<p>“An Evening with Bernadette Peters,” three-time Tony Award recipient, Golden Globe winner, and Emmy and Grammy nominee, will take the stage at Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m. The magical and inspiring evening of songs will feature music from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, and others.</p><p>&nbsp;“There are few stage performers as legendary and beloved as Bernadette Peters, and we can’t wait to welcome her back to our stage,” said Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. “This very special night, generously underwritten in support of the Playhouse, promises an unforgettable and intimate evening with one of the greatest Broadway talents of all time.”</p><p>&nbsp;Best known for her work on stage and one of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers, Peters just concluded a highly successful West End debut in the Cameron Mackintosh production of “Old Friends,” celebrating the life and work of Stephen Sondheim. The show will come to Broadway in spring 2025. Prior to that, she starred as Dolly Gallagher Levi in the hit musical, “Hello, Dolly!” She also starred in City Center’s Encores! “A Bed and a Chair: A New York Love Affair,” featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim and orchestrations by Wynton Marsalis, and on Broadway in “A Little Night Music” and “Follies.”</p><p>Peters garnered both the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for her performance in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “Song and Dance.” She also won a Tony Award for her performance in “Annie Get Your Gun.” She received Tony nominations for her outstanding performances in Sam Mendes’ critically acclaimed revival of “Gypsy,” in Neil Simon’s “The Goodbye Girl,” Stephen Sondheim’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Sunday in the Park with George,” the Jerry Herman/Gower Champion ode to the movies, “Mack and Mabel,” and the Leonard Bernstein/Comden and Green musical “On The Town.” In addition to these honors, Peters earned a Drama Desk nomination for her unforgettable portrayal of the Witch in Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”&nbsp;In 2012, Peters received the Isabelle Stevenson&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Tony Award for her non-profit organization, Broadway Barks.</span></p><p>Peters&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">also enjoys a career which boasts an impressive list of television credits, including the Apple TV+ series, “High Desert,” and a guest-starring role on the NBC-TV series, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">”</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;for which she earned an Emmy nomination.&nbsp;The popular series was made into a TV movie musical titled&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">“</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">”</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;for The Roku Channel. Other TV appearances include The CW’s “Katy Keene”; CBS All Access’&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">“</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The Good Fight</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">”;</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;Amazon Prime’s Golden Globe-winning series,&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">“</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Mozart in the Jungle”;</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">and NBC-TV’s “Smash.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Peters has lit up the silver screen in over 30 films throughout her distinguished career, including winning a Golden Globe Award for her performance in&nbsp;“Pennies from Heaven.” Other film credits include&nbsp;“The Jerk,” “The Longest Yard,” “Silent Movie,” “Annie,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Slaves of New York,” Woody Allen’s&nbsp;“Alice,” “Impromptu,” “It Runs in the Family,” “Coming Up Roses,” “The Broken Hearts Gallery,”</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">and most recently, a surprise appearance in the popular Jonathan Larson biopic, “tick, tick…BOOM!”</span></p><p>&nbsp;Peters first appeared at the Playhouse in 1966, in the musical “Riverwind,” starring Lisa Kirk and Robert Alda. In 2008, she returned to present a special tribute to Angela Lansbury at the Playhouse’s fall fundraising gala, “Footlights and Film:&nbsp;A Celebration of the Great Musicals from Stage and Screen.” At the Playhouse’s 2011 annual gala, “Playing Our Songs:&nbsp;Celebrating 80 Years of Musical Theater,” Peters was honored with the Playhouse’s Award for Distinguished Dedication and Service to the American Musical Theater.</p><p>&nbsp;Tickets for “An Evening with Bernadette Peters” are $175 and $250.&nbsp;Event Sponsors are Roz and Bud Siegel. Event Partners are Jonathan and Sara Gaynes Levy.&nbsp;2024 Media Sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio.&nbsp;Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds from this fundraising event will support the non-profit, professional, producing theater - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;All audience members are invited to meet and mingle together at a post-performance party.</p><p>&nbsp;For full details, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/an-evening-with-bernadette-peters/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/an-evening-with-bernadette-peters/</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, April 20, 300 guests joined The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, CT to celebrate its 60th Anniversary Gala. This event was the Museum’s most successful fundraiser on record and honored Trustee and Chair Emeritus Eric Diefenbach and artist Loie Hollowell, with remarks by the Museum’s Chief Curator Amy Smith-Stewart, Creative Capital Founding Director Ruby Lerner, and designer Alexander Julian.