Wilton, CT | HamletHub

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Jun 08, 2025

WAITRESS Rises at A.C.T. of CT—and You’ll Want a Second Helping!

WAITRESS has arrived at A.C.T. of Connecticut—and every seat in the house is spoken for. Performances are sold out, with more than 100 names on the waitlist. But don’t let that stop you. To join the WAITRESS waitlist, call the Box Office at 475-215-5497. This isn’t just a show—it’s a seat at the counter, where the scent of something sweet lingers in the air and the pulse of the diner draws you in. Flawed, funny, and fiercely loyal, Jenna, Dawn, and Becky pull you into their world so completely, you don’t just watch—you feel like one of them. You root for them. You ache with them. One of Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine’s greatest gifts is casting—not just for talent, but for truth. He finds the people who don’t act like characters, but rather, slip into them like a second skin. At A.C.T., performances don’t ask you to suspend disbelief. They invite you in. They meet you where you are.Jenna, Heart FirstAs Jenna, Abigail Sparrow delivers a performance that lingers. Her voice is bold and achingly beautiful—big enough to stop you in your tracks, yet tender enough to break your heart. When she sings She Used to Be Mine, it’s not just a song. It’s a reckoning.Jenna is the kind of woman who folds her grief into a pie crust and dares it to rise. Sparrow captures her resilience and her quiet rebellion. She is honey and grit. A mother-to-be, a poet of the kitchen, and a woman aching to reclaim her own life.Her Circle of StrengthAt the heart of Joe’s Pie Diner are two unwavering friends: Amma Osei as Becky, full of fire and grounded wisdom, and Shaylen Harger as Dawn, sweetly anxious and endlessly endearing. They’re more than coworkers. They’re Jenna’s tether. Their sisterhood is fierce, funny, and healing.Wesly Slade is like the SNL skit you watch on replay as Ogie, Dawn’s oddball suitor. A tax auditor with a magician’s flair and a heart that doesn’t play by the rules, Ogie is delightfully offbeat. Slade plays him with gleeful precision, finding charm in every awkward beat. He and Dawn are the kind of perfect you don’t expect—kismet in mismatched shoes.In Jenna’s OrbitThere’s Joseph Torello as Cal, the gruff cook who keeps the kitchen humming and the sass flying, and David Sitler as Joe—the diner’s namesake, a sharp-tongued old soul and diner patron who sees more than he lets on. Then there’s Cody Jenkins as Earl, Jenna’s possessive and volatile husband—beer in hand, name tattooed across his chest (just in case he forgets it). John Alejandro Jeffords steps into the role of Dr. Pomatter, Jenna’s kind-hearted gynecologist (and not exactly the sharpest scalpel on the surgical tray) who falls for her—and her pies—with reckless speed. And by his side, Ariana Valdes as Nurse Norma steals scenes with her dry wit and deadpan wisdom. Norma doesn’t miss much. And Finally, LuLuThen comes LuLu, played by Maeve Marbury, whose presence in the final moments is soft, simple, and soul-shifting. She reminds us that joy is never far—it’s inside us, waiting. Her innocence binds the story like the final ribbon on a gift you didn’t know you needed.The World They Live InDirector Sara Brians paints this world with care—honoring WAITRESS’s legacy without imitation. There is no gloss, no pretense. The teal-and-chrome diner set, worn and welcoming, feels like somewhere you’ve been before. It doesn’t impress—it embraces. Under Brians’ direction, every moment has room to breathe. Joy and pain sit side by side. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is wasted.Ensemble members glide in and out of scenes with beauty and intention. With just 19 actors and 350 props, the production moves like a waltz—each step choreographed, each beat earned.Music Director Nicholas Connors treats Sara Bareilles’ score with the reverence it deserves. Folk-pop harmonies tethered to a beat that feels like the hum of a busy kitchen—familiar, tender, alive.The Final Course of Season 7WAITRESS is more than a season finale. It’s a culmination—a story that feeds something deeper than entertainment. Season 8 tickets go on sale Monday, June 9 and, in A.C.T. of CT fashion, they will sell out in a flash! Go online or call the Box Office <a href="https://www.actofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.actofct.org/</a>See you at Joe’s Pie Diner for the slice du jour. Learn more <a href="https://www.actofct.org/waitress" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.actofct.org/waitress</a>*Image courtesy A.C.T. of CT

