Mr. Raymond Buzak Remembered in Feature Newspaper Article From This Date in 1968

Mr. Raymond Buzak, who passed away last December 19, was a highly-educated teacher of drama and English Speech for 15 years at Central High School in Bridgeport and 16 years at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield. Buzak, who received his degrees from the University of Connecticut and Fairfield University, was the subject of a feature story in the Bridgeport Sunday Post on this date, August 18, 1968. The following is the text of the article.

What do school teachers do during the Summer? Directing a play with adults is a change of pace for a drama teacher accustomed to working with teenagers during the year. Raymond Buzak, a teacher of drama and speech at Andrew Warde High School, is a talented actor as well as director.

The current production at the Polka Dot Playhouse of Agatha Christie's mystery-melodrama "The Mousetrap" was directed by Mr. Buzak. And, in the special showing of "Oliver!" which opened the season, he played the central role of Fagin in the Lionel Bart musical.

Like many schoolteachers, Mr. Buzak can look back on a variety of Summer experiences. He has sold encyclopedias and worked in a costume shop. He has even worked as a bookkeeper.

Some of his Summers were spent attempting to save historical buildings and items threatened by both redevelopment and progress. Some of the Summers were spent studying. He received his master's degree in supervision at Fairfield University and sixth-year certificate in speech therapy at Southern Connecticut State College.

His educational labors were balanced with European trips and by the excitement of helping to build the Polka Dot Playhouse in Bridgeport. His association with the theatre extends back 11 years.

Mr. Buzak is currently making plans for his work in the Fall with the Andrew Warde High School Thespians, who will be performing either "Can, Can" or "How to Succeed in Business." For next Spring, he is thinking about directing a serious drama, such as "The Lark."

Mr. Buzak is also planning a cross-country trek with his family of three children and his wife Carolyn. He is also thinking of European tours. If Mr. Buzak doesn't wind up in Ethiopia in some educational and cultural endeavor, there is a good possibility that he will be seen at the Polka Dot Playhouse, offstage, backstage, and onstage.

Mr. Raymond Buzak was a charter member of The Polka-Dot Playhouse, and he enjoyed playing many roles. An activist in the city of Bridgeport, he was a member of the Historical Society and had championed the "Save the Wheeler Mansion." During his retirement, Mr. Buzak did extensive volunteer work with the VNA, Geriatric Groups, prison ministries, and the Wednesday Afternoon Music Club, performing at various churches in Southport, Fairfield, Westport, and the Fairfield Recreation Department.

Paul