Scarpa to sign memoir, "Lessons from the Stage," at Shelton High School event

Gary and Francesca Scarpa

SHELTON - Author, director, and educator Gary Scarpa has released his newest book, Lessons from the Stage, a memoir celebrating 50 years of theater, marriage, and community alongside his wife Francesca and their daughters.

Scarpa’s fourth published work — and his first non-fiction title — looks back on more than four decades of creating theater in Shelton and beyond through school productions, summer theater, and professional stage work.

“Back in 1973, I fell in love with an art form and a girl, all in one fell swoop,” Scarpa said. “The rest is history.”

That journey began with a college audition and continued in 1976 when Scarpa, then a young teacher at Shelton High School, directed his first production, The Music Man. One month later, Gary and Francesca were married at Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven with the entire cast in attendance.

Over the decades, the Scarpas founded the Youth CONNection summer theater troupe in 1983 and later established Center Stage in 2005, inspiring generations of performers, students, and audiences along the way.

In Lessons from the Stage, Scarpa reflects on both the triumphs and challenges of a life devoted to live theater.

“It’s a look back at our entire life in the theater,” Scarpa said, “with all the moments that stay with you long after the curtain comes down — not only the highlights, but the difficult moments as well. Theater teaches lessons that last a lifetime.”

To celebrate the book’s release and the couple’s golden anniversary in theater and marriage, the Scarpas will host a free public book discussion and signing on June 6 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Shelton High School.

The event is open to anyone who performed under their direction, worked backstage, attended productions, or followed Scarpa’s writing career through the years.

Lessons from the Stage is available in paperback and hardcover through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and in digital format wherever e-books are sold.

For more information about the book, the June 6 event, or Gary Scarpa’s work, visit garyscarpa.com.

Scarpas' presentation at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to introduce novel

Gary Scarpa: Dramatic Presentation of "Still Life"

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.. Shelton
Day/Time: June 6, 6 p.m.

Along with his wife Francesca and daughter Mia, Gary Scarpa, Author will present a unique 30 minute dramatic presentation, intended to introduce readers to his latest novel, STILL LIFE.

The program will feature the Scarpas acting out scenes from the novel, accompanied by nostalgic photos and music of the era, the late 1960s. 

Well known in the region for their outstanding work in theater over the course of more than 40 years, the Scarpas’ presentation promises to be an entertaining one. After the dramatic presentation, the Scarpas will take questions from the audience.

Save your seat by registering: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=557398&PK=

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Author to introduce 'Still Life' at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library in Monroe

 

Scarpa to discuss, sign his latest novel at Derby Public Library

 

Retired Shelton educator pens novel 'Still Life,' a coming of age story

Gary Scarpa

Mia Scarpa 

 

Lifelong Shelton resident Gary Scarpa enjoyed a rewarding career as a teacher, guidance counselor, and theater director. In his retirement, he has pursued new artistic avenues as an author.

As it was in the world of theater, publishing is a family affair for Scarpa. With the professional support of his daughter Mia, Scarpa recently released a new novel, Still Life, a coming of age story set between 1969 and 1971.

“When I decided to venture into writing, I knew I needed someone to both edit my work and help me develop my characters and stories,” Scarpa said. “Mia was the perfect person for the job!”

The two have a long history of collaborating professionally, having co-directed a number of major musicals together.

“People often ask me what it’s like to work with a family member in this capacity, but we’re both so used to it that it feels very normal to us,” Mia explained. “After years of working together in the theater, we Scarpas continue to partner in other endeavors.” Mia also assists her sister, Gina, in the voiceover business.

As Gary creates new stories and characters, Mia both edits and formats the interior of his novels. “My dad is a very creative person, and I am more structured,” she explained. “This makes us a good match for the literary world.”

Scarpa added, “Her work on my books goes way beyond editing and formatting, though. Mia is truly a literary advisor and my partner in creating fiction.”

Scarpa decided to be an independent author, he said, because he began writing late in life. “I’m in my seventies,” he said, “and, realizing I had a number of books I wanted to publish, I decided to go the independent route, thereby giving us complete control over our timelines and our literary choices, from the cover to the last chapter.”

Mia said, “We even created our own little publishing company, Next Chapter Press, for the exclusive production of our own work.”

Scarpa’s newest release, Still Life, is a coming of age story about a young man who takes a road trip in the early 1970s. “The story has all of the elements of navigating late adolescence,” Scarpa explained, “and going on a road trip, which turns out to be a journey of self-discovery in the midst of a revolutionary historical period.”

Each of Scarpa’s novels takes place in Connecticut, in the Lower Naugatuck River Valley, where he himself grew up and where he chose to raise his family.

The father-daughter team works side by side throughout the entire process, from first ideas to final publishing. They both say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Mia is very meticulous,” Scarpa said. “She doesn’t let anything get by, and as a creative person, I need that kind of help to ensure that the final product is ready for our readers.”

