Antiques Shows______
Antiques Shows______
May 1-2: Westport Garden & Antiques Show, Bedford Middle School, 88 North Ave, Westport, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, adm $8, exhibitors from tri-state area plus FL, GA, MA, ME, PA & RI, special program on floral arranging (Sun, noon); 203-222-2259.
Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____
Bachelier-Cardonsky Gallery, Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Fri-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt during week. Call 860-927-3129.
Through May 23, âRaw Energy,â paintings by David Eddy & William Thomson, paintings & monoprints by Lisbeth Firmin.
Miller Studio & Gallery/Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-263-3939.
Through May 3, âInside Out: The Paintings of Helene Brier.â
*(new show) May 4-July 3, âThe Modern Landscape,â works of Judith Andrew, Joy Bristow, Robert Crawford, Fran Henry-Meehan, MaJo Keleshian, Annabelle Meacham, Katrina Schmidt-Rinke & Tom Yost; May 8, artistsâ reception (public welcome), 4-6 pm.
Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.
*(new show) May 1-June 12, âRecent Works: Tarol Samuelson,â new pcs by Newtown artist who conceptualizes works as electronic images before executing them in traditional media incl oil on canvas; May 1, opening reception, 6-9 pm.
Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 426-4533.
On libraryâs main floor: Through May 12, âSpread Over the Years,â paintings by Donald Purdy..
Gregory James Gallery, Bank Street Plaza, 27 Main St, New Milford. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm.
Call 860-354-3436.
*(new show) May 1-June 27, âSpring Art Show 2004,â works by gallery members incl Deborah Chabrian, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard & Bill Rice, also returning artists Joseph Grieco & Anda Styler, plus new members Rick Daskam, Robert Ferrucci, Patrick Purcell & Danielle Wexler; May 1, opening reception, 5-7 pm.
Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St Johnâs Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.
Permanent display of oils & pastels by Dick McEvoy.
Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Hours: Mon-Fri by appt. Call 938-8809.
*(new show) May 1-June 30, âNative Wildflowers of the Northeast,â works by 27 artists ranging from silverpoint to traditional scientific renderings in watercolor of native wildflowers; May 16, artistsâ reception (public invited), 1-4 pm.
Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.
*(new show) May 1-Sept 5,â Back To Nature: City Parks and Country Retreats,â celebration of cherished retreats created during 20th Century to fill the needs of rapidly growing industrial community of Waterbury through original drawings by park architects, postcards, pictorial histories, broadsides for entertainment events, engravings, scrapbooks and more; May 1, opening reception, 6-8 pm.
Permanent exhibition: âFortuneâs Story/Larryâs Legacy,â new research findings offer details about skeleton of African-American slave who lived in Waterbury during late 1700s.
Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Sat 10 am-2 pm, Mon & Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-350-2181.
Through May 5, âMyth & Landscape,â monotypes by Liz Dexheimer, who focuses on patterns & rhythms of natural world & frequently references mythological beings associated w/ natureâs power & majesty.
*(new show) May 8-31, âA Personal Garden of Eden,â oil paintings by Kathi Packer, who uses brilliant color & fine detail to portray her vision of the Garden of Eden; May 8, opening reception, 2-4 pm.
New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain. Hours: Tues, Thurs-Fri & Sun 12-5 pm, Wed 12-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm. Museum Highlights Tour offered each Sun at 2 pm. Call 860-229-0257.
Through May 23, âJeremiah Goodmanâs Interiors,â paintings of interiors by NY artist that are imbued w/ the spirit of their inhabitants & reflect the interests & tastes of the rich & famous incl Greta Garbo, Sir John Gielgud, Mary Martin, Richard & Dorothy Rodgers, Diana Vreeland, Ronald & Nancy Reagan, et al.
Through May 23, âNew/Now: Irene Hardwicke Olivieri,â paintings by Ms Olivieri, who translates the relationship between the natural world & her own life in colorful, mysterious images.
Through July 3, âBurchfield & Marsh: Exaggerated Visions,â 60 watercolors, oil paintings & drawings, incl many by Marsh that have never been on public view; May 5, Art Happy Hour, 5:30-7 pm, program at 6 by artist Leonard Everett Fisher, âCreative Connections.â
Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGA) Gallery, Halpin La, Ridgefield. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-438-8863.
