The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hits the Coleytown Middle School Stage
(L-R): Joey Vazquez (Grover), Denver Razza (Percy), Lyla McEntee (Annabeth). Contributed photoPercy Jackson, the title character in the upcoming Coleytown Company production – The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, has it rough. Middle school poses enough challenges for the average kid, but when Percy’s math teacher turns into a winged Fury and attacks him during a field trip, and his best friend turns out to have hooves, Percy is convinced that life is a journey through the Land of Unfair. Of course, when he learns his dad is really Poseidon, the god of it might seem like the Ocean, the real journey begins.
Based on the best-selling book by Rick Riordan, “Percy Jackson” explores themes of friendship, betrayal, self-discovery and parent-child relationships further complicated by the fact that these parents are immortal and endowed with super-powers. As vocal director Clay Zambo explained, “LIGHTNING THIEF is a great choice for middle school students because it's about the issues kids this age are facing. The ‘magical powers’ and family issues in this play are a useful metaphor for what they may be discovering in their own lives.”
The group of professionals directing the magic behind Coleytown Company has re-imagined this musical in a surprising and appealing way. Rather than emulate the Broadway version, designer Jordan Janota, working with director Ben Frimmer and other professionals, conceived of Percy’s journey as a touring rock concert. This fits with the pop-rock style songs, but also provides a vehicle to carry the characters from place to place throughout the play, with their Greek chorus of goth roadies and the tenacious Tech Crew, on stage working on effects and moving the sets.
“I wanted to create a neutral space for Percy’s journey. The rock concert doesn’t have to be connected to the plot,” explained Janota. But Percy (played by Denver Razza) is on a journey, both actual and metaphorical. At Camp Half Blood, he meets Annabeth (played by Lyla McEntee). Together with his best friend Grover the satyr who protected him throughout “normal” school (Joey Vazquez), Percy and Annabeth travel across the country, to Hades, to recapture the lightning bolt Percy was framed for stealing from Zeus, the King of the Gods.
This neutral space has created numerous opportunities for connections. Rather than have Greek columns, there is a metal truss system, more akin to a concert. Scenery (and actors) are moved around in road cases. Wood in a campfire is made of guitar necks and Medusa’s head has wires rather than serpents.
Alicia D’Anna, a Coleytown Company veteran who helps translate Janota’s designs into metal and wood, works twice weekly with the Tech Crew, a group of middle school students who physically build the sets, using saws, hammers, nail guns and other tools. “The build is all about interpreting ideas, and then the magic is when it comes to life,” D’Anna stated. One of her favorite moments in Tech Crew this year was when one of the students recognized the formula for calculating slope that she was using for building stairs. “‘We just did that in math!’” the student exclaimed.
Robin Mazzola, costume designer and assistant professor of theater at Wesleyan University, has also embraced the rock motif. All the gods, Poseidon, Hades, Aphrodite, Ares, for example, are based on famous rock stars. Parents (and maybe grandparents) should be on the look-out for Steven Tyler, J-Lo, Alice Cooper and Rob Halford. Mazzola described the look for the Half Blood campers as “street fashion meets Burning Man.” She also described how she incorporated traditional elements of Greek theater, such as adding one thing to a costume to create a new character, into this modern rendition. She is also creating a Cerberus (three-headed dog) costume, a Medusa costume and wings for Mrs. Dodds (played by Chanze Freemon).
Sixth-grader Lilliana Veloso, playing Clarisse (daughter of Ares), is delighted with the opportunity to work with older students. Like Percy, she is making new friends. Eighth-grader Joey Vazquez (Grover) explains that his character, Grover, blames himself for a mistake made long ago, and considers himself a misfit. He tries to redeem himself by being Percy’s friend and protector, and both he and Percy learn that they are good, and they can fit in. ‘
This production will appeal broadly to the kids who are reading the Percy Jackson series, and the adults who appreciate the double new spin – Riordan’s in creating a world of Half-Bloods and Coleytown Company’s, in portraying their journey in a clever and innovative way.
