A group of our Island Treasures* escaped from the Island for the day on April 27 and had a lovely time enjoying some local culture, an afternoon filled with songs by Cole Porter and each others’ company.
The adventure began at a Union Chapel lunch and, after some investigating with IPP Board Member Polly Heaney, the ladies discovered that Island Peoples Project (IPP) had some funds set aside for senior enrichment. Fran Roethgen, with help from Mary Ski, planned a fabulous day “in America”.
Boarding the 8:15 ferry, the first stop was the Florence Griswold Museum, ‘The home of American Impressionism’, in Old Lyme, CT. The knowledgeable museum docent Sue Aberbach led the Fishers Island group through the boarding house and shared many interesting antidotes about the artists who lived and worked there, as well as the life of Florence Griswold. This was followed by a tour of the garden and museum and the varied collections the museum is proud to hold.
Next, they headed north to East Haddam where the group of 16 had a delicious lunch at La Vita Gustosa before strolling across the street to the Goodspeed for an outstanding musical performance of Anything Goes.
Several actors ‘stole the show’ but it was agreed that stand-outs included Rashidra Scott in her role as Reno, David Scott as Billy, Stephen DeRosa as Moonface, and Trixie the dog! The voices, the dancing, and the acting this cast shared with the audience was outstanding as the band ‘played on’ from the top deck of the ship. New York Times Reviews Goodspeed Musical’s Anything Goes!
As the group relaxed on the 6:15 ferry back home, all were imagining what fun adventure would be the next escape!
Grateful thank yous go to the IPP Board for making this day a reality for so many. A special thank you also goes to Fran from organizing this special trip.
Please click any image to see a larger version or view as a slideshow.
Photos by Jane Ahrens and Art Walsh.
The Florence Griswold Museum Tour
Goodspeed Musicals presents Cole Porter’s Anything Goes
*Island Treasures in this instance are Island residents over 60.
