The downtown Los Angeles Theatre “Unusual,” a speakeasy uncovered by a curious impresario by the name of Couyon, will open its clandestine doors to the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles and their friends for a decadent and unforgettable evening of hot jazz from Alex Mendham and His Orchestra, Performances by L.A. Follies, Cocktails from Sipsmith Gin, the appearance of a silent film star or two (onscreen), Dancing, Magic and Candlelight Tours of the 1931 picture palace, resplendent with glittering fountains and French Baroque majesty. Revelers will enjoy an intimate evening in the movie palace where Charlie Chaplin’s CITY LIGHTS premiered!
This event will give revelers an opportunity to explore Los Angeles’ most extravagant theater, with an exquisite personal touch.
Enjoy dancing, live music, a silent film, magic, docent tours of theatre and more. Gin cocktails, beer and wine will be available for sale as well as non-alcoholic options. Snacks are from Nickel Diner Catering (because nothing soaks up the gin like comfort food!).
Our film presentation is under the supervision of Retroformat Silent Films and sponsored by Flicker Alley.
We also have a portrait photographer (for an additional fee) who will be situated by the fountain and a professional shoe shiner set up in the historic men’s restroom foyer.
Beverage Mixers Sponsored by Fever-Tree.
Limited Edition Cocktail:
Ask for a “Charlie Chaplin” at Mr. Swan’s Martini Bar. It won’t be on the menu, so if you know about it, we’ll know you read all the event details. The Chaplin is Sipsmith sloe gin and Apricot Brandy. It isn’t a martini, but it will be served at the Martini Bar. now enjoy your Little Tramp.
Entry to the event will be at 624 St. Vincent Court, Los Angeles, CA 90014. This is a side entrance at the end of the “Court.” Security will be there to greet you. Follow the light.
PLEASE NOTE that the entrance to the event is NOT the address on Broadway, but on St. Vincent’s Court. Enter at 7th Street and proceed all the way until the “European street” dead ends into the side entrance to the theater. St. Vincent’s Court splits the block on 7th street between Broadway and Hill Street. There is a sign that says St. Vincent’s Court above the entrance to the Court. There is even a plaque about its history. Scroll down for a recent photo of the entrance. The restaurants on St. Vincent’s Court will be closed when you arrive, so it will look deserted, but if you see the quaint facades, you are heading down the right “dark alley.”
A Rough Schedule:
Doors open at 7:00 pm for Welcome Drink, Bar Opens
7:45 PM - First Performance in the Lobby
8:00 PM - Alex Mendham & L.A. Follies Stage Show
8:50 - 11:15 PM - Theatre Tours, Silent Chaplin Film, Bars Open, Magic, Recorded Dance Music at Band Breaks & Live Piano, Food Sales (Tours repeat twice, movie repeats 3 times.)
9:30 - 10:15 PM - Dancing to Live Music from Alex Mendham & His Orchestra
10:30 - 11:15 PM - Dancing to Live Music from Alex Mendham & His Orchestra
Online Tickets:
Member Tickets: $50
Non-Member $60.
All event tickets are $75 starting August 14. Tickets at the door (if available) will cost $80.
After Party (add on to event ticket): $40
Members may purchase the number of member tickets allowed by their membership level.
The midnight to 2:00 AM After Party Tickets are sold through Couyon Presents and can be purchased from the link below. This party picks up where the first one leaves off. The After Party is not produced by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.
Tickets are non-refundable, but you may transfer your ticket to a friend.
Tickets will go off sale on Thursday night until we open doors at 7:00 PM on Friday. If any tickets remain they will be sold at the door.
ATTIRE: With this event we seek to create a full immersion vintage experience circa 1931, so we ask that all guests wear vintage or vintage-inspired formal evening wear such as sleek 1930s ballgowns and tuxedos or a dark suit and tie. For inspiration, look at classic films of the 1930s such as THE THIN MAN or any Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers picture. You can also look up the 1930s styles of actors like Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, Clark Gable, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., William Powell, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Gloria Swanson, Anna May Wong and Joan Crawford to name a few of the era's fashion icons. Excessively short, revealing or costumey garments are not appropriate. And do we even need to say that jeans, sports attire, t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts are taboo.
