Norwalk Conservatory moves ‘The Wild Party’ to SoNo Collection after Downtown Cabaret Theatre closure

NORWALK, Conn. — The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts is moving its October production of “The Wild Party” to The SoNo Collection after the closure of Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret Theatre, where it was originally set to take place. 

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre held its final performance, “A Chorus Line,” on June 28, and closed after 50 years in Bridgeport.

The Conservatory has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover relocation costs and accommodate the rest of its fall season. Funds raised through the campaign will also support its November production of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

“The Wild Party,” a musical by Andrew Lippa set in the 1920s, opens at The SoNo Collection on Oct. 8 and runs through Oct. 18. 

Founded in 2018, the Conservatory offers bachelor’s degrees in musical theater, dance and acting. According to its website, more than 70 alumni have gone on to perform on Broadway and on national tours.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The SoNo Collection for stepping up and providing our students a stage to perform on,” Danny Loftus George, president of the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, said in a press release.

“But this experience has made something very clear: Norwalk needs a dedicated space for the performing arts,” he said.

Colin Hosten, the Conservatory’s director of development, said “every gift, no matter the size,” will help support students and fall productions.

Tickets for “The Wild Party” start at $52 and VIP tickets are $77.50, including service fees. Producer Circle tickets, priced at $103, are also available and include open-bar access. The musical is for audiences ages 16 and older; attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are available through the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts website.