THE TEAM
SoHo Playhouse
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Darren Lee Cole, SoHo Playhouse has proven itself as a flagship home for groundbreaking new theatre from diverse voices and artists from across the globe. Countless performers and shows have graced the SoHo Playhouse stage in lower Manhattan, with many going on to Off-Broadway runs, Netflix specials, regional productions, Amazon specials and more. It is this pedigree of success and innovation that SoHo Playhouse brings to the Huntridge Theater project.
“We pride ourselves on our mission of supporting and showcasing work that changes minds, encourages discussion and opens hearts,” said Cole.
Having visited and lived in Las Vegas for a considerable portion of his adult life, Cole’s stake in the success of the Huntridge Theater is personal. “Las Vegas’ impressive collection of emerging artists and established arts organizations deserve a venue like the Huntridge Theater to facilitate their growth to greater prominence,” he said. “It will be an honor to spotlight their creative, innovative and diverse cultural offerings that will bring truly unique and unforgettable experiences to Las Vegas audiences inside this historic venue.”
Dapper Companies
Helmed by J Dapper, Dapper Companies is a premier development company in Southern Nevada with multiple marquee award-winning projects throughout the valley. In one of Dapper Companies most celebrated projects to date, millions of dollars were invested to buy and restore three key commercial real estate projects in the historic Huntridge neighborhood in downtown Las Vegas. Praise and recognition from City and State officials followed and they overwhelmingly endorsed the efforts of Dapper to purchase the Huntridge Theater in 2021.
“Bringing the Huntridge Theater back to its former glory is something I dreamed about for years,” said J Dapper. “I’ve heard so many stories from a time when Vegas was lined with dirt roads. Stories of the Huntridge becoming the first desegregated movie theater in Nevada, stories of Elvis renting out the theater for private movie screenings, and stories of Abbott and Costello performing their act before a show. That’s some major history, and now is the time to bring it all back to life.”
Dapper hopes his company’s dedication to restoring and revitalizing this historic venue will lead to a reawakening in the neighborhood and, indeed, the entire city. The downtown area surrounding Huntridge is increasingly becoming a culturally rich destination for residents who embrace a diverse, energized environment. With the Huntridge Theater returning to its historic place as a focal point for community entertainment, activation and enrichment, Las Vegas’ vibrant multi-cultural, multi-discipline arts and music scene will flourish as never before.
