When RJ Kelly, the MC for Wilton's Really REALLY Big Show, first wrote his opening line, it read, "Well, it is official. I have hit rock bottom." That line has since been cut.
Kelly, an actor best known for starring in Ally Bank and Trident commercials, wrote that line when he heard he would be the MC for a variety show in Wilton. He did not realize who his company would be.
Wilton residents and Broadway performers Kirby Ward, who performed in Never Gonna Dance, Sarah Pfisterer, who performed in Phantom of the Opera, Show Boat and Children And Art, and Rick Hilsabeck, a performer in Billy Elliot, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Bounce, will all be on stage.
Arthur Lipner, a percussionist whose work has been on radio, film and television soundtracks around the world, and 11-time Emmy winner A.J. Gundell will also accompany Kelly in this show. More than 100 other talented Wilton residents have also donated their time to put on this production.
Kelly no longer feels he has hit rock bottom. "I am a little fish in this sea of very talented people," said Kelly. "But hopefully I will put smiles on people's faces."
The show will have 17 acts from martial arts to children dancing. "It is a variety show to spotlight local talent," said Donna Savage, a producer. "The audience is going to be wowed by what talent is in their backyard."
The curtain rises at Wilton's Really REALLY Big Show on Friday, April 8, at 8 p.m. at the Clune Center. Tickets are $20 to $25 and will be sold at the door or at www.wiltonyouth.org. Proceeds from the show go to the Wilton Youth Council to support drug and alcohol prevention programs.
"People should come because they care about programs this show supports," said Kelly. "The Wilton Youth Council and its drug and alcohol prevention programs are very important."
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