Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Thursday, October 25, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

It may not be Halloween just yet, but that hasn’t stopped organizers far and wide from creating a weekend full of festive events. So, if you are looking for all the hayrides, haunted houses, costume parties and spooky walks that you can handle, here you go. And, here is another and another. You get my drift … there are more than enough happenings to keep everyone busy.

There’s also multiple showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” across the area, meaning you better have those costumes ready to do “The Time Warp” again. Or, if you know a few good dancing zombies, you’ll want to travel en masse to Wilton, where you can “Thrill the World.”

It’s not just about dress-up, though, this weekend. There’s plenty of music, too. A John Denver tribute performance is planned in Bridgeport, while a group of musicians will channel Chicago in Stamford. The klezmer-funk collective known as Abraham Inc. will stir it up in Fairfield. Asia will be performing in Ridgefield. Citizen Cope (see video above) will be in New Haven. Meatloaf will be in Uncasville. Dar Williams and Loudon Wainwright will be singing in Tarrytown, N.Y. Al Green takes to the stage in Port Chester, N.Y. Meanwhile, in Greenwich, the celebration continues for Louis Armstrong music, and Jennifer Hudson will help to honor Clive Davis. And, choral music will get the spotlight at Sacred Heart University.

Classical fans have their pick, whether it be the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, Evnin Rising Stars, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra or Nick Revel and Nora Krohn, who are bringing their strings to Wilton. There will be an Oktoberfest Jazz Concert in Danbury and Connecticut’s troubadour Lara Herscovitch will be in Milford.

“Marie Antoinette” makes it to the stage in New Haven, while the Marvel superheroes bring an environmental message to Norwalk. Perhaps, you’ve always wanted to learn more about “unloved” critters. There’s a place for you in Westport. Is the election season making you want to cry? Well, perhaps you need a laugh or two, which you may find over at the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport. Or, you can escape into the world of the faeries in Old Lyme. Illusionists will be appearing (and perhaps disappearing) in Waterbury. Looking for some outdoor events? There are multiple moon hikes, including those in Ansonia and Mashantucket and Milford.

There are no tricks to enjoying these treats. You just have to make sure to save some time and get out there.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, October 19, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Movie and television star, singer and dancer Jane Powell is expected to be in Ridgefield on Sunday to share some behind-the-scenes tales about the 1951 film classic, “Royal Wedding,” (see a clip above) which teamed her with Fred Astaire. In a recent article, Powell gave a taste of what one can expect during the screening and question-and-answer session, sharing some tidbits about filming and her experiences as a contract player at MGM. You can get information on movie times and tickets by visiting the Ridgefield Playhouse’s website.

Not a movie fan? There’s plenty of music to keep you entertained. Alanis Morissette is coming to Waterbury in support of her latest album, “Havoc and Bright Lights.” Mavis Staples will be in Mamaroneck, N.Y.. And a multicultural mix of performers will be serving up some “Pipescreams” on Sunday in Bridgeport. Tower of Power will be in Bridgeport, as well.

A tribute to Bobby Darin launches in Elmsford, N.Y. A New Haven venue will revisit 1940s swing and big band sounds. You can see the Psychedelic Furs, the Lemonheads with Juliana Hatfield and Counting Crows in Port Chester, N.Y., and the Silversun Pickups in Hartford. Glen Campbell, Huey Lewis & The News and Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson will all be in the state this weekend.

Classical fans have a number of options, including a visit by the American String Quartet, The Sebastian Players, pianists Andrews Russo and Frederic Chiu, and Musicians from Marlboro.

Those who like to mix their automotive passion with pastries are in luck. Burundi will be sharing its drummers with audiences in Stamford. Appraisers will be helping out with a weekend of value in Norwalk. The tale of Alice and her adventures in Wonderland will be told through music and movement. The dance-illusionist group Momix will appear in Washington. Dancers will bring Dracula to life in Waterbury. And, the harvest will be celebrated with some brews, some seasonal views and fall activities, thanks to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. And art and music will mix in Danbury.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth promises to come in “Fully Charged” when it arrives in Bridgeport. The trains will whistle in Danbury to bring passengers to fields of pumpkins. Meanwhile, those with a green thumb can pick up some tips in Newtown. History and art merge this time around in Newtown.

Some staged productions are set to entertain audiences across the area. In Westport, one can see “Next to Normal” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” “Wait Until Dark,” continues in Stamford. In New Haven, the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be staged. You can see “The Little Dog That Laughed” in Norwalk.