Tickets go on sale March 10 at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/71054 Performance are Friday, March 31 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, April 1 at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm and Sunday, April 2 at 1:00 pm.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Windy, with a northwest wind 24 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Blustery, with a northwest wind 17 to 22 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Wind chill values between 15 and 25 early. West wind around 9 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Westport Writers’ Workshop Returns to Westport Library for Pitch & Publish Conference
(L-R): Liz Matthews, Julie Sarkissian of Westport Writers’ Workshop. Photo contributed by Elizabeth Foley. Press ReleaseWestport Writers’ Workshop (WWW) announced their return to the Westport Library for their 2nd Annual Pitch & Publish Conference on Saturday, May 20, which will be both in-person and virtual. Pitch & Publish is the ideal opportunity for those seeking a literary agent, wanting to be educated about the industry at large, or looking to meet and be inspired by authors, agents, and editors. The keynote speaker is Courtney Maum, author of five books, including Year of the Horses, the groundbreaking publishing guide Before and After the Book Deal, and Touch, among others. The conference also includes a Friday night welcome party at WWW’s locale, followed by Saturday’s informative panels, one-on-one pitches, and a wrap party. Doors to the library open for light breakfast to sign in at 8 am, and the event begins at 9 am on Saturday morning. Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each (walk-ins accepted) tickets for the conference plus two one-on-one pitches with literary agents are $600 each (early bird discount if registered by March 31), $675 each thereafter. Register here: https://www.westportwriters.org/pitch-and-publish-conference-2023.
The conference will include three interactive panel discussions: “Ask The Agent,” “The Road to Publication,” “Level Up your Writing Game,” moderated by Liz Matthews, Kate Schneider and Leigh Stein, respectively. In addition, there will be an inspirational talk, “Live the Process, Own the Process, Celebrate the Process,” and the keynote address by Courtney Maum.
Attendees who purchase “Conference with Pitches” tickets will have the rare opportunity to pitch their books in-person to two elite literary agents and/or small presses during one-on-one sessions. Writers with this type of ticket will be alerted to their individual meetings and the deadline for query letters prior to Pitch & Publish. The agents include: Nora Gonzalez (Gernert Agency), Sarah Landis (Sterling Lord Literistic, Inc.), Jaclyn Gilbert (Driftless Literary), Eloy Bleifuss (Jankow & Nesbit), Ayla Zuraw-Friedland (Goldin Lit,) Samantha Wilkenson (Thomson Lit. Agency), Betsey Lerner (Dunow, Carlson & Lerner,) Agents taking pitches remotely are Marin Takikawa (Friedrich Agency) and Michaela Whatnall (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret).
“Empowering writers in any and every way is what Westport Writers’ Workshop is all about, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining forces with the Westport Library, Courtney Maum, Leigh Stein, and so many other passionate literary citizens and publishing insiders to deliver a day full of education, inspiration and opportunities for our community. Westport has such a rich history of supporting the arts and we are so proud to continue that legacy,” said Julie Sarkissian, Westport Writers’ Workshop Instructor
Other highlights of the daylong event include an interactive writing experience, books for sale, goodie bags, refreshments, and a literary door prize gift basket. In addition, registrants are invited to the Friday night welcome party at WWW’s studio location at 25 Sylvan Road South/Suite J, Westport.
“I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the opportunity to be part of the conference this weekend. There was so much to appreciate: the honest, kind, and informed esteemed panelists, the range of topics, the encouragement and humor, the comradeship between volunteers, writers, agents — everyone. I walked away inspired and happy, as did so many. I loved the chance to root for my fellow writers and classmates on their pitch, and loved the partnership between two of my favorite intellectual and community hubs — WWW and the Westport Library,” said 2022 conference participant, Leila Shields
Westport Writers’ Workshop is an independent literary arts center offering enriching supportive creative writing classes, as well as free literary readings to the public. The organization provides free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. For more information regarding Pitch and Publish or year round workshops, visit www.westportwriters.org.
