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Tony-winning designer and architect David Rockwell will lead the renovation of The Laurie Beechman Theatre, to be completed by the spring.

Named for the late, Tony-nominated star of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Manhattan cabaret is located within the West Bank Caf茅, newly owned by Broadway producers Tom D鈥橝ngora and Michael D'Angora.

In a statement Rockwell said, 鈥淭he Laurie Beechman Theatre has been one of the theatre district鈥檚 hidden gems for culture seekers over more than 40 years. Having this opportunity to be part of this new incarnation, extending its legacy for new generations of legendary artists and in-the-know audiences, is incredibly meaningful. Our design concept celebrates the space鈥檚 rich and diverse history, while delivering an unabashedly glamorous experience for all who enter.鈥�

READ: How a Childhood in Mexico Inspired David Rockwell to Be a Set Designer

鈥淲hen we first set out to revitalize the Laurie Beechman Theatre and West Bank Caf茅 back to life, we knew it needed a makeover glitzier than Louise becoming Gypsy Rose Lee,鈥� added the D鈥橝ngoras. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled someone as lauded as David Rockwell would join us for the adventure鈥攊t鈥檚 truly been a dream come true. We can鈥檛 wait to open up the Laurie Beechman鈥檚 doors for audiences again this spring.鈥�

Rockwell won his Tony in 2016 for Best Scenic Design of a Musical for the revival of She Loves Me. He is the recipient of five additional Tony nominations for his scenic design for Hairspray, Lucky Guy, Kinky Boots, You Can't Take It With You, and On the Twentieth Century.

Since its opening in 1983, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, previously known as the Downstairs Theatre Bar, has welcomed Joan Rivers, The Who, Andr茅 De Shields, Tony Shalhoub, Aaron Sorkin, Jinkx Monsoon, and more. In the theatre鈥檚 first 14 years, more than 1,500 one-act plays were performed at the theatre. When the venue was scheduled to close in August 2024 after financial difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic, the D'Angoras, Tim Guinee, and Joe Iconis joined forces to raise nearly $1 million to save the caf茅 and theatre.

Following the renovation, an official reopening gala will be held on a date to be announced.

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Photos: Eva Noblezada, Lorna Luft, Joe Iconis, More Perform at West Bank Cafe Gala

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