Jun 07, 2025

Why Small Businesses Matter in Wilton: Grumpy Dumpling

<h2>Local Business Champion: Grumpy Dumpling Co. </h2>Meet Jocelyn Pollak, co-founder of <a href="https://www.grumpydumplingco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Grumpy Dumpling Co.</a>Why did you start your business?My husband (Chalermrat Pongngarmsanga) is from Thailand and has a passion for food and cooking. I lived there for ten years and when we moved to the area, we decided give his culinary talents a try! So far, so good! People love his dumplings; the business has grown greatly since we started in late 2022.What is your best-selling product/service?It's hard to say! Our pork dumplings are the most traditional so those sell the most by just a little bit. Chicken is second. And, the veggie is third, but it's a lot of people's “surprise favorite”. We also book lots of seats in our classes that run from November until May. Learn more about the classes<a href="https://www.grumpydumplingco.com/classes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> https://www.grumpydumplingco.com/classes/</a>How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?A lot, especially when we host classes. We have great venues that welcome us to teach classes including Cannon Grange, Designs by Lee, Cross Culture Kombucha, 314 Beer Garden, Spacecat Brewery, Valor Wines, District Co-working, Wallingford Marketplace, Eco Evolution. We also regularly buy vegetables from farms at the farmers’ markets.Questions? Email <a href="https://mailto:grumpydumplingco@gmail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">grumpydumplingco@gmail.com</a>You can find Grumpy Dumpling at the Wilton Farmers’ Market. Learn more <a href="https://www.grumpydumplingco.com/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.grumpydumplingco.com/events/</a>HamletHub thanks<a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fairfield County Bank </a>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Jun 06, 2025

Wilton Library’s Summer Show Art Exhibit Call for Entries July 7 and 8

Wilton Library’s Summer Show Art Exhibition Returns with Call for Entries to Local Wilton ArtistsCall for Entries set for Monday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 8Wilton, Conn. – June 6, 2025 – Wilton Library is pleased to announce the return of its annual Summer Show art exhibition, which celebrates local artists who live or work in Wilton, or have a connection to the town. The Call for Entries is set for Monday, July 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library. This is the 79th year that the library will welcome local talent to display their works in this non-juried summer art exhibition.Adult artists (21 and older) who wish to exhibit in the art show may submit up to two pieces of artwork. Submissions may include sculptures. Photography is not accepted for this exhibition, since photographers will be able to enter their works in a photography show held at the library within the next year. With the exception of sculptures, all works must be wired and ready to hang, and artists must take away their packing materials.The Summer Show art exhibition runs from July 9 through August 21. The Opening Reception for the Summer Show is on Friday, July 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. The reception is free and is open to the public. Participating artists are encouraged to bring their friends and families to the reception.For details and entry forms, interested artists may visit the library’s website at <a href="http://www.wiltonlibrary.org/summer-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wiltonlibrary.org/summer-show</a>. Any inquiries may be directed to artcommittee@wiltonlibrary.org.The majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. The library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays from June 15 through August 31. The library will be closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Jun 05, 2025

Kaylie Berghaus of Wilton named to James Madison University President's List

Wilton resident, Kaylie Berghaus, has been named to the President's List at James Madison University for the spring 2025 semester. Students who earn President's List honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.900 or above. Berghaus is majoring in Inclusive Early Childhood Education - BS.

Jun 05, 2025

Wilton Library Gets Everyone Reading This Summer!

