Emily Burke and John Corde, seniors at Staples High School, have been awarded the second annual Joyce and Bernie Zimmerman Foundation Music Scholarship. The awards were presented at the Staples Symphonic Band and Orchestra concert. The scholarship is awarded to one male member and one female member of the Staples graduating classes who plan to major in music. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

By Susan Granger

For Marvel’s action-driven sequel, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” writer/director James Gunn cleverly revisits the irreverent comic book concept of maverick mercenaries that he created for the 2014 original.

In 1981 in Missouri, the prologue shows Peter Quill’s mom (Laura Haddock) and ‘spaceman’ dad (a very youthful Kurt Russell) driving in their 1979 Ford Cobra to a special place in the forest where he plants something bizarre.

Skip ahead 34 years, when the Guardians have bartered with the haughty High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) to protect the golden-skinned Sovereigns’ valuable batteries from a ravenous beast in exchange for the return of their prisoner, Nebula (Karen Gillan), Glamora’s (Zoe Saldana) mean sister.

Problem is: impudent Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) has stuffed batteries in his backpack, arousing Ayesha’s imperious ire. After an intergalactic chase, the Guardians’ spaceship Milano crashes on Berhert, where they’re greeted by a glowing, egg-shaped craft, containing Ego (Kurt Russell), who tells Quill (Chris Platt) — aka Star Lord — that he’s his long-lost father. Cue the origin story.

The Westport Country Playhouse today announced that Tony, Emmy, and two-time Golden Globe nominee Matthew Morrison will headline its 2017 fundraising gala on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Matthew Morrison: headlines Saturday benefit. Contributed photo

New this year will be the Gala’s move to Saturday evening instead of Monday night as in past seasons. The Gala’s theme, “Moonlight Over Venice,” is a nod to the Playhouse’s autumn production of “Romeo and Juliet”.

The 2017 Playhouse Leadership Award will be presented to longtime Playhouse supporter Ann Sheffer of Westport and Palm Springs, California.

“Ann has given incalculably to the Playhouse during important decades of its long history,” said Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.

Scenes from today’s Westport Country Playhouse 2017 Season Kic-off Block Party. Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com and WestportNow.com photos

Stella Streicker, 9 months, along with mom Bridget and dad Michael of Westport tour the stage of the Westport Country Playhouse today during its 2017 Season Kick-off Block Party. On the stage were set design models from past productions. Guests toured the behind the scenes of the Playhouse and enjoyed food and drink in the courtyard and parking lot and games for kids.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Risa Davis, 5, of Norwalk dances solo on the Westport Country Playhouse patio today during the 2017 Season Kick-off Block Party. The kindergartner dances to Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” played by the acoustic guitar duo Fred and Ethel. Afterward, she took time to thank the musicians. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Michelle and Gabriel Shenhar of Wewstport check out the scenery workshop today as the Westport Countruy Playhouse opened its backstage areas to the public as part of its 2017 Season Kick-off Block Party. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Led by Ed Gerber, Westport Historical Society (WHS) past president, about 20 persons today attended a walking tour of the Kings Highway North Historic District. The tour was an opportunity for history buffs to learn about one of the town’s oldest settled areas, some homes dating to the mid-1700s. One of the stops (above) was at 78 Kings Highway North, built in 1760 and the prior home of the late Lillian Wadsworth. Her charitable ways include a gift of Old Hill land that is now the location of Earthplace. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com