Popcorn, Peanuts, and Plays

Oft-lauded actor, director, philanthropist, and veteran sexiness Paul Newman will be returning to the theatre scene this fall with his stage-directing debut, according to the recently released schedule of the Westport Country Playhouse. He is slated to direct John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men at the historic site, saved from dilapidation and neglect largely due to the efforts of Newman's wife, Joanne Woodward, who joined the Playhouse staff in the 1990s.

Newman and Woodward have been residents of the Connecticut town since the early 1960's; his hugely profitable for-charity food production company, Newman's Own, is also based there. Woodward, a former arts director at the Playhouse, has returned to her prior position on an interim basis.

Let me get this straight: Paul and Jo in their hometown glory - ?! Road trip to Westport, anyone?!




Photo: Paul and Joanne at home, 1963.