Ghost hunters are coming to Torrington, while Lorraine Warren will be in New Haven. Howl-O-Ween is coming to Bridgeport. Fall arts and crafts are coming to Newtown. And, one of my favorite comedians, Chris Elliott, will be in Madison next week.

Until next time …

David Duchovny in Greenwich filming scenes for new movie

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 by:Scott Gargan
Comment
Comments
|
|

Pictured: David Duchovny was in Greenwich filming scenes for a new movie. (Photo/Helen Neafsey)

Actor David Duchovny was in Greenwich Tuesday filming scenes for a new movie — a drama that hits close to home.

Duchovny, along with the cast and crew of “After The Fall,” will shoot for the next couple of weeks in the basement of the town-owned Nathaniel Witherell nursing home on Parsonage Road, according to a report in Greenwich Time.

The film is based on the story of Maria Fareri, a Greenwich teen who died of rabies in 1995, and her parents, Brenda and John Fareri, who went on to help found the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in New York.

Filming also took place at Hunan Gourmet, a Chinese restaurant in the shopping center on East Putnam Avenue (see picture above).

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, October 5, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

I can remember gazing upon the cover of Blondie’s 1978 album “Parallel Lines,” like it was yesterday, as they say. In reality, I was in the latter years of my first decade of life and couldn’t get enough of the black-and-white vertical stripes and slick looking band, fronted by a pretty woman in a white dress and two-toned hair. At the time, I did not realize the album represented the moment the band catapulted out of the New York City 1970s punk rock scene, or that Deborah Harry was on her way to becoming a punk icon.

All I know is it takes only a few notes of “Heart of Glass” and I’m back to my living room, circa 1978-80, watching that LP spin around the turntable.

I suspect there will be quite a few people like me, as well as those who are older and far younger, who will come out to see Blondie when the band swings through our area. For the past month or so, three of its original members — Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke — have been on tour with Devo, hitting venues across the country. On Sunday, it will just be Blondie, with three new members) that takes the stage at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y.

As Burke noted in an interview recently:

We had good songs and a good image, but it is the music that has endured.

In addition to Blondie, there will be several other musical acts performing across the area. Celebrated cabaret singer Marilyn Maye will be in Stamford on Friday. It is the same evening of the LAMP Festival with Mates of State in New Haven and Mary Wilson‘s appearance at Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center. Bill Payne of Little Feat will be in Fairfield. Heart will be at Foxwoods. Get the Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin is coming to Ridgefield, which is where Todd Rundgren will be on Tuesday. Morrissey is at Waterbury’s Palace Theater and the Parris Island Marine Corps Band will be at the Klein Memorial. The Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport also has a packed lineup. Rush will be in Bridgeport next week.

Classical fans can check out the Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in New Haven and Shelton, the Stamford Symphony and Music on the Hill Chamber Chorus will be in Westport. You can catch a mariachi band in Norwalk, too.

There are several stage productions that hope to make their mark this weekend, too, including a musical comedy spoof of Agatha Christie whodunits, “Something’s Afoot” at the Goodspeed Opera House, “The Little Dog Laughed” in New Haven, “Jersey Boys” in New Haven, and “Glengarry Glen Ross” in Fairfield.

Those with a rich appetite, musical and otherwise, are encouraged to come and enjoy the Food and Wine Festival in Greenwich. There will be a beer tasting in Mystic and a BrewFest in Uncasville.

Chazz Palminteri is coming to Ridgefield with a film and some answers, while the classic “Lawrence of Arabia,” will be screened at a number of theaters in the area.

Animals will be celebrated at PAWS in the Park. Arts will be celebrated at the Bruce Museum’s Outdoor Arts Festival. Cars will be celebrated at the New Fairfield Lions’ car show. Play will be celebrated in Norwalk. And art will be celebrated with openings throughout the weekend. There’s the Affordable Art Exhibition in Danbury and “Geometrics in Space” in Stamford.

You have no excuse to say there’s nothing to do this weekend. Your real problem will be cramming it all in.

Good luck. Until next time …

http://fairfieldtheatre.org/

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, September 21, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Eyes will be to the sky in Greenwich this weekend when the 14th annual Hawk Watch Festival & Green Bizarre sets down at Audubon Greenwich. In addition to spectators who will be watching as thousands of raptors migrate from New England and Canada to winter habitats in South and Latin America, there will be a release of rehabilitated hawks, a bazaar, children’s activities and live birds of prey shows.

