Around Town

‘Everyone’s Movie Theater’: New Canaan Playhouse Reopens to High Praise 

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The New Canaanite 2024 Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Karp Associates. Exactly halfway down Elm Street a historic landmark has been given new life. 

The New Canaan Playhouse Theater’s doors finally reopened following a four-plus-year closure. “We are thrilled that after two years and a lot of hard work and commitment from the taxpayers and private investors, New Canaan now has a beautiful, state-of-the-art theater right at the 50 yard line,” New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Laura Budd said. Through the front doors, the theater boasts an impressive lobby where a balance of history and modern design coexist harmoniously. Upon entrance, individuals can find to their left a beautiful new bar and on the right, a concession stand from which wafts the redolent aroma of freshly popped popcorn. 

“When I attended the opening event last week, everyone was blown away at what the team had done to take this beautiful 100-year-old building and turn it into a modern functioning building,” Budd said.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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The owners of the Roger Sherman Inn said late Wednesday that the restaurant isn’t closed for good after all. After announcing last month that Jan. 2 would be the Oenoke Ridge Road restaurant’s final day, an email blast shared on social media and signed by Nes Jaffre said “we’re extending our stay.” It isn’t clear how long it will be open or what’s the reason for the extension—the property is to be redeveloped by a Norwalk man, pending approval from the town. The Roger Sherman will serve in its bar and on its heated porch, and the dining room is available by request, according to the bulletin.

Andy Towers

New Canaan Alumni Athletic Association/New Canaan Old Timers Association Annual Picnic

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Former stars of New Canaan’s sports past will shine again as the New Canaan Alumni Athletic Association/New Canaan Old Timers Association will hold its annual picnic on Sunday, September 18 at Waveny. This year’s event will feature eight honorees: Bill Brown, Kara Devlin, Paul Devlin, Cari Hills, Mario Lopez, Jeff Mellick, Bob Schott and Andy Towers. The celebration runs from 10am to 3pm and includes a continental breakfast, beverages and lunch. The cost is $50 for adults, $20 for students. Children under 14 are admitted for free.

Sports

New Canaan Old Timers Association Spotlight: Paul Devlin

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A three-year starter and captain of the baseball team, Paul Devlin earned a number of honors for his performance during his senior year. The 1982 NCHS graduate was named first-team All-FCIAC, first team All-State and was named to the Connecticut team that played against a team of all-stars from Massachusetts in the annual game between the two states. In his senior season, Devlin–a third basemen–hit .493 and broke Bobby Valentine’s FCIAC record for number of hits in a season. The record had stood since 1962. He also drove in 30 runs in 20 games for head coach Keith MacBain and the Rams that year.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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The Planning & Zoning Commission at its most recent meeting decided to forego approving two signs for new businesses that had been submitted to the town (see photos above). Commissioner Elizabeth DeLuca, head of P&Z’s sign committee, said that a sign for Spiga, the new Italian restaurant opening on Main Street, was meant to be “burnt orange” according to its application “but it appears to be a very bright orange color.”

“They put it up,” DeLuca said at the July 26 meeting. “It’s up. It’s there.”

Though P&Z did not specify just why, the group also forewent voting either way on a new sign for the New Canaan Psychic, to open at 179 Cherry St. Regarding Siga, Town Planner Steve Kleppin noted window signage and said that it is more attractive than banners inside downtown businesses that hang behind the glass.