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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
This September, A24 will formally reopen the cherished Cherry Lane Theatre in New York, kicking off a week-long event known as the 'Red Door Reopening' from 8th to 14th September. A24 intends to re-establish this Greenwich Village landmark as a cultural center and destination after acquiring the nearly century-old venue in 2023 and finishing major renovations. Spike Lee, Sofia Coppola, Brandi Carlile, and other celebrities will host special events inside the venue to welcome audiences back.
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Image Courtesy: The New York Times
A Storied Stage, Now Reimagined
The Cherry Lane Theatre is the oldest continually operating Off-Broadway theater in New York City, having opened in 1923. The 179-seat main stage and 60-seat studio have been updated with new seating and technical equipment as part of A24's resuscitation effort, all without sacrificing the essence of this countercultural landmark, which formerly presented avant-garde pieces by Edward Albee, Lorraine Hansberry, and Sam Shepard. /indigomusic/media/post_attachments/v1/imgs/e68/089/c08cf75d5210bec2b36c9f33ed365c7162-Cherry-Lane-theater.2x.rsocial.w600-236764.jpg)
Image Courtesy: Curbed
During the refurbishment, the renowned Frenchette team Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr built a restaurant and bar called 'Wild Cherry,' which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
A Gala Week of Performances and Screenings
Everyone can look forward to the reopening week: A staged reading of 'True West,' featuring Michael Shannon, Paul Sparks, and Marylouise Burke, will take place on 9th September after Spike Lee hosts a screening of 25th Hour with a live Q&A on 8th September. On 10th September, comedy fans can see Jerrod Carmichael, and on 11th September, Malcolm Gladwell and Brandi Carlile will have a cultural discussion.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
The week concludes with Sofia Coppola kicking off her weekly 'Sundays with Sofia' series, which culminates in a block party outside the cinema after starting with Foxes and a discussion with Jodie Foster. To guarantee widespread accessibility, tickets for all events are sold by a lottery for 59 dollars.
A Cultural Renaissance in the Making
Beyond the hype, this reopening represents A24's larger goal to change the way movie companies interact with community spaces and live entertainment. By creating a space that combines theater, film, music, and food, A24 is establishing Cherry Lane as a hub for cross-media storytelling, bringing people together in a modern yet enduring Off-Broadway environment.
The historic 38 Commerce Street location is prepared to reclaim its heritage for a new generation thanks to its significant history, daring programming, and authentic neighbourhood meeting spot in Wild Cherry.