It is a weekend awash in festivals and fairs. The Norwalk Boat Show continues through Sunday. The Health, Wellness and Sports Expo will set up shop at Stamford’s Chelsea Piers. There will be a crafts festival in Tarrytown, N.Y. There also will be Arts & Crafts on Bedford in Stamford (part of a larger downtown event). In New Canaan, they will be celebrating cider. Farmfest is happening in Brookfield. The 47th annual Pumpkin festival is scheduled to sprout in Seymour.

Music fans, as always, have plenty of opportunities to catch artists spanning multiple genres. Blue Sky Riders, a new group that features Kenny Loggins, will be in Ridgefield. The Carolina Chocolate Drops will be in Fairfield (you can see their cover of Blu Cantrell’s “Hit ‘em Up Style,” above). The Antlers will be in New Haven. Brian Torff and the Phantom Pluckers perform at the Bijou in Bridgeport. Joe Louis Walker, Nas, The Roots, Peter Yarrow and Paul Stookey and Gotye will all be performing in the state. A barbecue will be teamed with music, too, in Fairfield.

Some art exhibitions open this weekend that are worth checking out, too, such as one at Stamford Museum and Nature Center that celebrates “Flash Gordon and the Heroes of the Universe.” Connie Horton shares her eclectic mix of works at the Kent Memorial Library, while Sarah Hutchinson’s work will be up for view in Bethel. “Make Art, Not War” opens in Bridgeport. And, the first-ever temporary public exhibitions open at the Glass House in New Canaan. A whole boatload of art is docked in Greenwich, too.

And for the area’s “Wonderama” fans, it doesn’t get much better than a Sonny Sunday.

Until next time …

P.S. I know that the Flash Gordon exhibition at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center really has nothing to do with the 1980 film, which has become a cult classic. But it did feature a soundtrack by Queen. And, I love Queen, so I am taking the opportunity, here, to share a video of the title theme. Enjoy!

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, September 7, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Have you been thinking that this weekend would be a good time to watch a bunch of lumberjacks, shuck a few oysters, take a spin on a few rides, and check out music acts such as Lou Gramm? Well, fortunate you. The 35th Norwalk Oyster Festival should fit your bill. Spanning Friday, Sept. 7, to Sunday, Sept. 9, there are activities planned for all ages, as well as cuisine that should match all tastes. You can get all the specifics at the event’s website. (For instance, you’ll see that the Village People will take the stage on Saturday night. Above, you can see one of the band’s classic hits from the 70s.)

But, like most weekends, the oyster festival is not the only show in town. When it comes to music, the choices are vast and varied. There is something for French horn fans, jazz (and Grace Kelly) fans, and people who are partial to saxophones. Taylor Hicks is coming to Bridgeport; a “Salute to Broadway” is coming to Danbury, the Alan Evans Trio makes a stop in Farifield; the KungFu String Girls Band plan to take a bow in Mashantucket; Art Garfunkel postpones, but Michael McDonald is still set to perform in Ridgefield; Bob Dylan comes to Mohegan Sun; and the Fairfield County Chorale kicks off its 50th season. Some other venues are hosting musicians, including the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, Pequot Library in Fairfield, Edmond Town Hall in Newtown and the Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield.

In New Haven, one will can catch a day full of music, along with lots of information about environmental initiatives, businesses and organizations. In Bridgeport, one can find an instrument petting zoo.

Lovers of cinema, and of Christopher Plummer, in particular, should get their calenders and circle, tag or whatever it is they need to do, the date of Saturday, Sept. 8. That is the day he will be at the Ridgefield Playhouse for a question-and-answer session following the screening of “Beginners.” Plummer won an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in the film. At the Avon in Stamford, Zamir Gotta, who appears on the Food and Travel channels will be at a screening of some of his films Sept. 12.

If you like to get pummeled for a good cause, the second annual L’Atrella Charity Dodgeball Tournament will take place on Saturday in Stratford. Individuals are still welcome to sign up for the competition, which raises money for the Sterling House, a multiservice community center.Or, perhaps your sense of support is more aligned with a night of cabaret.

