Waterbury’s Palace Theatre Shines Spotlight on American History

American History will be brought to new life when Pushcart Players presents Let Freedom Ring at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, on Tuesday, November 15, at 9:30am and 11:30am. Tickets are $10 for individuals, $8 for groups of ten or more, and on sale now at the Palace Theater Box Office, 100 East Main Street in Waterbury. www.palace

Part of the Palace’s Education Series sponsored in part by Big Y World Class Market, Let Freedom Ring is a spirited musical review that celebrates America’s birth and development throughout the decades. The musical begins with the beginning of time and quickly moves to the arrival of the first Americans from Asia, covering approximately 30,000 years of history in less than five minutes.

The rest of the musical follows America’s second settlers and focuses on four main characters– Sam, Sarah, Jennie and Ginny — who transcend time, distance and circumstance to lead audiences chronologically and geographically through two centuries of America’s past.

Like a colorful quilt, Let Freedom Ring is a compilation of authentic folk songs and significant moments in history embroidered with humor and drama and framed with the energy, determination and courage of the pilgrims, pioneers and immigrants, who helped shape America’s history. Recommended for grades K-8, the play highlights curricular integration in the subjects of American History, Civics and Music.

Pushcart Players is currently celebrating its thirty-eighth season of stirring up serious fun throughout the U.S. The dynamic company is the recipient of an Emmy nomination for two prime time specials on WCBS-TV, as well as numerous awards for excellence and innovation in the development of theatre for young audiences.

Endorsed by the Connecticut Association of Schools, the Palace Theater Education Series invites students to reflect on their academic lessons in a venue that encourages thought and imagination. All presentations and programs are selected for students, Grades K-9, and include in and after-school smART initiatives, design to enhance the theater experience while addressing state curriculum standards.

Administrators and teachers interested in booking a field trip can call the Group Sales Hotline at 203-346-2011. Individual tickets can be purchase by phone at 203-346-2000.

ABOUT THE PALACE THEATER

The Palace’s primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to build a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the arts by operating, maintaining and sustaining itself as a financially viable not-for-profit performing arts center that generates a positive artistic, educational, social and financial impact on the Greater Waterbury area. For more information, visit: www.palacetheaterct.org.

The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges support by: Bank of America, Comcast, Crystal Rock, City of Waterbury, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, Naugatuck Savings Bank, Republican-American, Waterbury Hospital, Webster Bank, and WTNH/MyTV9.

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Thomas Messel to sign Oliver Messel in the Theater of Design Saturday, November 5th at Hickory Stick Bookshop

Thomas Messel will be signing copies of OLIVER MESSEL IN THE THEATRE OF DESIGN on Saturday, November 5th at 4pm at The Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot on 2 Green Hill Road.

Oliver Messel in the Theatre of Design is a vibrant study of one of the iconic figures of twentieth-century design, who’s Romantic, whimsical and wholly original style influenced a generation of architects and decorators. Born into a creative family of wealthy bankers, Messel’s career began in 1925 designing for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. He eventually became an internationally celebrated designer, branching out into drama, film, opera, textiles, interior design and architecture. Romanticism and eccentricity were hallmarks of Messel’s style and his work was famed for its exquisite delicacy, impossible detail, subtlety of color and inventive use of materials.

This gorgeous book, edited by furniture designer Thomas Messel, is filled with previously unpublished images that chronicle a unique, eccentric, and, until now, largely overlooked oeuvre that reached across several mediums and continues to influence insiders from the worlds of interior design, architecture and fashion. A great treat for both design fanatics and lovers of beautiful books.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

Thomas Messel is one of England’s most respected furniture designers and the nephew of Oliver Messel. He takes pride in creating one of a kind, commissioned pieces for some of England’s foremost interior designers. Some of his private commissions have been for the Earl and Countess of Derby, the Crown Estates, Kensington Palace, Windsor Palace and Miss Joan Rivers.

This event is free and open to the public. For further information about this please visit www.hickorystickbookshop.com, call (860) 868 0525 or email books@hickorystickbookshop.com. If you are not able to attend please call to reserve an autographed copy.