Scarpa's novels, Still Life and What Are the Chances?, are available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever e-books are sold.
Upcoming book events with the author will take place on Dec. 13 at the Shelton Senior Center, Dec. 14 at JC’s Sports Bar, and Jan. 4 at Derby Public Library. 

For more information about Gary’s novels and these events, visit www.garyscarpa.com

This is a press release from Gary Scarpa. 

Center Stage in Shelton to present 'Carols & Cocktails' performances

 

SHELTON - Center Stage Theatre will present “A Center Stage Christmas: Carols & Cocktails” Dec. 15-17. Performances are at 7:30 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with some of your favorite Center Stage performers performing carols new and old accompanied by a live, three-piece band. 

Cabaret style seating; bring your own refreshments and holiday cheer! Purchase tickets at centerstageshelton.org.

Center Stage Theatre is an inclusive and intergenerational community-based theatre providing high quality and affordable performances, educational programming and volunteer opportunities. 

The theatre produces five full-scale productions a year including its annual Youth CONNection summer musical, as well as year-round theatre education for adults and students grades K-12. 

Founded in 2005 by Gary and Francesca Scarpa, Center Stage is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre attracting actors and audiences from throughout Fairfield and New Haven counties, and was named “Best Community Theater” by Connecticut Magazine’s “Best of CT 2022” round-up. 

For more information, visit centerstageshelton.org, or the theatre’s Facebook (@centerstageshelton) or Instagram (@centerstageshelton) channels.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Author Gary Scarpa to discuss his new book at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Retired Shelton High School teacher and author Gary Scarpa will talk about his new book, 'What Are the Chances?' Wednesday at Plumb Memorial Library.

Sharing from Scarpa's Facebook post:

"Mia, Franki, and I will be talking about my latest book with our good friend Liz Kennard (as moderator) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. -- and I will be signing books in the hour before the talk (5-6) and the hour after the talk (7-8).

"Bring your own book or buy one at the event! We’d love to see you!"

Plumb Memorial Library is at 65 Wooster St.

Scarpa to hold book signing Saturday at J.C.'s Sports Bar in Shelton

Gary Scarpa 

SHELTON - Join TEAM SCARPA Saturday for our second book signing at my favorite downtown establishment: J.C.’s Sports Bar (aka the ASCOT CLUB), 330 Howe Ave. 

Book signing will be from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Many thanks to J.C.'s owner Jimmy Cavallaro for hosting us!  

Come by and say hello, and bring your own book to be signed or buy one at “the Club” on Saturday.

J.C.’s has a lunch menu and, oh yes, a cash bar!

P.S. No book talk at this event!

Upcoming Events:

Quarry Walk, Oxford - "Meet the Authors" - Sept. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Shelton Day - Oct. 1, all day
Plumb Memorial Library, Shelton - Book Talk and Signing - Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m. (book talk from 6-7 p.m., signing before and after)

This is a press release from author and retired Shelton educator Gary Scarpa.

Scarpa to hold book signing, author talk Saturday at Derby Public Library

Library director Scott Brill with Gary Scarpa

Mia Scarpa

Fran Scarpa

Liz Kennard

Sharing message from author and retired Shelton educator Gary Scarpa:

"Join Team Scarpa this Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon at Derby Public Library for our first book signing event.

We will be discussing how we conceived of and brought WHAT ARE THE CHANCES? to life with our wonderful friend (and adopted Team Scarpa member), Liz Kennard, who will moderate and, as always, add a professional touch to our book talk.

I will be signing books in the hour before and the hour after the book talk. If you have a book, please bring it - or you can purchase one on Saturday.

Many thanks to library director and good friend Scott Brill for hosting us! Signing up is optional, but Scott asks that you do so in order to plan."

10 - 11 a.m. - Book Signing, please register at https://bit.ly/3QkhCaE

11 a.m. - noon - Author Talk, please register at https://bit.ly/3rVGBXO

Noon - 1 p.m. - Book Signing, please register at https://bit.ly/45dnQxk

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

Scarpa to discuss his novel, 'What Are the Chances' at Derby Public Library

This is a press release from Shelton resident Gary Scarpa:

DERBY - Team Scarpa will be speaking, and I will be signing books at Derby Public Library this Saturday, Aug. 26.

Here is the schedule:
Book talk: 11 a.m.-noon.
Book signing 10-11a.m. and noon-1p.m.

For further details about this and other book signing events, visit: garyscarpa.com/events 
 
If you've never visited the Derby Public Library, you'll love the historic building, about to celebrate its 120th birthday! The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we hope to see you in Derby or at one of our book signing events!

Next up: 

J.C.'s Sports Bar
330 Howe Avenue, Shelton, CT
September 9, 2023
Book signing: 11:30 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m. 
(no book talk)