Celebrates Their One-Year Anniversary with Connecticut’s Got Talent
The Winners Show
This historic 'next generation' theater continues to develop an unbelievable entertainment schedule! Historical Next-Gen Theater Continues to Develop a Robust Entertainment Schedule This past winter, eighty eager and talented performers took to the stage of Norwalk’s newly revitalized Wall Street Theater, embarking on a showbiz journey, called Connecticut’s Got Talent. The riveting month-long production had audience members and judges laughing, foot-stomping, and cheering on contestants as they left it all on that stage. The March 2nd finale not only set the winners on an upwards career trajectory, it solidified the Wall Street Theater’s standing as a premiere and ground-breaking entertainment venue.
On Friday, May 18, the first place winner, singer-songwriter Riki Stevens headlines Connecticut’s Got Talent – The Winners Show, along with runners-up, magician TJ Salta, and songwriter-rapper Khalil Williams. Artistic Director, Billy Blanks, Jr. says :
“Working with the talent for CGT gave me such a sense of pride. Each contestant was individual with their talents but what they had in common was their excitement to represent their state,” It was so touching to see that moment where it all clicked - Riki the exquisite soul folk singer, TJ Salta the teenage magician with a stage presence to rival today’s biggest stars, and Khalil the diamond in the rough young rapper that stole everyone’s hearts. You won’t want to miss this show. It will be them in their truest form, no audition jitters, just them as winners doing what they love!”
Also special on the agenda this year, on May 20th the Wall Street Theater has the honor of hosting Dance-A-Thon for Wigs & Wishes®, a three-hour dance-a-thon and flagship event led by dance studio professionals from around the world. Wigs & Wishes® is powered by Friends Are By Your Side®, a non-profit organization founded by Martino Cartier, which enlists salons and stylists throughout the world who empower women and children by providing them with complimentary services that allow them for a brief moment to forget about their fight. The fundraiser celebrates the life of a local young boy who lost his battle with cancer.
Wall Street Theater
71 Wall Street Norwalk, CT 877.987.6487 www.wallstreettheater.com Follow them on Instagram at @WallStreetTheater
Upcoming Wall Street Theater (WST) productions include:
April 20, 2018 – The Garcia Project is based on actual set lists performed by The Jerry Garcia Band from 1976 to 1995. Perfect for anyone that never had a chance to experience the Jerry Garcia Band or for fans that want to relive a classic show!
April 27, 2018 - Norwalk's own Tim Currie & the Motown Band - A performance fundraiser for Al's Angels, an organization that provides support to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship in our communities.
April 28, 2018 - New York City Gay Men's Chorus, The Big Gay Sing, a world-class, world-renowned New York institution and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ community with a vibrant sound and energy that audiences can feel and connect with. May 4, 2018 – Goose, The Heavy Pets, a Norwalk based group deeply rooted in an organic and easy-to-love mix of funk and contemporary folk, with touches of reggae, jazz, blues, and rock. May 19, 2018 - Milo Z with Special Guests Chapell and American Nomads, “Razzamofunk”, a combination of rock, rap, jazz, blues and funk with indie rock by Alan Chapell and pure Americana with the American Nomads. June 8, 2018 – Back by popular demand, Australia's Hottest Import! Thunder from Down Under, the world’s most sought after male revue! The perfect girls' night outback! June 15, 2018 - Norwalk Band & Brew Night, featuring performances by Hosemen, Atomic Unknown and Fingersleeve!
About the Wall Street Theater
The Wall Street Theater is the first, next-generation performance space in Connecticut showcasing professional music, comedic, dance, and stage performances from nationally recognized names as well as local talent and organizations. The 700-seat theater underwent a $10 million-dollar renovation to restore this national historic landmark to its original glory. Originally known as The Regent when the location opened in 1915 featuring Vaudeville performances, future incarnations included The Norwalk and The Roxy. During its tenure as The Globe in the 90s, the stage featured many up-and-coming performers until it shuttered in the late 90s. 71 Wall Street remained dark until it reopened as The Wall Street Theater in the summer of 2017.
Under the direction of president Suzanne Cahill, artistic director Billy Blanks, Jr., concert director Gene Morell, and an advisory board, the theater offers arts education for families, mentoring programs for youth in the arts, summer camp programming, and private space rentals for parties and events.
