Arthur Mitchell, founder and director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, showed off some of his dancers today at the Westport Public Library’s “Booked for the Evening” event at which he was honored. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

The Westport Public Library today honored Arthur Mitchell, founder and director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, at its seventh annual “Booked for the Evening” event in the library’s Great Hall (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Justin Paul: Wanted to share his work with his hometown. Contriibuted photoA musical revue, “Edges,” co-written by Westporter Justin Paul is scheduled to be produced by Music Theater of Connecticut on Sunday at The Seabury Center at 45 Church Lane.

“My first attempt at writing for musical theater was for the MTC adaptation of ‘Pinocchio’ when I was in ninth grade,” said Paul, an MTC alumnus.

“It’s certainly been a few years since then, so it’s really neat to come back to MTC with some brand new material now that I have had the chance to hone some of my skills.”

“Edges,” set to run from 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., is a musical theater song cycle that tracks four distinct characters who feel stifled by a world in which they are not challenged to truly know themselves.

Atttorney General Richard Blumenthal addresses a fund-raiser for the Westport Country Playhouse tonight at Derma Clinic in Playhouse Square, adjoining the Playhouse property. With him are (l-r) Liz Morten, Playhouse chair, Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, Joanne Woodward, Playhouse artistic director, and Patricia O’Regan Brown, Derma Clinic owner. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Doing the honors at today’s Westport Country Playhouse ribbon-cutting ceremony were (l-r) Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, board chair Elisabeth Morten, Artistic Director Joanne Woodward, and president John Vaccaro. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

With the snip of shears before a crowd of 200, the newly remodeled Westport Country Playhouse was officially back in business today in time to launch its 75th season.
Memories: Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell (r) chats with Ann Sheffer (c), Playhouse board member, and David James McKenzie, son of the late James B. McKenzie, longtime head of the Westport Country Playhouse, at today’s ribbon-cutting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“The box office is now open,” quipped First Selectwoman Diane Farrell, who took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan, Liz Morten, past president of the Playhouse, current president John Vaccaro and Joanne Woodward, artistic director.

Dark rain clouds threatened the morning ceremony, but the weather held as the dignitaries snipped a large yellow ribbon across the main entry stairway with the black shears which they later autographed. Workmen, meanwhile, hurried completion of the Playhouse gardens and patio nearby.

The $18.7 million, 13-month long renovation expanded the drafty, old summer theater from a 10,000-square-foot barn to 40,000-square-foot year-round playhouse.

Rain clouds threatened but the sunny weather held for today’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the updated Westport Country Playhouse. The landmark facility begins its 75th season next month after a 13-month renovation and expansion program that cost more than $18.7 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

There were smiles and hugs following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the Westport Country Playhouse. Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell (l) watches as Playhouse former president Elisabeth Morten gets a hug from Artistic Director Joanne Woodward. Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan (2nd l) and president John Vaccaro look on.  WestportNow.com photo

Visitors check out the interior of the Westport Country Playhouse following today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Local artist Beatrice DelPerugia set up on Westport’s Main Street today as part of the Westport Arts Center’s “Artists in Our Midst” event. The day involves 46 artists stationed at 20 locations throughout Westport, including Compo Beach, Trader Joe’s, Wild Oats, Winslow Park, the YMCA and others. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com