W. Somerset Maugham News

At the Sadie Thompson Inn in Samoa, the innkeepers have planned an unusual experience for their special guests: a reenactment of W. Somerset Maugham's 1921 short story 'Rain.' But thanks to a magician's time warp, the real Maugham finds himself on the guest list. Swirling together fantasy, history, humor and drama, Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, winner of the Hawai'i Award for Literature and the author of The Conversion of Ka'ahumanu and Ola N? Iwi, re-imagines Maugham's steamy South Sea story in a wild romp of illusions, delusions and near fatal attractions.

Westport Country Playhouse will host its second annual open house, "Playhouse Community Day," on Saturday, March 19, 1 to 5 p.m., offering a wide variety of family activities, backstage tours, displays and historic artifacts, insight on the upcoming 2011 season and ticket discounts throughout the afternoon. Admission is free and open to the public. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available.

Award-winning Broadway actor Brian Murray has joined the cast of "Angel Street," a Script in Hand reading of the Victorian suspense thriller upon which the classic film "Gaslight" is based, at Westport Country Playhouse on Monday, March 14, 7 p.m. Murray will play the role of Inspector Rough.

At the Sadie Thompson Inn in Samoa, the innkeepers have planned an unusual experience for their special guests: a reenactment of W. Somerset Maugham's 1921 short story "Rain."

Westport Country Playhouse will present 'A Jigsaw Jones Mystery - The Case of the Class Clown,' as part of its Family Festivities Series on Sunday, March 6, at 1 and 4 p.m. Recommended for grades one through four, the production is a mystery with music, based on the book by renowned author James Preller, produced by ArtsPower. Tickets are $15.

Award-winning Broadway actor Brian Murray has joined the cast of "Angel Street," a Script in Hand reading of the Victorian suspense thriller upon which the classic film "Gaslight" is based, at Westport Country Playhouse on Monday, March 14, 7 p.m. Murray will play the role of Inspector Rough.

Single tickets to any of the five productions comprising Westport Country Playhouse's 2011 Season will go on public sale, Tuesday, March 1 at noon. To celebrate the day, complimentary cupcakes will be a

At the Sadie Thompson Inn in Samoa, the innkeepers have planned an unusual experience for their special guests: a reenactment of W. Somerset Maugham's 1921 short story 'Rain.' But thanks to a magician's time warp, the real Maugham finds himself on the guest list.

Westport Country Playhouse will host its second annual open house, "Playhouse Community Day," on Saturday, March 19, 1 to 5 p.m., offering a wide variety of family activities, backstage tours, displays and historic artifacts, insight on the upcoming 2011 season and ticket discounts throughout the afternoon. Admission is free and open to the public. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available.

Westport Country Playhouse will present a reading of the thrilling game of cat and mouse, "Angel Street," upon which the classic film "Gaslight" is based, as part of Westport Country Playhouse's popular Script in Hand Series, on Monday, March 14, 7 p.m.

Westport Country Playhouse will present 'A Jigsaw Jones Mystery - The Case of the Class Clown,' as part of its Family Festivities Series on Sunday, March 6, at 1 and 4 p.m. Recommended for grades one through four, the production is a mystery with music, based on the book by renowned author James Preller, produced by ArtsPower. Tickets are $15.

From April 1-8, The New School will present its first arts festival, which will explore the relevance of the classic genre of Noir and evaluate its meaning today. The festival will include iconic films, hard-boiled storytelling, graphic art, and music inspired by this quintessential American style.

For Valentine's Day, Westport Country Playhouse will present a reading of Neil Simon's whimsical and touching romantic comedy, "Chapter Two," part of Westport Country Playhouse's popular Script in Hand Series, on Monday, February 14, 7 p.m.

At the Sadie Thompson Inn in Samoa, the innkeepers have planned an unusual experience for their special guests: a reenactment of W. Somerset Maugham's 1921 short story 'Rain.' But thanks to a magician's time warp, the real Maugham finds himself on the guest list. Swirling together fantasy, history, humor and drama, Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, winner of the Hawai'i Award for Literature and the author of The Conversion of Ka'ahumanu and Ola N? Iwi, re-imagines Maugham's steamy South Sea story in a wild romp of illusions, delusions and near fatal attractions.

David Kennedy, Westport Country Playhouse associate artistic director, has been named to direct the 2011 season opening production, "Beyond Therapy" by Christopher Durang, announced Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.

Westport Country Playhouse has received $20,000 from the Fairfield County Community Foundation in support of the nonprofit theater's 2011 season and for the development of a strategic plan.

For Valentine's Day, Westport Country Playhouse will present a reading of Neil Simon's whimsical and touching romantic comedy, "Chapter Two," part of Westport Country Playhouse's popular Script in Hand Series, on Monday, February 14, 7 p.m.

Westport/Weston Natives Justin Paul, Dan Asher, Drew McKeon and Jeremy Goldsmith in Band: The Broadway Boys' Holiday Concert at Westport Country Playhouse

In celebration of the holiday season, Westport Country Playhouse announces six special events, including comedy, concerts, dance and theater, beginning December 4 and continuing on selected days through December 19.

Westport Country Playhouse, in partnership with Norwalk's Triangle Community Center, will present a "LGBT Night Out at the Playhouse," for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities and allies, on Saturday, December 18.