PARKING: We recommend 24/7 lot, Pershing Square Parking Structure (532 S. Olive). Exit up the escalator or elevator on Hill Street. Parking is $9 flat rate after 5:00 pm. This is an underground lot with two entrances. It is open 24 hours. If you walk down Hill Street toward 7th Street, you can make a left at 7th Street and walk half a block to enter St. Vincent’s Alley which will be on your left. This is where the entrance to the event is. If you decide to park in a different lot, we encourage you to ask what time the lot closes for the night. You also need to read signs carefully, because the largest price on the sign is not always a flat rate. It may say for example, “$5 every 12 minutes.” The front door on Broadway will not be open for entry. The Biltmore has a large event starting at 8PM on the same night, so early arrival to our event is highly recommended. As always, don’t leave valuables in the car and be aware of your surroundings as you walk around late at night to return to your car.
21 and Over Event: This unusual Jazz Age evening at the Los Angeles Theatre is a 21 and over event. You must bring a valid photo I.D. for entry.
What is Included: One complimentary welcome drink ticket is included with each ticket to this event. Welcome drinks will be offered 7:00 - 8:00 pm. A live stage show and dancing in the Ballroom, both with Alex Mendham and his Orchestra. The opportunity to see a silent film or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Los Angeles Theatre, plus more entertainment.
For Sale at the Event: Gin based cocktails, white wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale. Sweet and Savory snacks from Nickel Diner Catering (yes, the recently closed restaurant at 5th & Main) - including their famous Maple Bacon Donut Holes and Pop Tarts. Croque Monsieur and Caprese panini sandwiches and a white bean hummus and vegetable boat will also be available, as well as some packaged snacks like nuts and popcorn. We suggest eating dinner prior to arrival if you want a full meal. The theatre does not have a concession stand.
Payment: We will be accepting credit cards and cash. We would prefer credit cards, but you are encouraged to bring cash to tip the bar staff.
Drink Tickets: The bar will NOT accept money. They will ONLY ACCEPT DRINK TICKETS. Drink tickets will be for sale at the box office when you check in and at stations near the bars. There will be tickets for: Cocktails, Beer & Wine and Soft Drinks. Be sure you purchase the correct drink ticket. They have different values.
Food Sales: Credit cards and cash will be accepted for food at the Nickel Diner station in the Ballroom level bar. Sales will begin at 8:50 PM when the stage show finishes.
Accessibility: Due the historic status of the building, we regret that there are no elevators. Guests should be comfortable climbing stairs to access the party.
Entry to the event will be at 624 St. Vincent Court, Los Angeles, CA 90014.
Entrace on 7th Street to St. Vincent’s Court. You will not be able to drive into the Court.
This is a private side entrance to the Los Angeles Theatre, which fronts Broadway. The front door will not be accessible for entry. St. Vincent’s Court looks like an alley with European theme storefronts. Walk all the way to the back of the alley to reach the entrance.
Prohibition Cocktail Tasting with Luis Rodriguez is SOLD OUT
The special add on session with Luis Rodriguez is SOLD OUT. There are still tickets to the main event.
Join Cocktail Historian and Bartender Luis Rodriguez at an interval during the evening at a private bar for a VIP experience. The art, taste, and beauty of vintage cocktails come to life in this unique experience as your personal bartender draws you into the spirit and spirits of Jazz Age. The 30-minute session includes two cocktails served up with a splash of history, stories, and mixing techniques. Tickets are sold separately for the Vintage Cocktail Experience with bartender/historian Luis Rodriguez. There will be two seatings. Ticket buyers will be contacted with a choice of times. To attend the add o session, you must have a ticket to the main event.
