A scene from the Staples Players’ rehearsals for the troupe’s production of “Guys and Dolls,” which will be presented at the school in November. / Photo, Staples Players’ Facebook page
Tami Benanav, co-chairwoman of the new Staples Players Boosters, tells the Board of Education about the new group’s financial support for student productions. / Photo by Linda Conner Lambeck

By Linda Conner Lambeck

WESTPORT — When the Staples Players’ production of “Guys and Dolls” hits the stage next month, some credit must go to a newly incorporated parents’ club.

Staples Players Boosters Inc. has donated $6,650 to supplement the salaries of choreographers and technical directors associated with the presentation of the prize-winning musical.

The Board of Education this week accepted the gift unanimously.

Assistant Supt. of Schools John Bayers likened the gift to those given seasonally by district parents to support the stipends given to Staples’ athletic coaches.

Tami Benanav, co-chairwoman of the booster club, said the new 501c3 charity raised the funds to provide additional days for choreographer Rachel MacIssac, and provide compensation for assistant choreographer Jessi Lawyer and assistant technical directors Sophie Dinitz and Larry Diamond.

“They are really, really incredible professional-quality shows that we would not be able to do without some additional funding beyond what is provided by the town budget,” Benanav told the board.

She said the expertise will support the Staples productions at the level people expect.

The Staples Players double cast production of “Guys and Dolls” will run Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are set Nov. 12, 13 and 19 at 3 p.m.

 Tickets go on sale Oct. 22.

Freelance writer Linda Conner Lambeck, a reporter for more than four decades at the Connecticut Post and other Hearst publications, is a member of the Education Writers Association.

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