</p><p>The evening began with cocktails at The Aldrich featuring Litchfield Distillery spirits and Elevated Seltzers by oHHo. Guests were able to view exhibitions by Loie Hollowell, Layo Bright, Elizabeth Englander, and Amanda Martínez. Celebrations continued at the Yanity Gymnasium where Cheer New York cheerleaders greeted guests. Cocktails and dinner were catered by Canard, Inc. featuring a seasonal springtime spread.</p><p>Dancer and choreographer Stephen Petronio performed an original piece to Rufus Wainwright’s “Across the Universe” on stage and through the audience.</p><p>Notable guests included Governor Ned Lamont, Dick Cavett, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, State Representative Keith Denning, Lisa Phillips, and artists Layo Bright, Elizabeth Englander, Rudy Shepherd, Hope Gangloff, James Prosek, Karla Knight, Renee Cox, B. Wurtz, Nickola Pottinger, Tony Matelli, Mamie Tinkler, Ester Ruiz, and Kate Gilmore.</p><p>The second act of the program opened with remarks by Board Chair Diana Bowes followed by a live auction and hand raise in support of the Museum’s Education programming led by Betsy Alexandre from Christie’s.</p><p>The Museum would like to extend its gratitude to all who attended and supported the Gala in addition to sponsors Christie’s, Meadow Ridge, Freixenet Mionetto, oHHo, Litchfield Distillery, and Connecticut Cottages &amp; Gardens (CTC&amp;G).</p>

<p>Westport, CT – MoCA is excited to welcome Janice Egan to its team as the Senior Director of Philanthropy. Janice arrives with a wealth of experience, bringing nearly two decades of expertise in philanthropic fundraising from the higher education sector, along with a deep passion for the arts and a commitment to community engagement. Her role signifies an important addition to MoCA, aiming to further our mission of enriching lives through art, education and creative expression.</p><p>Janice has an impressive background in building and nurturing philanthropic relationships, managing significant programs, and identifying strategic opportunities for growth. Her previous positions, including Director of Parent and Family Engagement and Philanthropy as well as Senior Development Officer, have equipped her with the necessary skills to enhance MoCA’s philanthropic efforts and deepen our impact within the community.</p><p>As the Senior Director of Philanthropy, Janice will focus on strengthening MoCA’s engagement with individual donors and exploring new avenues for philanthropic support.</p><p>“Janice’s addition to our team represents a pivotal moment for MoCA. Her rich experience in philanthropy and her passion for the arts will play a crucial role in driving our mission forward,” states Ruth Mannes, Executive Director.</p><p>MoCA believes the arts should be accessible to all. If you need financial assistance with</p><p>admissions, classes, or event registration, please contact the Museum at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:info@mocawestport.org./" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">info@mocawestport.org.</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse Presents Ari Axelrod in a Mic-in-Hand Celebration of Jewish Musical Theater on May 8</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;Axelrod returns to the Playhouse with his award-winning show in tribute to Broadway’s Jewish composers&nbsp;Berlin, Bernstein, Sondheim, and King.</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Westport Country Playhouse will present a Mic in Hand musical concert, “Ari Axelrod&nbsp;- A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway,” on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. After last year’s sold-out performance at the Playhouse, the internationally acclaimed, award-winning show honoring Jewish culture returns with even more songs and musicians.</p><p>&nbsp;“A Place for Us” explores the songs, stories, and crucial contributions to American musical theater of Jewish composers, such as Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Carole King.</p><p>&nbsp;“Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived,” said Axelrod. "I've been doing this show for six years now, and every time, someone from the audience will come up to me afterward and say, ‘We need this show now more than ever.’ When the world feels dark, and it feels like there's no light to be found, Jews create light, whether it’s the glow of Shabbat candles or Broadway’s marquees. This show is a celebration of Jewish light.”</p><p>&nbsp;“A Place for Us” is part of the Mic in Hand series, a spin-off of the Playhouse’s popular Script in Hand series. Both series are curated by Mark Shanahan.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;"I'm so happy to welcome Ari back to the Playhouse by popular demand to once again present his show on our stage,” said Shanahan. “This time around, Ari’s expanded the show with a larger band, building on the extraordinary show he presented for us last year.”</p><p>&nbsp;Shanahan added, “There’s a good reason Ari’s show is so celebrated. It’s joyous, funny, revealing and ultimately, an extremely moving evening of theatre presented by a master storyteller delivering some of the greatest songs ever written.”</p><p>&nbsp;A post-show talkback with Axelrod and ADL Connecticut regional director Stacey Sobel will explore inspiration for the show and its relevance amidst increased levels of hate and antisemitism nationwide.