James Bairaktaris 6/3/21 James Bairaktaris 6/3/21

The Remarkable Bookcycle Find New Home on Main Street

Westport’s famous Remarkable Bookshop was brought to life again with the Remarkable Bookcycle, a little free library now stationed on the sidewalk in front of 173 Main Street, the future home of Cold Fusion Gelato. The mobile free library offers novels and children’s books to anyone who stops by, curated by a team of volunteer Remarkable Librarians.Designed and gifted by bestselling novelist Jane Green and her husband Ian Warburg, the couple brought in the help of Ryan Peterson to build the bike, working with local celebrated artist Miggs Burroughs to paint its recognizable signage, before they even knew Miggs had created the original artwork for the store.The name and color were inspired by the famous Remarkable Bookshop, an iconic landmark which which sat at the head of Main Street, just up from the bike’s current spot, before its closure in 1994. Beloved by the community for its nooks and crannies, it’s wonderful staff, and Heathcliff the cat, who could always be found snuggled amongst a pile of books.The bookcycle travels the community, allowing neighbors the chance to find their next great read as the old bike waits for its next move. — Westport’s famous Remarkable Bookshop was brought to life again with the Remarkable Bookcycle, a little free library now stationed on the sidewalk in front of 173 Main Street, the future home of Cold Fusion Gelato. The mobile free library offers novels and children’s books to anyone who stops by, curated by a team of volunteer Remarkable Librarians.
Designed and gifted by bestselling novelist Jane Green and her husband Ian Warburg, the couple brought in the help of Ryan Peterson to build the bike, working with local celebrated artist Miggs Burroughs to paint its recognizable signage, before they even knew Miggs had created the original artwork for the store.
The name and color were inspired by the famous Remarkable Bookshop, an iconic landmark which which sat at the head of Main Street, just up from the bike’s current spot, before its closure in 1994. Beloved by the community for its nooks and crannies, it’s wonderful staff, and Heathcliff the cat, who could always be found snuggled amongst a pile of books.
The bookcycle travels the community, allowing neighbors the chance to find their next great read as the old bike waits for its next move.

James Bairaktaris 6/2/21 James Bairaktaris 6/2/21

GFS 5th Graders Present “Annie JR.” this Week in Bedford Square; Tickets Still Available

`Learning their steps from co-choreographer Kristine Nielsen.`

After months of outdoor rehearsals, Greens Farms Elementary School fifth graders are excited to present their show “Annie Jr.” this week in Bedford Square.

`Laura Curley Pendergast, owner of Theater Camp 4 Kids Broadway Academy, directs the show Annie Jr.`

Musical theater wasn’t on the amenities list for tenants of Bedford Square, but residents and passersby have gladly noticed the small acting school practicing outdoors - in all weather - throughout the pandemic in yet another example of the theatrical arts thriving in Westport. The Westport Local Press was able to visit the group at the rotary parking lot at 12 Elm Street - watching as the sidewalk became a stage, and apartment owners leaned from their balconies to enjoy the show below.

The acting school is run by Westporter Laura Curley Pendergast, who is directing the sidewalk show with the help of volunteers and interns. The sets are mobile, with a makeshift indoor studio space and the use of the sidewalks being lent to the group of singing, dancing kids by Bedford Square’s David Waldman. Waldman has allowed them the space, as other indoor venues were shuttered this past year - such as the auditoriums of many local schoolhouses.

`Holden LaForce fills Bedford Square with his voice as he practices one of Annie Jr’s musical numbers.`

`Capri DiVincenzo, playing Grace Farrell, and Charlotte Pendergast, Co-leading as Annie.`

The tiny dancers captured the attention of many who walk past the group as they sing, dance, flip, “sleep”, and laugh through their rehearsals - with Pendergast leading them as they glide through their lines and moves. The fifth graders make the work seem effortless, with scene changes and dance routines moving along without missing a beat during rehearsals, even while pedestrians crossed and twisted around the kids with bright sun beating down on their faces.

However warm now, the school had continued through this past winter - with students hopping onto the sidewalk stage in thick coats, hats, gloves during the cold New England days to prepare for their next show.

`Co-lead Jasmita Mani-Lorenzato as Annie.`

After months of hard work and pandemic-era adaptations, the Greens Farms School fifth graders welcome the community to attend their shows this week - right on the sidewalk where they’ve been singing and dancing all along. A sweet rendition of Annie, Annie Jr. will gives Westporters a chance to enjoy a live performance under the bright skies and street lamps of Downtown Westport.

Annie JR. Performance Schedule:

Friday, June 4th: 6:30 PM
Saturday, June 5th: 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 5th: 4:30 PM
Sunday, June 6th: 4:30 PM*

To attend the outdoor performances, contact Director Laura Curley Pendergast by texting her at 917-734-8462 or by emailing anniejr2021westport@gmail.com to purchase the $18 tickets. For information on camps and lessons, visit their website.