The Theatre in the Woods

One of the more unusual arts developments in Silvermine was the creation of the Theatre in the Woods, near the intersection of Belden Hill and Grist Mill roads in Norwalk, Connecticut. Greek Evans, a baritone and light opera star who sang in various Broadway productions in the 1920s, married Henriette Wakefield, an opera star who sang with the Metropolitan Opera for several seasons. Wakefield owned property to the east of the Silvermine Golf Course which formed a natural amphitheater. Evans built seats in the side of the hill and constructed an orchestra pit. He named it “Theatre in the Woods.” From 1932 to 1937, up to 4,000 persons attended musical and theatrical productions each summer. The theater closed due to Evans insistence on bringing in musicians from New York City. The Norwalk musician’s union protested, and Evans had to pay them, even though they didn’t play. In later years, Evans developed the perimeter of the site and former parking areas next to the golf course with Arts and Crafts-style bungalows and houses.