Yours truly came across this item on a Facebook page: Vintage LA:
There has been some inaccurate reporting online that the Fox Regency Village Theatre and the Bruin Theatre in Westwood are closing and the Bruin is “doomed”. This has caused a lot of confusion and unnecessary panic among cinephiles, historians, preservationists, and people living in the neighborhood. As of now, yes, The Regency Theatres will be closing both theaters on Thursday -- their lease has ended…. Although, earlier this year, The Regency Village Theatre, an icon of Hollywood's Golden Age, was actually bought by a consortium of directors spearheaded by Jason Reitman which includes Christopher Nolan, J.J. Abrams, Guillermo del Toro, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Steven Spielberg, Bradley Cooper, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Todd Phillips, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, the list goes on. Their plan [is] to restore it. They won’t be turning into something else. From what I understand they plan on reopening the Regency Village in 2025. That might be an optimistic date, but I think we should give them all the time they need. We should be grateful to Reitman rather than starting any kind of panic. I’ve spoken to him personally. It’s truly in the right hands. As for The Bruin, it’s been reported to VLA by Charlie Maselli that it will require a smaller remodel and then will reopen similar to The Village. “The Bruin remains under the ownership of the previous owners of The Village. I do not know if The Bruin will operate while The Village is closed for the major remodel in 2025 but it will likely be operated by the same operators who will be running The Village”. So it is in no way “ doomed". Let’s breathe. These two theaters are the heartbeat of Westwood Village. Having that level of prestige behind the Regency Theatres will only help and strengthen the Bruin’s fate.
The notice above appeared on or about 7-22-2024. A later notice on Vintage LA - which is less assertive - appeared on or about 7-24-2024:
Social media has been abuzz with recent news about the upcoming closures of L.A.'s historic theatres, the Village and Bruin in Westwood. The Village and Bruin are designated Historic-Cultural Monuments (HCM) and are not at risk of demolition.
The Village will undergo seismic retrofit work and other improvements.
The Village Theatre changed ownership and is now preserved by a coalition of film directors spearheaded by director Jason Reitman, who plans to reopen the venue next year. The Bruin also has protection as an HCM and may be used for private events in the future.
Westwood Village Improvement Association closely monitors the developments and will provide updates as we learn more. We are exploring options for using the Bruin for private events and ensuring its marquee continues shining brightly.
Despite the closures, we remain hopeful and excited for the future and are confident that their legacy will continue!
Vintage Los Angeles was given this exclusive by Michael Russel - Executive Director, WVIA
There has been some inaccurate reporting online that the Fox Regency Village Theatre and the Bruin Theatre in Westwood are closing and the Bruin is “doomed”. This has caused a lot of confusion and unnecessary panic among cinephiles, historians, preservationists, and people living in the neighborhood. As of now, yes, The Regency Theatres will be closing both theaters on Thursday -- their lease has ended….
Although, earlier this year, The Regency Village Theatre, an icon of Hollywood's Golden Age, was actually bought by a consortium of directors spearheaded by Jason Reitman which includes Christopher Nolan, J.J. Abrams, Guillermo del Toro, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Steven Spielberg, Bradley Cooper, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Todd Phillips, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, the list goes on. Their plan [is] to restore it. They won’t be turning into something else. From what I understand they plan on reopening the Regency Village in 2025. That might be an optimistic date, but I think we should give them all the time they need. We should be grateful to Reitman rather than starting any kind of panic. I’ve spoken to him personally. It’s truly in the right hands.
As for The Bruin, it’s been reported to VLA by Charlie Maselli that it will require a smaller remodel and then will reopen similar to The Village. “The Bruin remains under the ownership of the previous owners of The Village. I do not know if The Bruin will operate while The Village is closed for the major remodel in 2025 but it will likely be operated by the same operators who will be running The Village”.
So it is in no way “ doomed". Let’s breathe. These two theaters are the heartbeat of Westwood Village. Having that level of prestige behind the Regency Theatres will only help and strengthen the Bruin’s fate.
The notice above appeared on or about 7-22-2024. A later notice on Vintage LA - which is less assertive - appeared on or about 7-24-2024:
Social media has been abuzz with recent news about the upcoming closures of L.A.'s historic theatres, the Village and Bruin in Westwood. The Village and Bruin are designated Historic-Cultural Monuments (HCM) and are not at risk of demolition.
The Village will undergo seismic retrofit work and other improvements.
The Village Theatre changed ownership and is now preserved by a coalition of film directors spearheaded by director Jason Reitman, who plans to reopen the venue next year. The Bruin also has protection as an HCM and may be used for private events in the future.
Westwood Village Improvement Association closely monitors the developments and will provide updates as we learn more. We are exploring options for using the Bruin for private events and ensuring its marquee continues shining brightly.
Despite the closures, we remain hopeful and excited for the future and are confident that their legacy will continue!
Vintage Los Angeles was given this exclusive by Michael Russel - Executive Director, WVIA
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