Fairfield County Happenings

A Christmas Carol Experience 2021 Fairfield Center Stage

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In this original adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens classic, created as an immersive tour through St. Paul’s Church & grounds, the audience will follow Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future from location to location. Audiences will be guided from Scrooge & Marley’s to Bob Cratchit’s House to Mr. Fezziwig’s Christmas party (complete with figgy pudding and apple cider!).

This 50 minute version will be limited to 40 guests per show, and promises to be a unique, intimate, and unforgettable experience. Tickets, which also include figgy pudding and hot cider served during the play, are $35 for adults and teens (13+), and a limited # of lower-priced tickets ($20) will be allocated for each performance for children 12 and under. Patrons 21+ have the option to ‘spike’ their cider with rum or whiskey for an additional $5.

*** COVID protocols please read before purchase — For this production, face coverings for audience members will be required for the indoor portions of the play (weather permitting, approximately half of the scenes are indoor, and half are outdoor; in case of inclement weather, a fully-indoor version of the play will be performed). The fully vaccinated actors will perform the play without face coverings.

Proof for Vaccination or Negative Test Required for Entry: For this production, given the intimate proximity of the actors to the audience, for the safety and comfort of all patrons and performers, proof of completed vaccination or negative COVID-19 test is required for entry.

At check-in to the performance, patrons will need to provide a government issued ID AND one of the following: vaccination card (original, printed copy, or photo of vaccination card on a mobile device accepted), or proof of negative result from either a PCR or antigen COVID-19 viral test, taken within 72 hours of the event (printed copy, or digital result on a mobile device accepted). Over the counter tests are not accepted. Children 5 and older will need proof of vaccination or a negative covid test taken within 72 hours of the event. Children ages 4 and under will need to have proof of a negative covid test within 72 hours of the event.

The performance schedule for A Christmas Carol Experience is as follows: Wed Dec 15 @ 6:30 & 8pm, Thurs Dec 16 @ 6:30pm & 8pm, Fri Dec 17 @ 6:30pm & 8pm, Sat Dec 18 @ 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm, Sun Dec 19 @ 1pm.

CAST

Ebenezer Scrooge^: Steve Benko & Brian Crook, Jacob Marley: Peter Haynes, Ghost of Christmas Past: Sana “Prince” Sarr, Ghost of Christmas Present: Jeff Fulton, Ghost of Christmas Future: Robert Alexander, Bob Cratchit: Kevin Pelkey, Mrs. Cratchit: Lisa Dahlstrom* / Leslie Uhl**, Tiny Tim: CJ Newsom* / Suraya Noonan**, Fan: Nikki Adorante* / Sophie Pennock Collins**, Bonds: Jane Barnes, Fezziwig: Ben Brennan, Lily: Liz Graham* / Monique Castillo**, Martha Cratchit: Ainsley Dahlstrom* / Ainsley Novin**, Turkey Boy: Muhammad Sarr, Want & Ignorance: Emery Holden & Liam West, Mrs. Dilber: Angela Jackson, Mrs. Fezziwig: Marnie Kruse, Peter Cratchit: Britton McGrath, Miss Fezziwig: Ella Magnuson, Lily’s Sister: Marcelle Morrissey, Topper/Young Scrooge: Brodey Ott, Belle: Mia Tommnins, Belinda Cratchit: Bridget Brennan* / Amelia Uhl**, Fred/Young Scrooge: Garth West, Ghost Guides: Jennifer Faccenda, Emily Seanor, Genevieve Seanor, Carol Singers: Gillian Applebaum, Marnie Kruse, Marcelle Morrissey, Ken Skjevel, Violin Player: McNeil Johnston*

*Team ‘Figgy Pudding’ will perform on: Fri 12/17 @ 6:30pm & 8pm, Sat @ 6pm & 8pm, Sun @ 1pm

**Team ‘Cider’ will perform on: Wed 12/15 @ 6:30 & 8pm, Thurs 12/16 @ 6:30 & 8pm, Sat 12/18 @ 11:30am, 1pm, & 3pm^The role of Ebenezer Scrooge will alternate between two actors: Steve Benko and Brian Crook. Mr. Benko will play the role at the following performances: Wed 12/15 @ 6:30 & 8pm, Fri 12/15 @ 6:30 & 8pm, Sat 12/18 @ 11:30am, & 1pm. Mr. Crook will play the role at the following performances: Thurs 12/15 @ 6:30pm & 8pm, Sat @ 3pm, 6pm, & 8pm, Sun @ 1pm

PRODUCTION: Director/Scenic Design: Kevin Pelkey; Adaptation/Artistic Director FCS: Christy McIntosh-Newsom; New Music and Lyrics, Arrangements, Music Director: Clay Zambo; Choreographer: Lindsay Johnson; Costume Designer: Jessica Camarero; Executive Producer: Eli Newsom

FAQsAre there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?The show is great for all ages (infants not recommended / no strollers allowed on the tour). Must be 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages (ID required)

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? Free parking at the St. Paul’s / Town Hall lot and surrounding streets, 661 Old Post Road for GPS.

