David Kennedy News

Westport Country Playhouse will host a "2013 Season Kick-off Block Party," on Saturday, April 13, 4 to 7 p.m., offering a fun, party-like atmosphere with food trucks, special ticket offers, and a look at the Playhouse's "backstage experience." Admission is free and open to the public.

Casting is announced for Westport Country Playhouse's Script in Hand playreading of the romantic comedy 'Beau Jest' by James Sherman, a former actor/writer for Chicago's Second City, on one-night-only, Monday, March 18, 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

With less than two months before the curtain goes up on Westport Country Playhouse's 2013 season, single tickets are now on sale, beginning Tuesday, March 5, at noon. Single tickets may be purchased by phone at 203-227-4177, in person at 25 Powers Court, Westport, 24/7 online at westportplayhouse.org, or by using the new Playhouse App or mobile website.

DECENTER: AN EXHIBITION ON THE CENTENARY OF THE 1913 ARMORY SHOW will take place today, February 17, 2013 - April 7, 2013. An Opening Reception will be held today, February 17, 6-8 pm and Panel Discussions will take place today, February 17, 4-6 pm at Abrons Arts Center Playhouse.

Westport Country Playhouse's next Script in Hand playreading will be the romantic comedy, 'Beau Jest' by James Sherman, a former actor/writer for Chicago's Second City, on one-night-only, Monday, March 18, 7 p.m. Director is Anne Keefe, Playhouse artistic advisor. Casting will be announced soon.

DECENTER: AN EXHIBITION ON THE CENTENARY OF THE 1913 ARMORY SHOW will take place February 17, 2013 - April 7, 2013. An Opening Reception will be held February 17, 6-8 pm and Panel Discussions will take place February 17, 4-6 pm at Abrons Arts Center Playhouse.

Westport Country Playhouse has received a $20,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation for general operating support of the non-profit organization's 2013 season. The nationally recognized professional theater serves an estimated annual audience of 60,000.

Members of the Naughton Family - two-time Tony Award winner and Weston, Connecticut resident James Naughton, daughter Keira Naughton, son Greg Naughton, and Greg's wife Tony Award nominee Kelli O'Hara - plus Blythe Danner, Jordan Coughtry, Edward Herrmann, Chad Kinsman, Jake Robards, Mark Shanahan, and Dana Steingold are cast in Westport Country Playhouse's Script in Hand playreading of "The Philadelphia Story," the romantic comedy classic by Philip Barry, set for one-night-only tonight, December 10, 7 p.m. Director is Anne Keefe, Playhouse artistic advisor.

The honeymoon phase is over when three best friends find out their marriages licenses were never signed in 'Nearlyweds,' a Hallmark Channel Original Movie World Premiere Saturday, January 12 (9p.m. ET/PT, 8C). Danielle Panabaker ('Beverly Lewis' The Shunning') stars as a new bride who deals with a rocky path in her almost marriage, fueled largely by her monster-in-law, Renee played by Grammy(R) Award-winning country music superstar Naomi Judd ('The Killing Game'). The romantic comedy is based on award-winning author Beth Kendrick's novel, Nearlyweds and also stars Jessica Parker Kennedy ('The Secret Circle'), Britt Irvin ('The Vow'), Ryan Kennedy ('Hannah's Law'), Travis Milne ('Rookie Blue') and Steve Bacic ('Big Love').

Redefining what it means to "work" in Lower Manhattan, 26 emerging artists and writers have been awarded studio residencies in LMCC's Workspace program, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) announced today. Each artist will be granted free studio space in minimally adapted, temporarily vacant office space donated by Goldman Sachs, Co in Lower Manhattan at One Liberty Plaza, and will have access to talks and seminars, public programs, access to a network of peers and new audiences, a financial stipend and other professional development opportunities.

Westport Country Playhouse will provide a special offer on Cyber Monday on Monday, November 26, and participate in #GivingTuesday™ on Tuesday, November 27.

Members of the Naughton Family - two-time Tony Award winner and Weston, Connecticut resident James Naughton, daughter Keira Naughton, son Greg Naughton, and Greg's wife Tony Award nominee Kelli O'Hara - plus Blythe Danner, Jordan Coughtry, Edward Herrmann, Chad Kinsman, Jake Robards, Mark Shanahan, and Dana Steingold are cast in Westport Country Playhouse's Script in Hand playreading of "The Philadelphia Story," the romantic comedy classic by Philip Barry, set for one-night-only on Monday, December 10, 7 p.m. Director is Anne Keefe, Playhouse artistic advisor.

Redefining what it means to "work" in Lower Manhattan, 26 emerging artists and writers have been awarded studio residencies in LMCC's Workspace program, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) announced today. Each artist will be granted free studio space in minimally adapted, temporarily vacant office space donated by Goldman Sachs, Co in Lower Manhattan at One Liberty Plaza, and will have access to talks and seminars, public programs, access to a network of peers and new audiences, a financial stipend and other professional development opportunities.

Over 3,300 students and teachers from schools across Connecticut, as well as New York City and Springfield, Massachusetts, will see Lorraine Hansberry's landmark drama, "A Raisin in the Sun," directed by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad at Westport Country Playhouse, during a series of six sold-out student matinee performances from Tuesday, October 23 through Friday, November 2. Students range from grades five through 12. As part of the Playhouse's commitment to make live theater more accessible to young people, one-quarter of the seats in the theater for every student matinee have been made available to schools that need assistance in bringing their students to the Playhouse.

Westport Country Playhouse will present an education and community engagement initiative, "What Happens to a Dream Deferred: Lorraine Hansberry and 'A Raisin in the Sun'," in conjunction with the Playhouse's production of Hansberry's landmark drama, "A Raisin in the Sun," directed by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad.

Westport Country Playhouse announces its 2013 season of five productions, playing next year from April through October. The series ranges in style from 'wild farce to dark humor to charming sentiment, all centered on predicaments, conflicts, and bonds surrounding families.' Under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos, 2013 will mark the Connecticut professional theater's 83rd season.

Westport Country Playhouse announces that due to ticket demand for its current production of Moliere's timeless comedy, "Tartuffe," an extra performance has been added today, August 5, at 3 p.m.

It can happen to anyone.