Wilton Library is getting everyone involved in reading this summer with its three Summer Reading programs for children, teens, and now adults, which run from Monday, June 16 through Sunday, August 24, 2025. For more details about how to register and participate in all Summer Reading programs, please visit the library’s website at <a href="http://www.wiltonlibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wiltonlibrary.org</a>. All children and teens are invited to Level Up their reading at Wilton Library this summer! The Children’s Summer Reading Club is open to all kids through rising grade 6, and kicks off on Monday, June 16. Children will sign up on the website <a href="https://wiltonlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wiltonlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365</a> or download the Beanstack app and choose Wilton Library (CT) to register. They will keep track of the time that they spend reading and then log the number of minutes they have read online. For every 100 minutes they read, they will get a brag tag and beads for their necklace or a book. At 1500 minutes they will be a finisher. All reading counts: books, magazines, graphic novels, audiobooks--anything they want to read. The Teen Summer Reading Club is open to all rising 6th to 12th graders, and also starts on Monday, June 16. Teens will sign up on the website <a href="https://wiltonlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wiltonlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365</a> or download the Beanstack app and choose Wilton Library (CT) to register. They will keep track of the time they spend reading and then log the number of minutes they have read online. Badges will earn them prizes and chances in weekly drawings! All reading counts: books, magazines, graphic novels, audiobooks – anything they want to read. New this year at Wilton Library, adults will be able to participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program, which runs from June 16 through August 24. Readers will log each book they read using paper forms that are available at both our Circulation and Reference desks, or use an online form at<a href="http://www.wiltonlibrary.org/adult-summer-reading" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> www.wiltonlibrary.org/adult-summer-reading</a>. A weekly drawing will be held for gift cards to local businesses. The participant who reads the most books this summer will win the grand prize – a $50 gift card from the Wilton Chamber of Commerce. To kick off Summer Reading, the library has planned special programs for all ages. Children are invited to celebrate the last day of school and the start of Summer Reading Club by leveling up their summer gaming skills. In the program “Level Up Your Summer Skills” on Monday, June 16, kids will get to choose from a variety of fun activities including cup stacking, mini-basketball, jacks, dodgeball, jump rope, and more. They can drop in and join the fun anytime from 2 to 4 p.m.Also on Monday, June 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., teens are invited to the program “Teen Summer Reading Kickoff: Tote Bag Decoration!” They can visit the library’s Teen Room for treats and fun, learn how to participate in the Teen Summer Reading Club, and decorate a canvas tote bag to hold all of their books. For students incoming in grades 6-12 only. One tote per participant, while supplies last. No registration necessary – teens can just drop in. On Wednesday, June 18 at 2:30 p.m., book lovers ages 5 to adult are invited to the program “Kick Off Summer Reading with Author Veera Hiranandani.” Hiranandani, an award-winning author and a graduate of Wilton High School, will discuss her journey to becoming a published author, the inspiration for her books, from picture books to historical novels, and her writing process. Elm Street Books will sell copies of Veera Hiranandani’s books, which she will sign after the program. A portion of the proceeds goes to Wilton Library. Registration is required. Join Wilton Library this summer and get reading!

Jun 05, 2025

FC Buzz: "Fiber Artists of Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut" at Wilton Library