What should I bring into the event?(1) Coats/jackets/gloves/scarves (weather permitting, approximately half of the play occurs outdoors.

(2) Proof for Vaccination or Negative Test Required for Entry, see above in protocols section for details.

(3) ID, if 21+ and desiring to ‘spike’ your apple cider with rum or whiskey

What’s the refund policy? No refunds with the exception of an unforseen cancellation of a performance, in that case a full refund will be processed if you aren’t able to attend a different or rescheduled performance. Due to the popularity of this event, we are unable to honor ticket/performance exchange requests. Please double-check performance date/time/cast list before purchase.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?info@fairfieldcenterstage.org

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Workshop Wednesdays: “Begin Where You Are” hosted by Lori Bloom

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Indulge in learning about your inner voice and “brain dumping” all that noise onto paper. Then cover it all up and create a piece of art that reflects on what you wrote

All participants no matter when they join in, will end the class with a final piece of art that they can reflect on and share with the world.

Join because everyone needs a moment to clear their mind, reflect and create beautiful artwork

The group will be invited to learn how to create art through exploration of words, images, texture, and various materials. Each student will be guided through their own personal journey of writing and creating.

Session Outline :

Session 1: Explore “Brain dumping” and mixed media (Past Event)

Participants will engage in finding the freedom to let go and learn how to “brain dump” all that noise in your head! This is only for your eyes. We won’t share!

Cover those words with beautiful colors or gesso using simple tools.

What word or saying stands out to you the most from what you wrote? What rings true to your heart?

We will look at symbolism, words, phrases, and images that reflect your thoughts

Bring your phone or a computer to do a little research and see where it leads you.

The goal of the session is to write about what is fogging up our brains and then begin making it into a beautiful piece of art. We will talk about symbolism, catch phrases/quotes and words.

Session 2: Creating our heart with Mixed Media Methods (Past Event)

(If you missed week 1 – no worries! We can improvise, just take a moment to think about what word or image is in your heart at the moment! Bring prints of images you may want to reference)

Participants will engage in a continuation of working on the piece we started. I will guide you in different ways to transfer, draw or paint images and begin creating a collage over your background. There is no wrong in this process! Anything goes! Numerous materials will be offered for you to explore including but not limited to stencils, ink, paint, decorative papers.

The goal of the session is to begin to create our journal page by exploring and using various materials, tools and methods.

Session 3: Wrap it up!

(If you missed week 1 or 2 – no worries! We can improvise, just take a moment to think about what word or image is in your heart at the moment! Bring prints of images you may want to reference)

Participants will engage in seeing how our pieces have taken on their own souls, no two will be the same. Each of you has found your way of expressing your chosen word/s . We will add all the final touches to our pieces. Textures, drawing, words, or whatever else fits your whim! Time permitting, we will put on a little show for ourselves and enjoy a snack!

The goal of the session is to add all the final touches onto our pieces and have a mini art show!

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Instructor Bio :

As a graduate from Purchase College with a BFA in hand, I opened my own mural business – Blooming Colors. My work can be found in homes and offices in the tri-state area. After a time, I decided that I wanted to share my love of art with children and earned a Master’s in Art Education.

I am now moving forward and working towards being a full-time artist.

​Living near the beach has inspired me to convey fragments of myself in my paintings. What started as simple journal pages turned into a surge of artwork in a new and freeing style. Each painting tells a piece of my story.

​I create each piece using various mixed media methods. Watercolors, color sticks, colored pencils, markers, sparkles, inking, painted chipboard, flowers, and various other materials, inspire my unique creations. There is some type of texture or movement created within each piece.

​I love using layers upon layers to create a distinctive textured look in my work.

🎨 @bloomingcolorsart

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LEARN MORE :

🏰 22 Leonard St., Norwalk, Connecticut 06851

☎️ : (203) 682 – 5536

🏴‍☠️ @Mad_We_Are

💻 www.MadWeAre.com

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Wreath Making

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join Jamie for the return of this popular class! All supplies are provided!

Wreaths, bows and cocktails! What could be better? Bring your friends and family to join in this festive class! Supplies are provided, but extra clippers are always appreciated!

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11th Annual Hawleyville Tree Lighting

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The Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Co. presents the 11th Annual Hawleyville Tree Lighting with  Dance Etc. Dancers, refreshments, Songs of the Season, and a special guest -Santa. Claus!

The Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Co. is a volunteer fire company serving Newtown, CT and surround towns since 1925. Our agency volunteer agency provides fire protection, emergency medical, and rescue services.