*(new show) May 1-30, âRGA Student & Faculty Show,â works by RGA art students, ages kindergarten through adult, & their instructors; May 1, opening reception, 2-4 pm.
ALSO, May 2, âSerendipity 2004,â at Ballard Park, Rte 35/Main St, Ridgefield, 10 am-4 pm, annual one-day outdoor art show sponsored by Ridgefield Guild of Artists offers works by 100+ fine artists & crafters.
Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.
*(new show) May 1-23, âThree From Massachusetts,â landscapes by Jeffery Marshall, monotypes by Lynn Peterfreund & sculpture by Marilyn Ranker; May 1, opening reception, 3-5 pm.
Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Burlingham House Visitor Center Hours: Wed-Sun 8:30 am-5 pm. Call 203-834-1896.
Through May 2, âArtists at Weir Farm: Peter Schroth,â plein air landscapes by a painter âwho focuses on smaller details of the subject landscape.â
Wilton Art Gallery & Framing, 379 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-762-8311.
*(new show) May 1-31, âCollections: Jack H. Hellaby and Gregg Welz,â artist representations of the everyday things in life the two artists admire & collect â oils on canvas, monotypes & painted furniture by Mr Hellaby & Mr Welz; May 1, opening reception, 5-8 pm.
Auditions, Juried Events _____
Brookfield Arts Commission. Call 740-2801.
May 29: Dancers & singers, food vendors, artists & crafters being sought for International Cultural Festival, will run on Brookfield Town Hall property, 12-4 pm, contact Joanne Hunter ASAP for details.
Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39, Sherman. Call 748-6097.
May 1-2: Auditions for Woody Guthrieâs American Song, Sat 12-4 pm, Sun 11 am-3 pm, director Francis A. Daley seeks 3 men (ages 20-65: one in his 20s & fairly proficient on guitar; second should be in 30s-40s, plays guitar & sings in tenor/baritone range; third should be in 40-65 age range & strong character actor, guitar a plus but not necessary) & 2 women (ages 16-65: one is young soprano age 16-25, plays guitar, mezzo-soprano & able to âbelt out a songâ; second is age 30-65, strong character actor & also strong singer), all actors should be prepared w/ non-Broadway song (preferably in folk tradition), short monologue & be prepared to play guitar if part calls for it, musical director is Susan Lang, rehearsals will be Mon-Thurs beginning mid-July, show opens mid-Aug, production will run Fri-Sat eves & 2 Sun mats through mid-Sept, contact Mr Daley at above # for details.
              Â
Concerts, Musical Events ____
April 30: The Dave Holland Quintet at WCSUâs Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 7 pm, tickets $25 adults, $15 seniors & students, public performance by Grammy-nominated quintet is one highlight of 9th Annual WCSU/Litchfield Performing Arts Jazz Festival, opening set by WCSU Jazz Quintets I & II; 837-8350, 837-8486.
April 30: Saint Johnâs Chorale spring concert, at St Johnâs Church, Rte 47, Washington, 8 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 students, program will incl works of Kodaly (Laudes Organi & Cherubini (Requiem in C minor), will also be final performances by chorale under founding director Mark R. Scholtz, concert repeats May 2; 860-868-2527.
May 1: NUMC Coffee House, Newtown United Methodist Churchâs Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:45-10:30 pm, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see details under Miscellaneous), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-0617.
May 1: WCSU Jazz Orchestra w/ trombonist Alastair Kay & bassist Rufus Reid, WCSUâs Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 7 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors & students, public performance will be one of highlights of 9th Annual WCSU/Litchfield Performing Arts Jazz Festival, opening sets by local high school jazz ensembles & CCSU Jazz Ensemble; 837-8350, 837-8486.
May 1: The Yale Alley Cats at Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Rte 25, Brookfield Center, wine & hors dâoeuvres reception 7 pm, performance begins at 8, tickets $50, show by one of countryâs most renowned all-male a capella groups is also a fundraiser for the theater; 775-0023.May 1: Kiva Dance Collective at Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 8-10 pm, adm $10, evening of music, dance & poetry by group of 10 women from diverse training backgrounds (performance follows opening reception for museumâs new exhibition âBack To Nature: City Parks and Country Retreats,â 6-8 pm); 203-753-0381 x10.
May 1-2: Waterbury Symphony Orchestra season finalé, Naugatuck Community College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, Sat 8:15 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $30 & $60, guest soloist Midori joins WSO for John Adams Violin Concerto, program to also incl Rossiniâs Thieving Magpie Overture & Respighiâs The Pines of Rome & The Fountains of Rome; 203-574-4283.
