By Susan Granger

Make no mistake: “Anomalisa” is an R-rated animated feature - for adults!

In writer/director Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York,” he raised provocative philosophical questions which he now explores existentially, utilizing puppets in stop-motion animation.

First seen on an airplane to Cincinnati, middle-aged Michael Stone (voiced by David Thewlis) is the acutely depressed author of a customer-service self-help book called “How May I Help You Help Them?”

Preparing to deliver a motivational speech the next day, Michael checks into the posh Fregoli Hotel, dutifully calls his wife and son in Los Angeles, and tries to re-ignite an old flame for a drink.

Patricia Kalember and her husband Daniel Gerroll, who played two of the four roles in the Westport Country Playhouse script in hand play reading tonight of “Scotland Road,” spend a moment together following the performance. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The cast of tonight’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading of “Scotland Road” pose during a rehearsal with director Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist and curator of the playreading series. The mystery thriller, written by Jeffrey Hatcher, involves a woman who may be a survivor of the Titanic. Pictured are (l-r)  Keefe (director), Liv Rooth, Daniel Gerroll, Beth Fowler and Martha Stout (stage directions.)  Patricia Kalember, a cast member, is absent from the photograph. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Arts Center today hosted a jazz jam, part of its season jazz series. Today’s performance was dedicated to musician Don Mulvaney, a frequent contributor to the series, who died Sept. 14 at age 63 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. The next event is March 6. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

New York Times Puzzle Editor Will Shortz (2nd l) is joined by the winners of today’s 17th annual crossword puzzle contest at the Westport Library. Glen Ryan (2nd r) of Norwich, finished in first place, Peter Rimkus (r) of Ashford earned second place and Andy Kravis (l) of Brooklyn, earned third place. All are familiar faces. Kravis earned first place in each of the past three years, Rimkus came in second in 2013, and Ryan placed third in each of the past three years but was the winner in 2012. According to Kelle Ruden, event organizer, 30 of today’s participants earned perfect scores in all four crossword puzzles presented. The finalists are determined by three who completed the four puzzles perfectly in the shortest time. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matow for WestportNow.com

Will Shortz, puzzle editor of The New York Times, again presided at the Westport Library’s 17th annual crossword competition today. He supplied unpublished NYT puzzles for the event and puzzled the puzzlers with some word games. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westporter Michael Goodman was at the 17th annual Westport Library crossword competition today. He said he has participated every year but one—because of a death in the family. “Over the years, I’ve completed every puzzle correctly with the exception of one— when I entered ‘aral’ instead of ‘Ural’ as a European/Asian border,” he said. Goodman got a certificate today for another perfect score in today’s competition. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Orange resident Al Howard entertained visitors to the Westport Farmers Market today with pop rock selections, many self-created.  A Connecticut News12 videographer, Howard performed his musical hobby on his 2000 Strat guitar. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com