FC Buzz Weekend June 6 to 8<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fiber-artists-of-handweavers-guild-of-connecticut-exhibition-opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">"Fiber Artists of Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut"</a>Wilton Library, WiltonFriday Jun 6, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pmThe Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, was started in 1948 by a small group of women and has grown to a membership of 270. The Guild invites handweavers, spinners, and other fiber artists from all levels of experience to exchange ideas and share knowledge, to encourage and educate, and to challenge their abilities in fiber art techniques. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend a Guild meeting and consider becoming a member. The Guild meets five times a year at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury on the third Saturday of the month, bimonthly from September to May. <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-reception-interiors-a-look-inside-and-the-reveal-of-piece-by-piece-with-the-artists-collective-of-westport" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Artist Reception: ‘Interiors: A Look Inside’ and the Reveal of ‘Piece by Piece’ with The Artists Collective of Westport</a>The Westport Library, WestportFriday Jun 6, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmFor Interiors, each of the Artists Collective members were invited to display a work in the medium of their choice that explores what “interiors” means to them. Contributors this year include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, and Ros Shaffer, as well as Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman, and more.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-pond-farm-s-art-show-preview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Art Show Preview</a>New Pond Farm Education Center, ReddingFriday Jun 6, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmAn inspiring evening of art, flavor, and community! Mingle with talented artists and fellow art lovers while savoring a Signature Cocktail, local wines, craft brews, and festive bites. Be among the first to preview this year’s collection of exceptional artwork by some of the region’s finest artists. Our fantastic biennial Art Show includes a silent auction, live art demonstrations, and engaging activities for both children and adults—all set against the backdrop of nature and agrarian life that inspires our work and defines our beautiful property.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/decades-in-concert-the-1980s-e60c1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Decades in Concert: The 1980</a>The Downtown Cabaret, BridgeportFriday Jun 6, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmFollowing the huge success of Sounds of the Seventies and Spirit of the Sixties, this production transports audiences back to the 1980s to revisit the sights and sounds of the era where walls were torn down, we believed in miracles, and greed was good. Using music from some of the most prominent and influential artists of the 80’s such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, U2, The Police, Bon Jovi and many many more, Decades in Concert: The 1980s tells the story of the history and culture of America in the “Me First” decade. This amazing performance with a talented cast will immerse you in nostalgic multimedia and transport you back to the decade that changed America and defined a generation!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-shawshank-redemption---live-on-stage-e654e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION</a>Powerhouse Theatre Performing Arts Center, New CanaanFriday Jun 6, 7:30 pm - 9:45 pmAdapted for the stage by Dave Johns and Owen O'Neill. Based on the beloved movie and the novella by Stephen King. When Andy Dufresne is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank prison, he must use his wits and newly forged friendships to keep himself and his hope alive. But will he be able to survive the corruption and danger he faces within this notorious prison’s walls? Based on the novella by Stephen King and popularized by the highly acclaimed movie, The Shawshank Redemption is a story of resilience and is sure to be a theatrical experience like no other.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-elemental-juried-work-by-boston-sculptors-gallery-artists" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Artist Talk: Elemental: Juried Work by Boston Sculptors Gallery Artists</a>Flinn Gallery, GreenwichSaturday Jun 7, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmAn engaging way to learn about their process and inspiration. The show features the works of 13 member artists from the Boston Sculptors Gallery. The sculptors in the exhibition work with a wide range of materials – clay, metal, wood, fabric, plastic, and mixed media – and range in dimension from hand-sized to over 8 feet.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/trailer-box-project-sculpture-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Trailer Box Project Sculpture 2025</a>Jim Felice Studios, BethelSaturday Jun 7, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pmDon’t miss this outdoor exhibit of 15 Connecticut Sculptors. In the Gallery we will be Featuring paintings by Megan Marden. Musical Guest the Bad Slugs will be performing their original music and a few of their favorite covers. There will be refreshments and it is Free to the Public, a family friendly outing in Bethel Connecticut.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-at-the-history-center-mel-mcguire-sings-cole-porter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Cabaret at the History Center: Mel McGuire Sings Cole Porter</a>Stamford History Center, StamfordSaturday Jun 7, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmSpend the evening getting to know Cole Porter in the cabaret "Down in the Depths", a musical deep dive into Porter's life and catalog. The music selections range all throughout his career, from the biggest shows to obscure pieces rarely performed. One might make you shed a tear and the next will have you rolling with laughter. Always captivating, cabaret singer-storyteller Mel McGuire will be accompanied by maestro Rodney Loren on piano bringing fresh arrangements of jazz standards like "DeLovely", "You're the Top", and "Night and Day". If you're interested in early 20th century American history and pop culture or just love good music, this show is not to be missed!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/dreamscape" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Dreamscape</a>New Canaan High School Theater, New CanaanSaturday Jun 7, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm" Dreamscape" is a series of Contemporary Dance Performance to encapsulate the ability to dream, imagine, and celebrate dance artistry through a variety of dance styles including lyrical contemporary dance and ballet, as well as a variety of music including modern, classical, and even big band! Come float on air with us!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-pride-picnic-and-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Family Pride Picnic and Party</a>Saugatuck Congregational Church, WestportSunday Jun 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pmMark your calendar for Sunday, June 8, to celebrate Pride Month at Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Family Pride Picnic and Party. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more! <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pipe-organ-recital-by-scholarship-competition-winner-daniel-colaner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Pipe Organ Recital by Scholarship Competition Winner Daniel Colaner</a>St. Theresa RC Church, TrumbullSunday Jun 8, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pmPrepare to be enchanted by the powerful and beautiful sounds of acoustically resonant St. Theresa RC Church in Trumbull which features two magnificent pipe organs. Daniel’s exceptional skills and passion for music will surely leave you in awe. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a truly special performance. See you there!

Jun 04, 2025

Wilton's Ayla Ray Hall named to dean's list at Emmanuel College

Ayla Ray Hall, of Wilton has been named to the 2025 Emmanuel College Dean's List. Hall is majoring in Double Major; English, Educational Studies at Emmanuel.To earn a spot on the Dean's List, Emmanuel students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.