NORWALK — Wall Street Theater is inviting the public to a street festival Sept. 27 to “promote awareness and generate excitement” for the grand re-opening of the historic theater next year.
“The first 100 years of the Wall Street Theater brought the biggest stars of American theater, Presidents of the United States, award winning films and legendary musicians to Norwalk,” said Wall Street Theater Executive Director Bob Kennedy in a statement. “This event is the first of many that will help bring Wall Street back to its roots as a center of entertainment and culture.”
The theater, which first opened as a vaudeville venue in 1915, is undergoing a $7.5 million restoration.
Wall Street Theater, which is undertaking the restoration, expects to re-open the facility in spring 2016 as a nonprofit, multi-media performance space.
The street festival to draw attention to next year’s re-opening, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 6 p.m. The event will include “fun, food and entertainment for the whole family.”
Music will include performances by singer-songwriter and Norwalk native P.J. Pacifico, gypsy-swing quartet Caravan of Thieves and (Deep Banana Blackout vocalist) Jen Durkin & The Business. Children’s music will be provided by Norwalk’s own Marcia Louis, according to Wall Street Theater.
The street festival will include tours of the theater at 71 Wall St. Staff and advisors engaged in the project will be present to talk about future plans for the theater.
The Wall Street Theater first opened its doors in 1915 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has operated under numerous names such as The Marquee, The Globe Theater, and The Roxy, while shifting its focus from a live theater space to a big-screen movie theater, and finally to a music and dance club.
“The refurbished theater will be fully equipped with the latest technology to embrace its past and provide a true entertainment experience for its visitors,” a press release from the theater company states. “In addition to showcasing plays, musicals, concerts, operas, and dance performances, the Wall Street Theater will be used as a venue for private and business rentals.
“It will both stimulate the Norwalk economy and provide cultural and educational opportunities for youths and the older population alike, making it a huge asset to the community.”
Wall Street Theater received a $5.2 million loan from Patriot National Bank for the restoration. Donations or requests for more information can be directed to (203) 283-5290 or www.wallstreettheater.com.