There are so many great events and shows coming to the Wall Street Theater in South Norwalk CT! First off, I must tell you about Broadway and television star Telly Leung’s upcoming appearance on Monday, December 11th at the historic theater in the SoNo section. Following his performance in Norwalk, Telly will sing on the national ABC-TV special “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration” on Christmas Day, December 25 opposite Julianne Hough, Nick Lachey, Lea Michele, Jason Derulo, Darius Rucker and more. Allegiance — the Broadway musical in which he starred opposite George Takei and Lea Salonga — will be broadcast in cinemas around the country by Fathom Events for a third showing on December 7, to honor Pearl Harbor Day.
Telly Leung who recently named one of the Out 100 and “Faces To Watch” by The Los Angeles Times — made his Broadway debut in the 2002 revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song opposite Lea Salonga, followed by the Roundabout Theater Company revival of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures. Telly starred in the final Broadway cast of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent, which was filmed for DVD release. In the 2011 revival of Godspell, his version of “All Good Gifts” was praised as “magnificent” by New York Magazine, “superb” by The Philadelphia Inquirer, and “a standout” by Bloomberg News. On Fox TV’s ”Glee,” Leung was featured as a member of the Dalton Academy Warblers opposite Darren Criss. When he recreated his portrayal of “Angel” in Rent at the Hollywood Bowl – directed by Neil Patrick Harris – he was called “vibrant” by the Los Angeles Times, “stunning” by the Orange County Register and praised for his “sweet, clear tenor” by Variety. Telly also originated the role of Boq in the Chicago production of the smash hit Wicked and has performed in concert and shows at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hippodrome in London, Birdland Jazz Club and 54 Below in New York, Paper Mill Playhouse, Philadelphia Theater Company, Ford’s Theater, and more. For more information, please visit www.TellyLeung.com.
Saturday, December 2 at 12:00pm and 6:00pm
The Wall Street Theater is proud to partner with the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet to offer this holiday classic, featuring dancers from the dance school accompanied by the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (6:00pm performance only). Held in conjunction with the performance, a separately ticketed event to support the non-profit youth dance organization will offer admittance to an after-party and exclusive silent auction.
Saturday, December 9 at 8:00pm
Norwalk musician Jen Durkin returns to the Wall Street Theater after making her debut with Deep Banana Blackout at this location (then known as The Globe Theater) more than 20 years ago. This evening will feature original music from Durkin, as well as familiar tributes to musical legends such as the Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.
Friday, December 22 at 8:00pm
Norwalk Comedy’s monthly comedy show (performers TBA)
Saturday, February 10 at 6:00pm
The Delfonics – an R&B/Soul vocal group made famous in the late 60s/early 70s for such hits as “La La Means I Love You” and “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind” return to the stage for a one-night only performance with original member (and Norwalk native) Major Harris, partnered with recent addition Gary Stevens.
2018 events at the Wall Street Theater:
January (Dates and Times TBA)
Fitness Dance Party with Billy Blanks, Jr.
Karaoke Competition
Monday, February 19 (Time TBA)
Reggae musician and former singer of Tom Tom Club Mystic Bowie will be returning to The Wall Street Theater for his “Talking Dreads Birthday Party,” featuring a special guest performer from the 90s.
Saturday, March 31 (Time TBA)
Broadway star and film actress Sharon Catherine Brown, who played Effie in the Broadway and touring productions of “Dreamgirls,” will be performing classic Broadway favorites.
Tickets for event at the Wall Street Theater may be purchased online, or by calling the box office at 877-987-6487.
About the Wall Street Theater
The Wall Street Theater is the first, next-generation performance space in Connecticut showcasing professional music, comedic, dance and stage performances from nationally-recognized names as well as local organizations. The 700-seat theater, located at 71 Wall Street in the SoNo section of Norwalk, Connecticut, underwent a $10 million-dollar to restore this national historic landmark to its original glory from the early 1900s. Originally known as The Regent when the location opened in 1915 featuring Vaudeville performances, the theater was also known as The Norwalk and The Roxy (during this time period, the theater was outfitted as a movie theater showing such blockbusters as “Jaws” and “Blues Brothers”). During its tenure as The Globe in the 90s, the stage featured many up-and-coming performers on tour such as Beastie Boys, Lil’ Kim, Psychedelic Furs, Mighty Might Bosstones, Poison and the Allman Brothers, until it shuttered in the late 90s. 71 Wall Street remained dark until it reopened as The Wall Street Theater in the summer of 2017. Under the direction of president Suzanne Cahil, artistic director Billy Blanks, Jr., concert director Gene Morell and an advisory board, the theater is planning on offering arts education for families, mentoring programs for youth in the arts, summer camp programming, and offering its space for private rentals, parties and events. For more information, visit www.wallstreettheater.com. The theater can also be found on Facebook (@WallStreetTheater) and Instagram (@WallStreetTheater).