May 1-2: 11th Annual Music Learning Center Spring Recital Series, Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, performances 1 & 3 pm each day, also 5 pm Sat, free adm, performances by approx 200 instrumentalists & vocalists ranging from age 5 to adult, receptions follow each performance; 748-1444.
May 2: 2nd Annual WCSU Rising Stars Student Musicians Showcase at Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 3 pm, free performance will conclude libraryâs Winter-Spring 2004 Concert Series, reception w/ musicians follows performance; 775-6241 x104.
May 2: âOvertures and Beginnings,â Danbury Community Orchestra concert, WCSU Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 3 pm, free concert celebrating the first performance of DSO under new music director & conductor Stephen Michael Smith will incl works of Handel, Glinka, Wagner, et al, audience invited to post-performance reception w/ musicians & Maestro Smith; 748-1716 (Danbury Music Centre).
May 2: Saint Johnâs Chorale spring concert, at St Johnâs Church, Rte 47, Washington, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 students, program will incl works of Kodaly (Laudes Organi & Cherubini (Requiem in C minor), final performance by chorale under founding director Mark R. Scholtz; 860-868-2527.
May 5: Chulrua at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, tickets $15 adults, $5 students/children, performance by internationally acclaimed trio (button accordion icon Paddy OâBrien, fiddler Patrick Ourceau & guitarist Pat Egan) presented by Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society; 203-256-8453.
May 5: âDizzy Atmosphere: Naugatuck Valley Community College Band Spring Jazz Fling,â at NVCCâs Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 8 pm, donations accepted at door, Big Band & contemporary selections featuring works of & in style of Gillespie & Gershwin, trombone duel, works from Chicago, et al; 203-575-8039.
May 8: âMasters of Vienna,â Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 8 pm, tickets $20 adults, $18 seniors & students, spring concert by Naugatuck Valley Community College Chorus & Greater Middletown Chorale wil incl music of the most famous composers of the Viennese school â Mozart, Haydn & Beethoven; 203-575-8039.
May 8: The Seasons by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Symphony Orchestra, at WCSUâs Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 8 pm, free performance of Haydnâs master work for chorus, orchestra & soloists celebrating âeveryday country life during the 18th Centuryâ will feature soprano Anne Dreyer, tenor Sean Fallen & bass Erik Kroncke w/ DCC & DSO; 748-1716.
Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.
May 7-8, Masterworks Series conclusion: Saint-Saënsâ Symphony #3 in C minor Op 78 (âOrganâ), w/ guest organist Edward Clark, 8 pm, tickets $15-$57 ($7 college students & ages 18 & under), also Barnerâs Symphony #1 Op 9 & Schwantnerâs âNeew Morning for the World (Daybreak of Freedom)â (free pvw 7 pm by Maestro Cumming, pre-concert performance by Hartt School Community Division of UHartford).
Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).
Performances 8 pm unless noted: May 3, âThe Glee Club Takes Manhattan,â 7:30 pm, tickets $10 (student discounts available), spring concert by Fairfield Univ Glee Club will incl Pops & Broadway favorites; May 8, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, $30, nationâs premier repertory chamber ensemble will offer all-Dvorak program, (performance preceded by âArt To Heartâ discussion w/ journalist Robert Sherman, 7-7:40 pm).
Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd (Rte 116), Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3889.
Performances, 8 pm, tickets $25-$45 adults, $15-$25 ages 18 & under: May 8, âSoulful Music To Love: Mahler,â rescheduled from Dec 6 (tickets for original date will be honored), performance of Mahlerâs Symphony #6.
Films _________________
Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.
April 30-May 6: Bon Voyage (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 4:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:10 pm; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (R), daily 9:35 pm, mat Fri 5:20 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 5:20 pm; Kill Bill, volume two (R), daily 6:45 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri-Sat 4 pm, Sun & Wed 1:20 & 4 pm; The Ladykillers (R), daily 7:30 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 3:15 pm; The Laws of Attraction (PG-13), daily 7:15 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 5:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:05 & 5:10 pm.
Sunday Classic with Dr Lowry, 10:30 am, $10 incl film, pre-screening info & post-screening discussion:
Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-2475.
April 30-May 2: Confessions of A Teenage Drama Queen (PG), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm.
