Last week the City Council approved Councilman Mitch O’Farrell’s motion to officially identify the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilcox Avenue as “Hollywood Theatre Row.” The motion directs the city Department of Transportation to install commemorative signs marking the intersection that is part of the area along Santa Monica Blvd between McCadden Place and El Centro Avenue where over a dozen live theatres have been in operation for decades.
“This is a very good thing for Los Angeles,” said playwright Tom Jacobson, who has produced several plays in theaters on the row. “I have always thought that LA is secretly a theatre town and this recognition will just make it more apparent to everyone.”
In recognition of Hollywood Theatre Row’s role as an important culture incubator and uniqueness in the City of Los Angeles, O’Farrell’s motion said it is appropriate that the intersection of Santa Monica and Wilcox Avenue be named as “Hollywood Theatre Row.”
Holllywood Theatre Row has produced thousands of theatrical productions over the years. It has also provided the opportunity for actors and theatre professionals to work locally nurturing local talent. Many future-famous actors began their careers on Hollywood Theatre Row including George Clooney, Octavia Spencer, Noah Wyle, Chris Pine, Sarah Michelle Geller, Jack Black, Molly Shannon and Sherri Shepherd.
By placing ”Hollywood Theatre Row” signs along the corridor O’Farrell is hoping to improve the pedestrian experience along Theatre Row so that people will be encouraged to stay and take a stroll after a show. Santa Monica Boulevard between La Brea and the 101 is also expected to be repaved in either 2017 or 2019.
Editors’ Note: This article was corrected to note the repavement of Santa Monica Blvd is tentatively scheduled for either 2017 or 2019, not 2015.
