Former Greenwich resident Brendan Fraser wins best actor at Critics Choice Awards
Scene… Actor and Bedford, N.Y. resident Brendan Fraser won the award for best actor at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards last week for his performance as Charlie in “The Whale.” The movie, about a 600pound teacher living as a recluse, was filmed in Newburgh, N.Y. and was released nationally in December. Fraser’s emotional acceptance speech received a standing ovation from the audience. The 54-year-old former Greenwich resident may be up for an Oscar for his roll in the hit movie. Nominees will be announced on “Good Morning America” on Jan. 24. The 94th Academy Awards take place on March 27.
Out there… Christ Church Greenwich is offering a free talk, “House of God and House of Kings,” on Jan. 29 at 11:15 a.m. with James O’Donnell, former organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey. Among his many accomplishments, O’Donnell led the music at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011, and the service of thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip in 2021. He was recently made a lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by King Charles III in the British New Year’s Honors list, which recognizes distinguished personal service to the British sovereign and their family. His last service at Westminster Abbey was Christmas Day. He has since moved to Connecticut for his new role as professor in the practice of organ at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. O’Donnell is also serving as artist-inresidence at Christ Church Greenwich and will play in several performances this year.
Out there… The Bedford Playhouse is featuring a conversation with best-selling author Katie Sise on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. Sise will discuss her latest novel, “The Break.” The former TV host and jewelry designer is the author of “The Break,” “Open House,” “We Were Mothers,” “The Boyfriend App,” “The Pretty App” and “The Academy.” For tickets and more info, go to www.bedfordplayhouse.org or call 914-234-6704.
Scene… L’escale restaurant at The Delamar Hotel on Steamboat Road in Greenwich has reopened. Starting Jan. 23, the restaurant will resume its normal winter hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In December, the popular restaurant reversed its former announcement to close its doors and announced it would remain open operating under a new licensing agreement with The Delamar and keep executive chef Frederic Kieffer and general manager David Fletcher on board. For more info, go to www.lescalerestaurant.com.
Out there… The Ridgefield Playhouse is featuring a performance by singer, actress and Broadway star Linda Eder on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 203-438-5795 or go to www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller
And that’s all for now. Later…
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