Several art shows and historical exhibitions open this weekend as well, including “Masters Series” by Peter Max at the Geary Gallery (see Max’s “Liberty Head” at right/Contributed photo), “Forging a Community: Stamford on the Gridiron and on the Diamond 1860 to 1975″ at the Stamford Historical Society, Andy Romer’s photographs in Wilton, works by artists Elisa Khachian and Sandra Meagher in Bridgeport, “Divergent Views” in Fairfield, and “Water, Water Everywhere” in Greenwich.

Choices, choices, choices. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have fun.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, August 31, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Organizers behind the fifth annual Blues, Views and BBQ Festival have cooked up another weekend of top-flight meals, music and activities for all ages. With a lineup reflecting the diversity of the blues genre, including Saturday evening’s expected performer Anders Osborne (see video above), Popa Chubby, James Montgomery and Billy Squier with guests Crispin Cioe & Larry Etkin, from “The Uptown Horns,” the event is sure to attract its share of music fans, but foodies will likely linger at the many grills and smokers that will be providing the senses with a feast. There are events, too, for the kids, contests and other activities. The festival spans Saturday and Sunday in downtown Westport. You can catch all the details here.

Other events planned for this Labor Day weekend (and beyond) include musical performances by Steve Vai, Sherman Chamber Ensemble and the multiple artists of FuzeOnFest, country musicians in Danbury, the Zac Brown Band and a bunch of area bands, including Pimpenella, the What Up Funk Band, P.J. Pacifico, Solistic and others. Meanwhile, the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y., is getting ready to celebrate its revival with a kickoff concert by Bob Dylan on Sept. 4.

There are other events marking the unofficial end of summer, such as St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s Odyssey 2012: A Greek Festival, in Orange, the St. Leo fair in Stamford and the beginning of polo in Greenwich. In Newtown, Steve “Wildman” Brill will be leading a walk to show others what can be collected safely from the natural world around us. At the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, homeowners have a chance to screen multiple contractors at an event that takes its cue from the “speed dating” world. In Mystic, visitors may meet the artists at the 39th annual crafts show or visit to Fairfield to take in “Crafts on the Green.” The West Indian Jerkfest takes place in Danbury. And, rainforest reptiles will be on display at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

On screen, you’ll be able to see “Union Square” at the Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport (see trailer below), which will include a question-and-answer session with the filmmaker of this independent film. There also will be an outdoor video projection in Bridgeport as part of the 12-week City Canvasses project. On stage, there will be “Hedda Gabler” in Hartford and “Can-Can” in Westchester.

There are plenty of things to do this weekend, so make sure to get on out there.

Until next time …

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, August 24, 2012 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

One of Connecticut’s own will be showcasing her talent at Cafe Nine in New Haven Friday night, Aug. 24. Debbie Davies, an accomplished blues guitarist, will begin her set at 9 p.m., which will likely include some of the material from her latest album, “After the Fall.” It is a good chance to catch the artist nearer to home, since she is more often on the road. (You can check out one of her more recent performances in the above video.)

But she is not the only musical act making notes this weekend. Christina Perri (known to many “Twilight” fans) will be in Hartford on Saturday performing with Jason Mraz, the a cappella group Straight No Chaser will perform the same day at the Ives Concert Park in Danbury. Frankie Valli will be in Westport on Friday. a whole bunch of bands will be at the Summer Slam Fest II at Toad’s Place on Friday. Blues Traveler will be in Bridgeport on Friday. Duran Duran will take that night to entertain crowds at Foxwoods. And the Wanted with Carly Rae Jepson are at Mohegan Sun.

Have some laughs at the Warner Theatre in Torrington when Paula Poundstone performs Saturday. Mike Hanley is appearing at Foxwoods. Johnny Rizzo will be among the comics at Mohegan Sun on Saturday.

Some special events are planned throughout the region, as well, including the sand sculpture competition in Milford, the “Big Flea” in Stamford, a free day for visitors to the Peabody Museum in New Haven and the biennial Garden Study Weekend in Washington. You can dance in Bridgeport, Danbury and Norwalk, go out for a Marine Life Study Cruise in Norwalk, go for a farewell to summer night hike in New Canaan, or go for a sail in the waters off Stamford.

On stage, the world premiere of the comedy “Harbor” docks at Westport Country Playhouse early next week. In the world of art, there are openings in New Canaan, Stamford and Wilton.

Whatever you do, enjoy one of last weekends of this waning summer season.

Until next time …

As a teaser for Christina Perri fan’s here’s the video of the 2010 single “Distance,” performed by Perri and Jason Mraz.

Page 4 of 9« First345Last »