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Holiday Happenings at the Zoo

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On December 4-5, December 11-12 and December 18-19, the Zoo will provide festive holiday fare in the Elf Kitchen, featuring hot chocolate, gingerbread, sugar cookies, savory soups, and other festive holiday specialties. Santa’s Sleigh will be set up for Family Photos. Take a stroll through the Zoo and enjoy special crafts and activities with the children, including story times and two appearances each weekend day by a magician. Thirty wreaths from Wreaths Across America can be found around Zoo grounds, to remember fallen U.S. veterans and honor those who serve.

On December 4 and December 18, the Zoo will hold a Pajama Parade with Frosty the Snowman, Stripes the Tiger, and Thirsty the Penguin marching alongside Grand Marshal Oliver, founder of Oliver’s Pajama Project. We encourage guests to wear pajamas and bring pajamas to the parade, then take a family holiday pajama photo!

Other activities include:
Magic Moments Magic Show: Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Greenhouse.
Holiday Story Time: Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the W.O.L.F. Cabin.
Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt: Dec 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19: One Zoo Family Membership awarded.
Oliver’s Pajama Project Drop Off Point: November 27-December 30 at the Front Gate.

Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. In accordance with the state of Connecticut COVID-19 guidelines: we recommend that guests continue to wear masks while visiting the Zoo, but when guests are outside and can maintain social distance, masks may be removed. In any indoor area, or when social distancing cannot be maintained, masks are required. Everyone over the age of two, except for those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them, should have a mask available.

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Native American Archaeology of the Norwalk Area

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Join the Norwalk Historical Society for the in person lecture, “From the Ice Age to the Founding of Norwalk: Native American Archaeology of the Norwalk Area,” with guest presenter Ernest A. Wiegand, professor of archaeology at NCC, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 8:00pm in the old town meetinghouse at Mill Hill Historic Park, 2 East Wall Street in Norwalk, CT.

Registration Required! Free event but please consider making a donation to the Norwalk Historical Society.

Please Note: All visitors will be required to wear masks regardless of vaccination status when inside the Mill Hill Historic Park buildings. The buildings at Mill Hill Historic Park are City of Norwalk property and masks are required inside all City of Norwalk buildings.

This presentation will bring the audience back in time and reveal what archaeology has found about the history and cultural lifeways of the First Americans. Archaeological digs conducted in and around Norwalk will be discussed. Artifacts from local digs will accompany the program, and the audience is encouraged to bring artifacts that they may have found on the beach, along rivers and streams or while digging in the garden.

Twelve thousand years ago, southern New England had emerged from a covering of glacial ice. In this cold climate, an environment far different than the present existed. Ice age animals such as the mammoth, mastodon and caribou roamed the newly-deglaciated land, as did the first Native Americans to enter the Northeast. The way of life of these early peoples, and the adaptations their descendants made as the environment continued to change, have been the focus of much interest and archaeological research for several decades.

This program is in conjunction with the Norwalk Historical Society’s new exhibit, “Norwalk’s Changing Communities – 13,000BC – 1835”, which was funded in part by grants from Connecticut Humanities and the City of Norwalk Historical Commission. The new exhibit will be on view!

Mill Hill Historic Park is located at 2 East Wall Street in Norwalk, CT. Handicapped and limited mobility parking on site. General parking is at the HSC building on the corner of East Wall Street and Park Street. Follow blue parking signs.

About the Presenter: Ernie Wiegand has taught at Norwalk Community College since 1975, when the college’s unique “Archaeology as an Avocation” certificate program was initiated. Students in the program have worked on many pre-contact period Native American sites as well as several historic period sites, including the Rogers-Ritch-Merritt house in Norwalk. He received a Masters degree in anthropology from Hunter College in 1982 and has been the Archaeology as an Avocation program coordinator since 1990. In addition to his teaching duties, he has been the faculty advisor to the NCC Archaeology Club, which has not only conducted archaeological investigations of local sites but has brought archaeology to the public through its program meetings (which are open to the public) and special community outreach projects. He also serves as a consultant for both public and private land-use projects that may have an impact on archaeological sites.

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WCSU Presents Live Comedy “Noises Off”

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December 3 – 5

Western Connecticut State University’s Department of Theatre Arts presents Noises Off.

Noises Off take a fond look at the follies of theater folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers and even flying sardines. This play-within-a-play is directed by Pam McDaniel, professor, and chair of WCSU’s Department of Theatre Arts.

Written in 1982 by the English playwright Michael Frayn, Noises Off is a comedy about what goes on behind the stage and is named for the sounds coming offstage during a performance. The play was so successful that it was made into a movie in 1992 starring Carol Burnett and Michael Caine.

Masks must be worn at all times and three-feet social distancing will be enforced in the Visual and Performing Arts Center. This production is suitable for audiences aged 10 and over.

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