&nbsp;</p><p>More information on “Ari Axelrod&nbsp;- A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” at:&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-ari-axelrod-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-ari-axelrod-2024/</a></p><p>&nbsp;Tickets are $40.&nbsp;&nbsp;Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission.</p><p>&nbsp; Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend April 19-April 21</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/poetry-workshop-with-westport-poet-laureate-jessica-mcentee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Poetry Workshop With Westport Poet Laureate</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 19, 6:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>April is National Poetry Month, and Westport’s Poet Laureate, Jessie McEntee, will lead you through a generative workshop inspired by the artwork at MoCA, and she’ll share some favorite ekphrastic poems. If time allows, participants might have a chance to read aloud from their notes and receive positive and encouraging feedback. Leave with building blocks for a new piece. Return with Jessie on the following Friday for MoCA Some Noise (April 26th at 6:30), an open mic for registered participants that promises laughter and connection. Share the ekphrastic poem that you’ve had a week to polish, or any other piece!</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/symphony-of-sorrowful-songs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Symphony of Sorrowful Songs</strong></a></p><p><strong>Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown</strong></p><p>Apr 19, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>ORCHESTRA NEXUS invites you to a free concert, a one-night-only musical sojourn for the soul with GORECKI'S SYMPHONY NO. 3 featuring celebrated soprano Diana McVey. Górecki's Symphony No. 3 sets poems in Polish about the intense relationship between a mother and a child in times of loss. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Górecki's unforgettable masterpiece that swept the world by storm and became an icon of the 20th century.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-presents-spafford" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SPAFFORD</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 19, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Spafford is known for their astonishing improvisational ability and off-the-cuff extended jams, Spafford paints a picture in real-time each night with a musical palette known only to each other. It’s a private language comprising both their talent as musicians as well as their formidable catalog of influences, spanning 90’s alt-rock radio hits to Steely Dan and The Crystal Method.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/earth-day-weekend/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Earth Day Weekend</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday and Sunday, Apr 20 to Apr 21, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>Did you know? Earth Day is recognized as the biggest civic event on our planet! Since its founding in 1970, Earth Day has inspired billions of people to make a difference for our environment and our future. This Earth Day weekend, join us at Stepping Stones to explore the wonders of the natural world and discover how you can become an everyday Earth hero.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/pequot-presents-alien-a-documentary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Alien | A Documentary</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library, Southport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Join director and producer Vidyut Latay for a special screening of Alien, a documentary about legal, high-skilled immigration to the United States. Follow five Indian immigrants to the United States as they construct new lives for themselves and their families, Alien presents a human face to the immigration issues facing the United States.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-lions-gate-trio-at-fairfield-public-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Lions Gate Trio</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Public Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Join the Library's trio-in-residence, Lions Gate Trio, for their last performance of the season, "Visions from France." The concert traces the near-constant transformation in music from France over the years, with pieces by French composer Chausson, his friend Gabriel Faure, and more recently, Christophe Bertrand.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/opening-reception-for-first-ladies-paintings-by-tina-sarno/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening reception for First Ladies: Paintings by Tina Sarno</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Gallery at Still River Editions, Danbury</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 20, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>First Ladies is an exhibition of oil paintings by Tina Sarno of Silvermine, Connecticut. Sarno began</p><p>painting the series in 2018 at the suggestion of a friend, and she has painted over thirty-five to this date. When painting, Sarno seeks out historical portraits and biographical details for inspiration, revealing things that may not come out in a formal portrait. For example, one of her most recent works shows Grace Coolidge with her pet raccoon, Rebecca.