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Antiques Appraisal Weekend and a Vintage & Designer Jewelry Sale at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum


The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will host its fourth annual Antiques Appraisal Weekend and launch its first Vintage & Designer Jewelry Sale on November 5 and 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, Conn.

In these harsh, recessionary times, most of us could benefit from discovering that we own a priceless family heirloom or a masterpiece picked up for just a few dollars at a garage sale, as it often happens on such popular TV shows as Pawn Stars or the Antiques Roadshow. Evaluating and selling antiques and collectibles however, is not just reality TV at its best, but a tangible opportunity for anyone living in the tri-State area.

On November 5 and 6 visitors to the Antiques Appraisal Weekend will find an outstanding line-up of experts that will be on hand for two full days to evaluate a wide range of antiques and collectibles including jewelry, fine art, furniture, books and documents, coins, pottery and China, silverware, sports memorabilia, toys, and more.

Appraisals are $15 for a small or medium size item and $40 for large antiques such as furniture, (maximum of three appraisals). One free $15 appraisal will be available for anyone who will become a new member of the Mansion, (an annual individual membership is $35). Jewelry and accessories start at $25. Antiques Appraisals proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.

This year, this popular event will share the limelight with a Vintage & Designer Jewelry Sale, kicking off the Holiday Season with the Mansion as a ‘must go to’ shopping destination. The sale will feature a select group of sought-after designers and offer vintage and designer jewelry as well as one-of-a-kind accessories.

For a complete list of appraisers, jewelry designers, and information on their schedule at the Mansion, please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com. The museum will be closed for tours on both days of appraisals on November 5th and 6th.

During the Antiques Appraisal Weekend the Museum Shop will be open to the public and offer an eclectic array of educational gifts and treasures to reflect the holiday spirit as well as the Museum’s featured exhibits. Victorian-style doll books and reproduction antique dolls will be on sale with other popular seasonal items such as ornaments, wreaths, gift baskets, tabletop decorations, children’s gifts, jewelry, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.

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Weekend at the Zoo!

I decided to take my niece Ella to the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport this past Saturday – and we had a wonderful time! One of the best things about the Beardsley Zoo is how child friendly it is. The zoo has loads of interactive activities for young and old alike. Best of all, the Beardsley Zoo is just big enough without being overwhelming.Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo exhibits hundreds of animals, primarily from North and South America. Many of the animals are endangered or threatened species, which means there aren’t many of them left in the world.

A big hit with Ella, was the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas. We also enjoyed a stroll through the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters. Next, we took a walk along the hoofstock trail that featured bison, pronghorn, and deer.

High on our list too see was the Bald Eagle exhibit. A Zoo volunteer was on hand to tell us about two of the eagles, Temp and Kada that came to the Zoo from the Alaska Raptor Center. We learned that Bald Eagles use their talons to catch fish, and therefore tend to live near water sources such as lakes and rivers. We learned that they will scavenge carrion, steal other animals’ kills and catch small mammals. Bald Eagles, who have an average life span of 28 years, are believed to mate for life and build enormous nests for the pair of eggs they will lay each year.

Next we peeked in at the Brazilian ocelot kitten born January 22 and her mother, Kuma. Both cats were napping in a beautiful rainforest environment. We enjoyed looking through the foliage for a glimpse of the two rare ocelot kittens, Red & Maned. Next we were enchanted by the antics of the Golden Lion Tamarins…whose energy seemed boundless…just like Ella’s!

Our last stop was a walk through the “Alligator Alley” exhibit, home to five new alligators. The new deck gave us a terrific view of these reptiles as they went about their daily activities and feedings.

We learned from a volunteer on site that Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s alligators are between the ages of four and five and are still small, the largest weighing approximately 55 lbs, while the smallest averages 30 lbs. They range from four to five feet long. Known to grow continuously throughout their lives, these creatures are known to reach lengths of thirteen to twenty feet and weights from 400 to 2,000 pounds! They can bite down with 2,000 pounds of pressure with a mouth that contains 65 teeth. Formerly an endangered species, more than one million adult alligators live in the wild today, representing a conservation success story!

On our way to the Carrousel for a spin we stopped to admire two beautiful Amur (Siberian) tigers and the Andean (spectacled) bears.

About Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $12.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $10.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members are also admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. For information, call: (203) 394-6565. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut. For more information, visit http://www.BeardsleyZoo.org

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Free Family Halloween Event Features a Hay Maze Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 At Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens

The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens at 151 Brookdale Road in Stamford becomes home to a huge hay maze, fun activities for kids and other Halloween happenings on Saturday, October 29, 2011 and Sunday October 30, 2011 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.

The event, AMAZEing Halloween, also features free admission to The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens and its new Outdoor Explore Classroom, as well as the “Monster Mash” costume parade at 1pm and 3pm, face-painting, magicians, pumpkin carving, and many other kid-friendly activities.

“We wanted to showcase our grounds at a free Halloween event to let people see how wonderful the property looks in the fall” said Peter Saverine, Bartlett Arboretum’s Executive Director of Operations. “We’re excited about the hay maze and we’ll have lots to do for kids and their families.

With the recent opening of our new Silver Educational Center and its outdoor complement, the new Nature Explore Classroom, we are sure the Bartlett Arboretum will become a must-visit location for families to learn about nature together.”

The event is FREE and open to the public. It is being held in partnership with Stamford Recreation Services and supports the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. Families are encouraged to bring any non-perishable items they would like to donate to help others in our community.

Register at http://stamfordhalloween.eventbrite.com for your child or children to receive a free Halloween goody bag on the day of the event.

About The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens:

The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is located at 151 Brookdale Road in Stamford, CT and is a natural preserve like no other in this region. The property features 91 acres of irreplaceable open space highlighting the best of what Connecticut’s

Native landscape has to offer: magnificent award-winning Champion trees, charming gardens, wildflower meadows, red maple wetlands and boardwalks, woodland walking trails, varied wildlife and native habitats. A wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, it serves as a leading recreational and educational resource for area residents and visitors of all ages. For weekend gardeners to budding young botanists, the Bartlett offers a place to relax, learn and play. The mission of the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is to inspire the community to explore, examine, understand and appreciate the natural history of the botanical world and its place in our lives. It is open to the public 365 days a year. Children under 12 are always free, adult entry is $6. Individual, family, and senior memberships are available for free access year round and discounts to programs, special events and local merchants. Visit www.bartlettarboretum.org or call 203-322-6971 for more information.

Photo Credit: P. Pogo

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A Jezebel Among Us In Washington Connecticut!

The Gunn Memorial Museum is presenting a one woman play based on a historic event that took place in Washington Connecticut one hundred and seventy one years ago. At that time, Abby Kelley Foster, a known Quaker Pacifist, Radical Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist from Worcester, Massachusetts spoke publicly in Washington, Connecticut. On Sunday October 30th at 11:30 am in the Congregational Church on Washington Green this fascinating story will be retold.

Abby Kelley Foster was twenty-nine when she broke with social convention dictating that women remain silent, submissive and obedient by claiming her right to speak out against slavery. In doing so, she helped lay the foundation for the women’s rights movement.

Foster was one of the first women to speak publicly against slavery and during her first speech a mob threatened to burn down the hall where she spoke. As a radical abolitionist, Mrs. Foster gained notoriety by traveling around the country as an anti-slavery lecturer and she was never derailed from her belief that all people are created equal.

Sponsored by Sheriff John Gunn and others, Abby spoke to large audiences in Washington, Connecticut in 1840.

The minister of the Congregational Church, Gordon Hayes, denounced Abby Kelley’s presence in town proclaiming her “a jezebel and servant of Satan in the garb of an angel of light with the aim to entice and destroy this church.”

Attend this event one hundred and seventy-one years later as Abby Kelley Foster “returns” to Washington to speak in the very same Congregational Church! The performace overseen by the Gunn Memorial Museum is a one-woman play based on Abby Kelley’s letters and speeches.

This exciting performance will immediately follow the 10:30 am Sunday Worship, which is also open to the public. A closing reception for the exhibit, Letters from the Battlefield: Stories of Washington’s Civil War Soldiers, will follow in the Gunn Museum across the street from the Congregational Church.

For more information visit www.gunnlibrary.org

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