By John Hayden
When you walk inside Gray Box Theater you can feel the possibilities and see the potential and it quickly becomes clear: the Wilton Manors theater scene is about to take a big leap forward. Harmony Waves is developing the theater and held a “hard hat” preview for supporters and community leaders.
“Bruce Vilanch asked what really makes me happy,” Harmony Waves and Gray Box founder Gary Van Horn said. “I said music and theater. He looked at me and said, ‘Do it, you’ve only got one life’.”
That rare moment of seriousness by Vilanch focused Van Horn and was the nudge he needed to pursue a project many doubted. Located in Island City Plaza on NE 26th St., the space has been vacant for years. The entire plaza was set to be demolished and redeveloped but those plans fell through. Now the plaza has a new lease on life (for Gray Box, it’s at least a five year lease) and businesses are moving in.
The space can seat up to 236 guests, but seats are able to be reconfigured so the venue can host smaller events like the cocktail party preview. On this night about 100 gathered to check it out and even wear “hard hats” made for the event.
Bartenders from Hunters poured drinks while David Fernandez played violin and serenaded the crowd.
Bruce Vilanch started the night off with some fun banter and support. “Wilton Manors is gayer than the last half hour of Saltburn,” he said.
He’s going to be part of Gray Box’s inaugural season, workshopping a new original show.
The premier performance will pack star power. American Idol 2024 alum and Fort Lauderdale native Kayko is booked for Sept. 5, 2025.
“What you’re doing at the Gray Box Theater is so important. When I was a kid there was no space where I could see live music like this,” he said. “This is an amazing idea and I’m so happy to be a part of its launch.”
Gray Box will fill a need in the market without being a threat to existing theaters. Gray Box is poised to become a go-to spot for entertainment. Potential and possibility are about to be realized.
