Two young book fans found space Saturday under a sales table of the Friends of the Library Book Sale on Jesup Green to do some reading. The four-day sale continues today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo

Sculptor Brenda McMahon of Greenwich, N.Y., describes one of her pieces to a group of visitors to today’s Westport Fine Arts Festival. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

The 32nd annual Westport Fine Arts Festival sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association got underway today under cloudy skies. Thousands were expected to attend the two-day event featuring 130 artists. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo

The Westport Public Library held a celebration Friday night to mark the publication of the latest Harry Potter book. Omar the Magician wondered about the slime potion on Fairfield resident Kei’s head as Westport assistant Emma looked on during the transfiguration class. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Dr. Seuss is coming to Westport.

The Westport-based Music Theatre of Connecticut will present “Seussical the Musical” Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23 at Westport’s Long Lots School. The Friday performance is at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.

The show brings to life all of the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville.

The fully staged and costumed production is performed by MTC students. Composers are Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, who also composed “My Favorite Year,” “Once on This Island,” and “Ragtime.”

Joanne Woodward (c), artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse, appeared at the Westport Public Library Monday night to talk about her role as director of “The Member of the Wedding” opening at the Playhouse July 28. She shares a laugh with costume designer Laurie Churba (l) and Ann Keefe, associate artistic director. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Country Playhouse said today it will follow its traditional summer season with a series of three theatrical productions from October
2005 through March 2006. 

The newly renovated Playhouse will now serve as a year-round center for performing and cultural arts, including a yearly summer season.

Reflecting the additional programming as well as a succession in artistic leadership, the autumn through spring period is dubbed the “Season of Change,”  an announcement said.

Joanne Woodward, who has served as artistic director since 2001, will resign her position at the end of this year to become Playhouse artistic director emeritus.

Longtime resident Joanne Woodward, artistic director of the Wesport Country Playhouse and director of “The Member of the Wedding” opening there later this month, will be keynote speaker Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the McManus Room of the Westport Public Library.

Woodward will speak at the library’s “Before Act I” program about her role as director and the role that the set and costumes play in the production, set to open July 28.

Library officials said Woodward would be joined by Lori Churba, costume designer for “The Member of the Wedding,” who plans to show her design sketches at the event.

“Before Act I” is free and open to the public. No reservations are required though seating is limited. For further information call (203) 291-4840.