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cinderella-bd0c6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cinderella</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 20, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>The timeless story of Cinderella and her journey to find love and happiness with the handsome Prince Charming, but this is unlike any Cinderella you’ve ever seen! Cinderella’s her wicked step mother and stepsisters try everything they can to keep Cinderella from attending Prince Charming’s Royal Ball, but with a little help from a magical fairy Godmother, Cinderella makes it to the Ball for a night she will never forget.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/transcendence-triumph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Transcendence &amp; Triumph</strong></a></p><p><strong>Performing Arts Center at Greenwich High School</strong></p><p>Saturday, Apr 20, 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm</p><p>Join the Greenwich Choral Society for its April Concert, featuring works by Franz Joseph Haydn, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-presents-the-zambonis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Zambonis</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 20, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The Zambonis are a Connecticut-based indie rock band formed in 1991 by musicians Dave Schneider (The LeeVees), Peter Katis, Jon Aley, and Tarquin Katis. The Zambonis write songs exclusively about ice hockey. Schneider says of the band's musical style: “We’re the only band in the world whose two biggest influences are The Beatles and Wayne Gretzky!”</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/2024-spring-speaker-series-mountains-volcanoes-continental-rifts-how-connecticuts-geologic-past-has-shaped-our-modern-landscape/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Mountains, Volcanoes &amp; Continental Rifts: How Connecticut’s Geologic Past Has Shaped Our Modern Landscape</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 21, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm</p><p>Connecticut’s modern landscape is the product of our fascinating geologic past. The geologic history of our state is preserved in the bedrock and landforms of the region and spans approximately one billion years of Earth’s history. In this talk, we will explore the processes of mountain building and continental rifting that formed the bedrock of our state. We will also discuss how erosion and past glacial activity have modified our landscape and produced features such as Long Island Sound.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/noahs-new-ark-an-earth-day-musicalia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Noah’s New Ark, an Earth Day Musicalia</strong></a></p><p><strong>Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 21, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Earth Day with this engaging show. This show is a folk concert with a message, including ideas for a sustainable future for humans and non-humans to live and prosper. This Musicalia blends folk songs, including sing-alongs, readings, poetry, and humor. Consider it a “revels” for the environment. Not recommended for youngsters, it is PG-14, due to adult environmental issues.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/artist-reception-for-dana-phelan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Reception for Dana Phelan</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Meetinghouse, Ridgefield</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 21, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the opening of Pattern Language. Dana Phelan is a New England based artist working with light and nature, altered photographs, and sometimes physical paint and collage. Show runs 4/15 – 5/27</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ann-talman-elizabeth-taylor-and-the-shadow-of-her-smile" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor And The Shadow Of Her Smile</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 21, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Get ready for this cabaret show directed by Bistro and MAC Award winners Lina Koutrakos with musical direction by Alex Rybeck.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">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>

<p>Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce the opening of the Community Corner for the 2024 season. Community Corner offers a unique opportunity for local small businesses, crafters, and artists to connect with a broader audience by showcasing their products every weekend from 10am to 3pm, from April until October.</p><p>Community Corner is designed to bring the vibrant spirit of farmer's markets and vendor fairs to the heart of the zoo, providing a pop-up shop space available for rent. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also enhances the zoo experience, offering guests a chance to explore and purchase unique products in a charming farmstand setting.</p><p>Participants from the previous seasons have included a diverse group of 19 businesses ranging from artisanal crafters like Gemini Gems by Erica and Letter Story Bracelets, to specialty shops such as Ray of Rye Scents and Nath Soap Company. The variety continues with Enchanted Wishes, Artist Kim B, Team Woofgang and Co, Park City Harvest, Bark and Vine, Sound Style Rugs, and more.</p><p>Businesses interested in participating in Community Corner should note that all food products require licenses and permits approved by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and the City of Bridgeport’s Health Department.</p><p>For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Lindsay Durkee at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:ldurkee@beardsleyzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">ldurkee@beardsleyzoo.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>