May 3-5: Mystic River (R), daily 7 pm.
Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.
Through June 17: Ocean Oasis, daily 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, also Fri-Sun 7 pm w/ Volcanoes of the Deep Sea (double feature); Volcanoes of the Deep Sea, Mon-Fri 12 & 2 pm, Sat-Sun 12, 2 & 4 pm.
Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.
âGlorious Technicolor, Breathtaking Cinemascope & Stereophonic Sound,â ongoing series of free screenings, 2 pm unless noted: May 1, Bloody Sunday (2002, rated R, 107 minutes).
For Kids & Families _________
May 1: Annual May Fair, Housatonic Valley School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown(Dodgingtown), 11 am-3 pm, free admission, demonstrations of Maypole dancing and Morris dancing (11 am), Robin Hood play, music, potluck lunch (bring plates, silverware and something to share), face painting, garland making, more; 364-1113.
May 1: Roxy Fox and The Baby Dinosaurs, Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, 11 am, museum adm $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, free ages 2 & under, 45-min puppet show (included w/ adm) by Betty Baiden, complements museumâs current âDinosaur Eggs, Nests & Youngâ exhibition; 203-432-5050.
May 7: Kindergarten Friday at Monroe Public Library, 7 Fan Hill Rd, Monroe, 1:30 pm, free (registration requested/space limited), kindergarteners (or children age 5) invited to special program of games, stories & craft or video; 452-5459.
Downtown Cabaret Childrenâs Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.
Pinocchio, through May 23, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50, group discounts available.
Monroe Public Library, 7 Fan Hill Rd, Monroe. Call 452-5458.
Reading Adventures, 7 pm, parent & child book discussion series for grades 3-4, newcomers welcome, titles follow: May 4, Windcatcher by Avi.
Miscellaneous ___________
April 30: Lois Dodd slide lecture, WCSU White Hall Room 25, White St, Danbury, 11 am, free public lecture by one of the most influential American artists of latter half of 20th Century will incl slides & discussion of her work; 837-8410.
April 30: âMystical Monuments: The Stone Circles of Britain,â Washington Art Assn gallery, Bryan Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot, 7:30 pm, $5, slide lecture by Prof Alec Purves (professor of architecture, Yale School of Architecture) on the historic stone structures & their possible uses; 860-868-2878.
April 30-May 1: Annual Friends of Middlebury Library Book Sale, at the library, Crest Rd, Middlebury, 10 am-4 pm, proceeds benefit programs not covered by annual budget; 203-758-2634.
April 30-May 2: Danbury Animal Welfare Society Annual Tag & Bake Sale, Hatters Park Hall, 7 East Hayestown Rd, Danbury, Fri (early buying 9:30-10 am, adm $5) 10 am-3 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-3 pm, free adm, proceeds will help society help dogs & cats in greater Danbury area; 798-5816.
April 30-May 2: Annual Connecticut Artists at Woodburyâs Old Town Hall Show & Sale, Main St/Rte 6 at Mountain Rd, Woodbury, Fri 12-6 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-7 pm, 25 fine artists & crafters from across the state participating; 203-266-0110.
May 1: Donut Drive-Thru, St Johnâs Episcopal Church, Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 10 am-2 pm, fresh homemade donuts, gourmet coffees & other treats.
May 1: 3rd Annual Sandy Hook Arts & Crafts Festival, stores & businesses in Sandy Hook Center (intersection of Church Hill Rd, Washington Ave, Riverside Rd & Glen Rd), 10 am-3 pm rain or shine, free adm, vendors, crafts for kids, pony rides, reptile show, more.
May 1: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Churchâs Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, full spaghetti dinner incl salad, desserts, and soft drinks/coffee raises funds each month for church, all welcome, coffee house/musical event follows (see details under Concerts); 426-0617.
May 1: Annual Spring Tag Sale, St Georgeâs Church, Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, 9 am-3 pm rain or shine, regular tag sale items donated by church members, also baked goods & refreshments/lunch; 203-758-9864, 203-598-7091.
May 1: Café Conversation, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 10 am-noon, free, public invited to join members of Alliance Française of Northwestern CT for conversations in French, topics decided at beginning of program, BYO light refreshments, all levels of French speakers welcome; 203-263-4096, 262-0626.