Morning Weather Report
Today:
Rain and snow before 11am, then rain between 11am and 2pm, then rain and snow after 2pm. High near 38. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Breezy, with a northwest wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Tonight:
Snow, mainly before 11pm. Low around 32. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Windy, with a northwest wind around 26 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tomorrow:
Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Windy, with a northwest wind 26 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.
Tomorrow Night:
Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Blustery, with a northwest wind 13 to 21 mph.
Governor Orders Partial Activation of Emergency Operations Center ahead of Winter Storm
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is ordering the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to be partially activated effective at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, to monitor conditions from the winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut.
Throughout the duration of the storm, the EOC will be staffed in-person with personnel from several state agencies, such as the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (including the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the State Police), the Department of Transportation, the Department of Administrative Services IT support, and the Connecticut National Guard. Additionally, representatives of Eversource and United Illuminating will be on site. Staff from several other state agencies and the Red Cross and United Way 2-1-1 will be available on a virtual emergency operations center link to communicate instantly, if needed.
Governor Lamont’s office has been in contact with leadership of Connecticut’s utility companies, including Eversource and United Illuminating, and stressed to them the importance of having preparations in place and ready to employ well in advance of the storm should widespread outages occur.
“Different weather models are showing varying projections at the moment, however there is the potential that Connecticut will see quite a range in snowfall totals, with the greatest impact likely occurring in the northwestern and northeastern portions of the state,” Governor Lamont said. “The most concerning part about the forecast is how wet and heavy this snow may be, combined with its very strong wind gusts. These two factors together may bring down power lines and tree limbs, resulting in power outages. I strongly encourage everyone to have preparations in place in the event that you lose electricity, and particularly keep all of your mobile devices fully charged in case you need to call and report an emergency. I also encourage everyone to stay off the roads to the greatest extent possible throughout the duration of the storm.”
For winter safety tips and resources, visit the CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app on mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Staples Players Presents Twelfth Night; “you can’t miss this show”
Press Release If you love Shakespeare, you can’t miss this show. If Shakespeare is not your thing, you can’t miss this show! Staples Players will win you over with this adaptation of Twelfth Night and composer/lyricist Shaina Taub’s kick-ass contemporary score. Excuse the language—this is a family-friendly show. But Taub brings an edge to her jazz-funk songs, peppy additives to Shakespeare’s ornate dialogue, that Co-Directors David Roth and Kerry Long, Music Director Luke Rosenberg, and Choreographer Rachel MacIsaac couldn’t resist. Pairing crowd-pleasing pop with the Bard’s iambic pentameter for a fresh take on this classic tale that even kids will eat up? Brilliant. Audience members of all ages will enjoy 90 minutes of fast-paced fun, feasting on the visual and auditory delights of this Twelfth Night smorgasbord. Performances are March 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 pm, and March 19 and 25 at 3 pm.
“We have been wanting to do a Shakespeare show for a while now—it’s a wonderful learning opportunity for the students,” says Roth. But with Covid reducing the number of musicals kids have been able to do recently, there was a thirst for another musical this winter. “We discovered Shaina Taub a couple of years ago and were enthralled by her inventive music—it’s catchy, it's clever,” says Roth. “When we heard the Twelfth Night cast recording, we knew we wanted to produce it at Staples. Although it's Shakespeare's story, written over 400 years ago, the themes are so relevant today. It's a comedy about identity, self-discovery and—that classic theme—love.”
Long comments, “When we first announced the show to the students we said, ‘Trust us. Listen to the music. You will fall in love with the show.’ Sure enough, two days later, the 4 building hallway was filled with kids belting out tunes.”
