News Summary
Los Angeles is gearing up for an exciting summer of theatrical performances, featuring the premiere of ‘Phoenix’ at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the return of ’44: The Obama Musical,’ and the anticipated docudrama ‘Life of Pi’ at the Ahmanson Theatre. New York City is also busy, with major urban developments, including the conversion of 222 Broadway into rental apartments and commercial spaces. Additionally, the launch of Dov Charney’s Los Angeles Apparel and the new restaurant Double Knot adds to the city’s vibrant retail scene.
Los Angeles Prepares for Exciting Theatrical Productions
The Hollywood Fringe Festival will host the premiere of “Phoenix,” a one-act scientific thriller by Scott Fivelson, starting June 9 and running through June 25, 2025. The performances will take place at Activist Kitchen, located at 669 N. Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA. Tickets are priced at $15.
“Phoenix” tells the gripping story of characters Cameron and Marie, who are on a desperate quest to find a cure for a super-flu in a world where most of humanity has succumbed to the disease. The production features a talented cast, including BoJesse Christopher, Chelsea Debo, Mark Hatfield, James McCoy, and Kimberlee Kidd, under the direction of Katie Skoien.
In addition, the critically acclaimed “44: The Obama Musical” will return for a second run at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City from May 2 to June 22, 2025. Following its stay in Los Angeles, the production will travel to Chicago for performances at The Studebaker Theater from August 23 to September 21, 2025. This musical promises to engage audiences with its unique portrayal of political and social themes.
Also making waves in Los Angeles is the highly anticipated docudrama adaptation of Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi,” set to debut at the Ahmanson Theatre. This adaptation is expected to attract a diverse audience as it explores profound themes through captivating storytelling.
Furthermore, Theatre West will present a fresh iteration of the variety show titled “We’re Not Your Cup of Tea: Here to Entertain and Astound You” on June 1, following the successful May 2024 iteration featuring AAPI artists.
New Developments in New York City
Meanwhile, urban development projects in New York City are transforming the skyline and infrastructure. A significant ongoing project involves the conversion of the 222 Broadway building in the Financial District. This project will redevelop the 31-story structure into 798 rental apartments along with 40,000 square feet of commercial space. The project represents a substantial investment of $43.6 million and will include a partial re-cladding of the building’s midcentury façade.
As part of the redevelopment, an extension of 40 feet will be added atop the parapet, raising the building’s height to 430 feet. This initiative is being designed by CetraRuddy and developed by TPG Real Estate and GFP Real Estate. GFP Real Estate secured $288 million in construction financing from BDT & MSD for the project, which will enhance the area’s residential offerings.
Previously, the building was purchased for $147.5 million in spring 2024, a stark contrast to the $502 million Deutsche Bank paid in 2014. Conveniently located near the Fulton Street transit hub, the site provides easy access to multiple subway lines. Current retail tenants on the ground floor will continue operations during the conversion, which is anticipated to be completed by May 2027.
Retail Updates in New York City
Lastly, Dov Charney’s Los Angeles Apparel will open its first New York store at 480 Broadway, taking over the former TopShop location. This new retail space will focus on ethically driven products manufactured in Los Angeles and is part of a broader repositioning effort for nearly 100,000 square feet of boutique office and retail at this location.
Adding to the culinary landscape, a new Japanese restaurant named Double Knot is set to open on the ground floor of 1251 Sixth Avenue in Midtown. This restaurant has previously seen success in Philadelphia and Miami and is expected to attract food enthusiasts in the bustling area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Hosts a Variety of Cultural Events This May
Elena Martinez’s ‘Funeral Show’ Premieres at Hollywood Fringe Festival
Beverly Hills to Host Free Concert Featuring Golda Zahra
Mark Vigeant’s Dark Comedy ‘OUT THERE’ Premieres in 2025
Nationwide Young Playwrights Festival Celebrates 33rd Anniversary
A Heartfelt Love Story Amidst Hollywood’s Chaos
LA28 Olympics Plans Shape Up for Summer Event
Upcoming Events in Los Angeles: April 28 to May 2
Santa Monica Premieres Theatrical Tribute to Animals
Weekend Events in Los Angeles: April 25-27
Additional Resources
- New York YIMBY: 222 Broadway Conversion
- Wikipedia: New York City
- NY Post: Los Angeles Apparel Opens NYC Store
- Google Search: Los Angeles Apparel NYC Store
- NY Times: Ragtime Broadway
- Google Scholar: Ragtime Broadway
- Page Six: Phantom of the Opera Returning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phantom of the Opera
- NY Times: Boop the Musical Review
- Google News: Boop the Musical
