Weston Actor to Appear in 'Nuts'

WESTON, Conn. – Phil Schaefer, a Weston actor who will appear in the Ridgefield Theater Barn production of “Nuts,” the Tom Topor play, was inspired to perform by his dog, Zoe.

The distinguished Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an established acting and modeling career. Schaefer thought, “If she can do it, why can’t I?” He said, “She was the impetus for my on camera work. I had no formal training as an actor.”

He also said, “She had an agent before I did, although I have several agents now.”

Schaefer, chairman of the Weston Board of Education and a professional accountant and real estate agent, began dabbling in acting as “mid-life kind of fun,” he said. He started doing voiceovers and print ads before starting his acting career on television and in films.

He has appeared in the television shows "Law & Order" and "Ugly Betty" and in short films, including an independent film “The Retribution,” which will debut later this year. His first theatrical role was in “A Thousand Clowns” at the Westport Community Theater in February.

He’ll play the judge in “Nuts,” a drama about a call girl who kills a client and attempts to prove her sanity so she can stand trial.

Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. from June 1 through June 23. There will be cabaret seating with the audience invited to bring food and drinks that can be enjoyed before the show and at intermission.

Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for students and senior citizens. For reservations, visit the Ridgefield Theater Barn site or call 203-431-9850.

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