Taub actually came out to Westport and spent two hours with the cast, giving insight on the show and her career path as an actor-writer and gathering the kids around the piano for a spirited sing-along. Between those infectious songs and the two numbers the kids performed for the composer, it was clear this is not your gramma’s Shakespeare. “Anyone who thinks, ‘Oh Shakespeare is boring,’ need not be worried with this show,” says Long. “The music is jazzy, poppy, a little bit of funk thrown in. The scenes are from Shakespeare's script, told in his language. The songs are written in modern English. You'd think it wouldn't work but the two styles meld together well.”
The creative team was thrilled to see the students jump in with gusto to the challenges of Shakespeare. Nikki Sternberg (SHS ’23), who shares the role of Olivia with Madelyn Spera (SHS ’23), says, “I first prepared for my role by translating all my lines into modern English and then making sure I understood the Shakespearean language. We did a lot of table work to not only dissect the Shakespeare, but to map out our characters and create all of the many relationships that come to life on stage. Blocking the scenes was an important part of the process because blocking can help communicate what’s going on when the language might create barriers.” For Shakespeare-phobes, Sternberg reassures, “This show is full of so much life and color. The dancing, the costumes, the set, the hair and makeup, the lights, and all other aspects make the show a living, breathing thing. I think the music really separates our show from other Shakespearean performances and is a lot of fun to work with and watch.”
Henry Carson (SHS ’24), who plays Toby, saw Twelfth Night as a young boy and was taken with the show and how “the actors were able to convey the plot despite some audience members not fully understanding the language.” He is enjoying the challenge of playing laidback Toby—quite a change from Nathan Detroit, his role last fall in Guys and Dolls, and from himself. “I have to bring energy to the scenes but understand that this character goes through the world quite differently than I do,” says Carson. “What's so great about this production is that the Shakespeare has been morphed in some sections to make room for these great new musical numbers. The music keeps the pace quick and exciting, while the Shakespeare text is given plenty of time to thrive on stage. It's a perfect blend.”
Max Ardrey (SHS ’23) shares the role of Sebastian with Cameron Mann (SHS ’24). Sebastian is the twin of Viola, a role shared by Samantha Edwards (SHS ’24) and Quinn Mulvey (SHS ’23). You may have seen Twelfth Night posters around town, featuring the twin pairs. “Sebastian has been one to coast through life, overshadowing his twin sister Viola,” says Ardrey. “However in Illyria, he finds himself playing the supporting role in his own life when Viola essentially takes his place. It's really fun to put our own spin on these classic characters. I've loved seeing what parts of myself I can see in Sebastian, like his light-hearted and slightly oblivious nature.” Is Ardrey a fan of the Bard? “If I wasn't before, I certainly am now,” he says. “I've never performed Shakespeare on stage, and now I think just reading it doesn't do it justice.”
Kerry Long encourages patrons to bring the whole family: “It's short, it's colorful, it's fast paced, and funny. It's a great way to introduce your kids to Shakespeare without sitting through a three-hour play. This will give them a taste and also make Shakespeare not so daunting to understand.” If that doesn’t lure ’em, the taste of ice cream might: Kids 12-and-under get a sweet goodie bag at check in, including a coupon for a free ice cream cone, generously donated by our friends at Saugatuck Sweets, and a button to proudly announce their FIRST SHAKESPEARE!
Staples Players Presents Twelfth Night
A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night"
Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub
Music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Production Team
Directors: David Roth & Kerry Long
Music Director: Luke Rosenberg
Choreographer: Rachel MacIsaac
Technical Director: Jeff Hauser
Set Designer: Jordan Janota
Costumes: Christie Stanger
Graphic Designer: Kerry Long
Performance Schedule
Friday and Saturday Evenings: March 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:30 pm
Matinees: March 19 & 25 at 3:00 pm
Run time: approximately 90 minutes (+ one 15-minute intermission)
Performance Location
Staples High School Auditorium
Tickets
Purchase tickets at staplesplayers.com or at the door, starting 30 minutes prior to performances (subject to availability). Click this link for the Double Cast Performance Schedule.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Rain. High near 43. East wind 10 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 5am, then rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Low around 33. Breezy, with a northeast wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tomorrow
Rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Steady temperature around 35. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Breezy, with a northwest wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tomorrow Night
Snow likely, mainly before 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Eversource: “we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.”