May 1: Metro-North Commuter Railroadâs âRailroad Rodeo,â Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, 10 am-5 pm, competitions between Metro North engineers, conductors, welders, machinists & track maintenance workers, museum also open for visits (combined adm available for May 2 events at museum, see separate listing for details); 778-8337.
May 1: âPopeye Is 75: A Birthday Party,â The Burnham Library, Rte 133, Bridgewater, 3-5 pm, informal presentation by Brad & Marty Sagendorf (sons of Bud Sagendorf, who drew Popeye strips for 50+ years), also displays of original newspaper artwork, toys, novelty items, family memorabilia, proof sheets & original artwork for Popeye: The First Fifty Years, light refreshments incl spinach; 860-354-6937.
May 1: Connecticut ConTacts Singles Party at Colonial Tavern, off Rte 67, Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, $15, dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections, no jeans allowed; 203-468-1144.
May 1-2: 3rd Annual Artisans Alliance Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Cannondale Village, Rte 7 at Cannon Rd, Wilton, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm, crafters from throughout region featured; 749-0863.
May 1-9: 34th Annual Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN) Juried Spring Art Show, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm (May 9, 1-3 pm only), Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, 150± works in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, graphics, prints & sculpture by members, opening reception May 1 (2-4 pm), awards ceremony also May 1 (3 pm); 426-1212, 203-445-9975.
May 2: Danbury Railway Museum Train Show, at Western CT State Univ Berkshire Hall (Bill Williams Gymnasium), Osborne St (midtown campus), Danbury, 10 am-3 pm, adm $5 adults, free ages 12 & under, 100+ dealer tables w/ collectibles, gifts, models & books, also operating train layouts; 778-8337.
May 2: Serendipity 2004, Ballard Park, Rte 35/Main St, Ridgefield, 10 am-4 pm, annual one-day outdoor art show sponsored by Ridgefield Guild of Artists offers works by 100+ fine artists & crafters (incl Wayne Smith of Newtown); 203-438-8863.
May 3: BookTalks program, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 2 pm, free discussion of Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, all welcome; 262-0626.
May 4: âContainer Gardening,â Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, 7:30 pm, free program (registration requested) by Tom Rathier of UConn Agricultural Experiment Station; 775-6241.
May 6: âHistory Bites: Three Phenomenal Women, Three Phenomenal Landscapes,â The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, noon, free lecture by Ann Smith (curator, Mattatuck Museum) will compare & contrast Natalie Van Vleck of Flanders, Caroline Ferriday of Ferriday House & Garden & Edith Morton Chase of Topsmead State Forest, continues â4th annual History Bitesâ series, BYO light lunch (beverages & dessert provided); 203-753-0381.
May 7: May Friendship Day Celebration, Lockwood Lodge at Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 2:30 pm, free (donations accepted) service led by members of Church Women United/Newtown-Bethel will follow theme of building friendships through faith, light refreshments, all welcome; 426-9707, 426-5192.
May 7: Ridgefield Kitchen Tour, 10 am-2 pm (Patron Breakfast 9 am, tickets $75 incl breakfast & tour), annual event this year features 5 homes of various ages & decorating styles, fundraiser benefits Ridgefield Community Center & Maimonides Academy of Western CT; 203-645-3259.
May 7-8: 14th Annual Motherâs Day Plant Sale, Southbury Volunteer Fire Deptâs Center Firehouse, Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, Fri 12-7 pm, Sat 8 am-3 pm, proceeds benefit SVFD ladies auxiliary scholarship fund; 262-8138.
May 8: Annual Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown Plant Sale, The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 9 am-2 pm rain or shine, sale of flower baskets, member-grown perennials & other plants, proceeds benefit clubâs civic activities.
May 8: Indoor-Outdoor Flea Market, Church of the Good Shepherd, Shepherd Lane (betw Post Rd & Rte 34), 8 am-2 pm rain or shine; 203-934-4446.
May 8: Western CT Orienteering Club Meet at Osbornedale State Park, Chatfield St, Derby, 10 am-noon, $6, beginner & intermediate level courses set up, instruction & compasses available; 860-658-7963.
May 8: 12th Annual Spring Auction, St Thomasâ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 6:30-8:30 pm, free adm, silent & live auctions, refreshments, door prizes; 784-2089.
Active Singles. Call 860-489-9611 or visit www.ActiveSingles.org.
