Live Nation President Releases Statement on Future of the Oakdale Theatre

In the aftermath of the Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals upholding the town’s cease-and-desist order against the Toyota Oakdale Theatre late Wednesday night, the attorney representing Live Nation said the company will formally appeal the decision in Superior Court next week.

Joan Molloy told the Meriden Record-Journal said the appeal is an effort to “preserve the status quo.”

Essentially, the show must go on.

Live Nation Connecticut President Jim Koplik then released the following statement Thursday night on the Oakdale’s Facebook page:

The Toyota Oakdale Theatre and The Dome at Oakdale remain open for business. All shows currently on sale will play as planned. We will be putting new shows on sale – and they will also play. In addition – we are in the process of booking more shows for both the theatre and The Dome.

We expect to have an agreement with the Town of Wallingford and it’s Planning & Zoning Committee in the future. One thing everyone IS in agreement with – is to keep the Oakdale open.

Jim Koplik – President – Live Nation CT

Janis Small, Wallingford’s corporation counsel, emphasized to the Record-Journal that the town is not trying to shut down the Oakdale and is working toward a resolution.

Not to take any chances, fans of the Oakdale are rallying around the music venue and showing their support with online campaigns.

A “Save the Dome” event page was created on Facebook on Thursday and is organizing a peaceful gathering on Saturday in Wallingford to show their support for the Oakdale.

The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at the gazebo in front of the old Railroad Station on the corner of Center St., Rt. 5, Hall Ave, and Quinnipiac.

The event was organized by Jeannine Kremzar.

Here is the full description of the event posted on the Facebook page.

We, the citizens of Wallingford and surrounding towns, would like to show their support in a peaceful gathering at the town Gazebo in front of the old Railroad Station on the corner of Center St, Rt 5, Hall Ave, and Quinnipiac. Bring your signs and voices to let The town know that the voice of only a few do not speak for the entire community. Show our government that We The People want to be heard. When the town needed a temporary High School after a storm damaged Sheehans roof, Oakdale had no issues and no second thoughts about becoming Oakdale High. Lets also show Live Nation how much we as a community need Oakdale. This is a peaceful event only. If you want to cause chaos somewhere else. Also June 8th is the next hearing date!

Also since the cease-and-desist letter was issued late last year, online petition and a Facebook page, both called Save the Oakdale, were launched. As of Friday afternoon, the petition had more than 10,000 signatures and the Facebook page had 8,784 Likes.