It was all about the performing arts over the weekend with musket fire and a drop-dead gorgeous Thomas Jefferson at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam and show, music and a drop-dead view in Hartford for Hartford Stage.
The Goodspeed celebrated the opening of "1776" with Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution providing a period backdrop for patrons who turned out opening night to see the musical version of the crafting of the Declaration of Independence.
And then there was hunky Thomas Jefferson, er, actor Edward Watts, who made the Virginia statesman look better than any history book ever imagined.
It's quite a different role compared to `All My Children,'" said Watts, a soap-opera-star-turned-accomplished-stage-actor. He stood a couple of heads taller than most of those around him, which made him hard to miss. And his good looks had heads turning even more when he stopped outside the theater before the show to mingle with some of the audience.
Also garnering some extra attention was 82-year-old John Newton, who plays Rhode Island delegate Stephen Hopkins in the show.
And as an octogenarian who looked anything but, he has also copped the title of oldest cast member to ever grace the Goodspeed stage.
"I provide the comedy relief in the show," the veteran actor quipped as he came out to watch the Sons of the Revolution demonstrate the musket firing before the show before taking the stage as Hopkins. "I am sure I do not do justice to the man."
On Sunday, the Bank of America unveiled its new, breathtaking meeting venue as part of Hartford Artistic Director Michael Wilson's 10th anniversary party subtitled "Top Of Our Town."
But Wilson swore it wasn't all about him.
"It's to celebrate our 44th season," said the veteran artistic director, who is marking a decade of service to the downtown Hartford theater. "It's not just for me."
But a quick look around the 26th-floor, glassed venue gave a different impression. Oversize posters from many Wilson-directed productions, as well as a guest list that included some noteworthy stars he directed, including Andrew McCarthy (who filled in as master of ceremonies for an ailing Hal Holbrook) and Annalee Jefferies who, in 1998, starred in Wilson's premiere production at Hartford Stage, Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire."
"We have accomplished a lot in 10 years," said Wilson. "I'm proud of all the actors and all the hard work."
Wilson said he will feel a fuller sense of accomplishment once the theater moves forward on its expansion plans. As for regrets: "Not really," said Wilson, whose New York City off-Broadway production of "Dividing the Estate" received nice reviews last week.
"This business throws a lot of curves," he said. "I wish I could be more places at once."
And what about a 20th anniversary with Hartford Stage?
"Sure, why not," said Wilson.
And finally, Hartford Symphony Executive Director Charlie Owens was given a send-off as he prepares to take over as president and CEO of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in New York.
Held at 960 Main in Hartford, the going-away party featured parting gifts like tickets to Europe so Owens can enjoy a quick respite before he heads to upstate New York in November.
Today's Birthdays
Movie critic Rex Reed is 69. Singer-songwriter Don McLean is 62. Cajun/country singer Jo-El Sonnier is 61. Photographer Annie Leibovitz is 58. Singer-actor Sting is 56. Actress Lorraine Bracco is 53. Folk-country singer Gillian Welch is 40. Country singer Kelly Willis is 39. Actress-talk show host Kelly Ripa is 37. Singer Tiffany is 36.
Sunday (Sept. 30) Birthdays
Note: Sept. 30 birthdays were omitted from Sunday's Courant.
Actress Deborah Kerr is 86. Actress Angie Dickinson is 76. Singer Cissy Houston is 74. Singer Johnny Mathis is 72. Rock singer-musician Dewey Martin (Buffalo Springfield) is 65. Singer Marilyn McCoo is 64. Pop singer Sylvia Peterson (The Chiffons) is 61. Singer Deborah Allen is 54. Actor Barry Williams is 53. Actress Fran Drescher is 50. Country singer Marty Stuart is 49. Rock musician Bill Rieflin (R.E.M.) is 47. Country singer Eddie Montgomery (Montgomery-Gentry) is 44. Rock singer Trey Anastasio is 43.