With a powerful nor’easter expected to hit New England Monday night through Wednesday, Eversource is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is ready for the heavy, wet snow and strong winds that are expected to impact Connecticut. The energy company is prepositioning equipment and line and tree crews at its work centers around the state to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm. Eversource also brought in additional out-of-state crews to assist with restoring power to customers, if needed.
“We began monitoring this storm last week using several weather services and continue to closely watch its path and will adjust our plan as needed,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “The heavy, wet snow and hazardous winds forecasted have the potential to bring down trees and branches onto electric lines and equipment, causing damage and power outages. The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so we’re staging extra staff and equipment in our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.”
Eversource urges customers to always stay clear of downed wires, report them immediately to 911 and report any outage online at www.eversource.com or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.
The company also offers the following tips on its website to help customers prepare for emergencies.
Eileen Diana Blau, 92, Died; Longtime Westporter, Artist, Golfer, Tennis Player
Eileen Diana Blau, 92, of Westport, CT, passed away on March 9, 2023 in her longtime Westport, CT home.
Born Eileen Lefkowitz, in Brooklyn on July 8, 1930, she was a first generation American whose Ukrainian born parents immigrated less than a decade earlier. Father Norman (Nachman) was from Bratslav, and a direct descendant of the famed Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. Mother Mae (Manya) was from a business family in Pechera, a nearby village in the same province of Vinnytsia.
Eileen graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.S. in Mathematics, and it was at a college Socialist Youth League gathering that she met a fellow student, Barry Blau. They were married in 1948 and enjoyed a fabulous 69 year marriage until Barry’s death in 2017, bringing into the world four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A passionate reader, artist and collector, Eileen filled her stunning mid century modern home with thousands of books and an eclectic art collection ranging from Flemish tapestries to Indonesian Buddhas, ancient Chinese mirrors and sculptures of her own creation. And it was in the basement of this home that she helped her husband launch his business, Barry Blau & Partners which he grew over 20 years into a leading global advertising agency.
Once her children were grown, Eileen pursued a life of almost infinite interests. She was an avid golfer and tennis player at Westport’s Birchwood Country Club. She had a Manhattan apartment, also art-filled, which was a launching pad for attending classes at the China Institute and the Asia Society, and making frequent visits to museums, galleries and auction houses.
For many years, Eileen and Barry also maintained a vacation home on the Big Island of Hawaii, which was a frequent winter gathering spot for the entire extended family.
Above all else, Eileen lived for that family -- as the most devoted and loving mom and, after raising her own children, lavishing attention on the grandchildren and great grandchildren, proclaiming each one more amazing than the last.
In addition to her parents and husband, Eileen was predeceased by her elder sister Rita Kannel. She is survived by her younger sister, Anita Metz; her children: Shawn Blau and Emily Blau (Robert Cohen) both of Westport, CT, Peter Blau (Barbara Blau) of Belmont, NC and Juliet Jenkins (Bruce Jenkins) of Belmont, MA. She is also survived by grandchildren Lucy Thomas (Kyle Thomas), James Blau, Michael Blau (Julie Blau), Lucas Jenkins, Maddie Jenkins, Tess Jenkins, Benjamin Cohen, Veronica Blau and great-grandchildren Claire and Charles Thomas.
Funeral services will be held on Monday March 13 at 11:00 AM atAbraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home. Shiva will be observed at the Blau home in Westport, CT the same day from 1:00-6:00 PM. For more information and to share a condolence message, visitwww.greensfuneralhome.com.
Teens at MoCA Westport Holds Teen Film Showcase
Last night at MoCA Westport the teen council held its Teen Film Showcase, featuring a variety of work. Ava Waldman, as President of the council, introduced the countless creative films.
Photo by Cami Vynerib.