Hikes for singles (ages 30s-50s) 1st & 3rd Sun/month, 9:30 am (early arrival requested), free, no dogs or children allowed, 4 skill levels available, bring/wear hiking boots & bring water: May 2, hikes at Black Rock State Park, Watertown.
Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: MAY 2-OCT 28 Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.
1754 home of Bethlehemâs first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard & 1915 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours (Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm), adm $5 adults, $2 ages 18 & under.
Special Events: May 1, opening for season; May 8, Annual Plant Sale, 10 am-3 pm, perennials, trees & shrubs propagated from historic plants in circa 1915 Ferriday garden.
C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533.
Programs free unless noted: May 4, book discussion, 1 pm, Tom Brokawâs The Greatest Generation; May 10, book discussion, 1 pm, Anita Brooknerâs The Debut; May 13, Author Program: Wally Wood, 7:30 pm, discussion by author of The Relationship Edge in Business (co-authored w/ Jerry Acuff) about his book & ways to build business relationships w/ customers, colleagues & bosses; May 15, beginnerâs computer class, 9 am-noon, free, registration required.
Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders & Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-3711.
Early Morning Bird Walks, Sundays in May, 7 am, free guided walks (led by members of Western CT Bird Club) through fields & forests in search of varieties of birds that call Van Vleck Sanctuary their home.
Botany Bound, Sundays in May, 1 pm, free guided walks along Flandersâ Botany Trail.
Misc programs: May 14, Stargazing Group, 8 pm, $8, join local naturalist & astronomer Deron Ash for ongoing series about the night sky, call if bad weather, registration required.
New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Rd, West Redding. Call 203-938-2117.
Adult Programs: May 8, Early Morning Bird Walk, 6:30 am, $10, start the day identifying & viewing various birds of farm, bring binoculars.
Special Events: May 8, âWolf Talkâ program, 11-12 & 1-2 pm, $12, visit w/ Michael & Amy LeBlanc of Wolf Talk & a timber wolf to dispel myths & learn about the important role wolves play in the environment.
Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.
Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: May 1, Central Park & Hayden Planetarium, New York City, all day hike, bring money for train, planetarium entry fee, restaurant dinner, leader is Nancy Zigler (732-2618; Note earlier start time at 8 am sharp!); May 8, Mine Hill Preserve, Roxbury, leader is Len Patti (426-3632); May 15, Bennetts Farm, Pine Mountain, Ridgefield, leader is David Wesley (203-438-1459).
Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.
Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hallâs back parking lot (separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing & sm home accessories, etc.
Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6654.
Meetings 2nd Wed/month, 7:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: May 12, watercolor program by Barbara Goodspeed.
Wednesday Night Poetry, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 (Michael Seri), 748-2828 (BAJ).
Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: May 5, Michael Brown; May 12, Dick Allen.
Theatre ______________
Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Brookfield Playhouse, Rte 25, Brookfield Center. Call 775-0023.
The Fantasticks, through May 8, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $15.
Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.
A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To The Forum, through May 9, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $34.50-$42.50.
Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.
Topdog/Underdog, through May 9, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, call for mat schedule (selected Wed, Sat & Sun), tickets $20-$60 (group & student discounts available).
Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.
Hamlet, through May 23 (previews to April 27, opening night April 29), curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets ($30-$40 during previews) $38-$55.
Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-757-4676.
Route 66, May 6-June 6, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $24-$38.50.
Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39 (behind firehouse), Sherman. Call 860-354-3622.
A View from The Bridge, through May 8, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $13 seniors & students.
Square One Theatre Company, Stratford Theatre, 2422 Main St, Stratford. Call 203-375-8778.
As It Is In Heaven, May 7-16, Nov 7-22, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat (*May 22 only) 4 pm, Sun (May 9 & 16) 2 pm, tickets $16 adults, $15 seniors & children.
St Margaretâs-McTernan School, 565 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury. Call 203-236-9545.
The Spitfire Grill, April 29-May 1, curtain Thurs & Sat 8 pm, Fri 7 pm, tickets $13.
TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane, through May 22, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 9 only) 2 pm, tickets $15.
Town Players of Newtown, Little Theatre, theatre is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.
Donât Dress for Dinner, May 7-29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 23 only) 2 pm, tickets $15 ($12 matinee); note: May 7 performance will be fundraiser for Newtown Congregational Church, all tickets $20.
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Events that appear by date have Newtown events listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.
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DEADLINE INFORMATION
Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that weekâs edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Arts Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.