. ECDC Commissioners will work with local leaders Dan Levine (Artistic Director of A.C.T. of CT) and Amanda Gabbard (Founder of Amanda Gabbard Beauty) to assist any filmmakers to realize their vision within our midst.&nbsp;</p><p>Our town has it all:&nbsp;hiking trails,&nbsp;lakes,&nbsp;hills, fields,&nbsp;rock walls, historical museum, contemporary art museum, cutting edge movie theater,&nbsp;playhouse,&nbsp;and more! And our downtown is repeatedly on the “best Main Streets” lists throughout the nation. Enjoy Connecticut’s first Cultural District!</p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Game day or ANY day - 109 Cheese &amp; Wine will make it better.</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Regardless of how many people you have coming over to watch the games, we can make the perfect size platter for your group.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bring us your board or let us use a disposable one. The perfect game day platter is just a call away [</span>203-438-5757].</p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">View the Platter Order Sheet: </span><a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/b074dccb001/722f4c0a-9ecd-4d7f-8a77-4e775aa5b2b8.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Click here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Explore the Appetizer Menu: </span><a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/b074dccb001/722f4c0a-9ecd-4d7f-8a77-4e775aa5b2b8.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Click here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AFC championship game is at 6:30 p.m. ET, Sunday, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NFC championship game is at 3 p.m. ET, Sunday, between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gary is tasting some perfect Game Day wines tomorrow, Saturday, January 25 from 12-5 in our Ridgefield Store</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Antonin Rodet</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is a beautiful winery located in the heart of Burgundy, France, a region known for high-quality wine production. Founded in 1875 in the village of Mercurey, Antonin Rodet has a rich history and is celebrated for its expertise in crafting exceptional wines that express the unique terroirs of Burgundy. They are both sustainable and biodynamic. This Saturday we will be tasting the 2023 vintages of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2023 Bourgogne Chardonnay</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is 100% Chardonnay and presents itself with golden hues of light silver-grey tints. The nose is expressive, featuring aromas of flowers and honey. On the palate, it offers a direct attack with good acidity, accompanied by flavors of acacia and lightly candied fruits with a long finish. This wine loves French triple cremes and also harder sheeps milk cheeses. Add a little Jambon de Bayonne and you are good to go!&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The 2023 Bourgogne Pinot Noir </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">displays a beautiful cherry red color. On the nose, it is expressive, offering aromas of red fruits such as cherry and strawberry. The palate is round and delicious, with a good tannic structure and great aromatic persistence. Put this wine next to a bowl of pasta with our bolognese or a perfectly ripe camembert and the stage is set.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Contact 109 Cheese and Wine</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ridgefield Cheese Shop: 203-438-5757</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Wine Shop: 203-438-5767</span></li></ul><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On a personal note…&nbsp;feeling grateful and blessed</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This year I find myself truly humbled by the love and support of my partner in life Monica, and all of our friends, especially the Bouissou’s. This has been a very trying time for us and I want to give thanks to all that have been here for me and Monica.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday was Monica and Sarah’s birthday and they truly are both the light that shines into so many of our lives. They are kind, forgiving, strong and caring. They can both teach us all a thing or two about kindness and we should be thankful to have them in our lives.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Happy Birthday Monica and Sarah, you two truly are so special. Love you both. Monica, I love you more.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit 109 Cheese &amp; Wine online </span><a href="https://109cheeseandwine.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://109cheeseandwine.com/</a></p><p><br></p>