Dynasty Typewriter At The Hayworth

On the vibrant Wilshire Boulevard, nestled between Carondelet and Coronado Streets, sits a building brimming with history. This is the Dynasty Typewriter At The Hayworth. It’s more than just a comedy venue. It’s a time capsule, echoing with the laughter and creativity of nearly a century. The Dynasty Typewriter At The Hayworth occupies the historic Hayworth building, a structure that has been a creative hub since its inception in 1927. Designed by the renowned Los Angeles architect Stiles O. Clements, the building is a testament to the golden age of Hollywood architecture. Clements, of the firm Morgan, Walls & Clements, also designed iconic landmarks like the Wiltern Theatre and the El Capitan Theatre. In its early days, the Hayworth building housed the Masque Theater. Here, actress Eva Gabor graced the stage in the play “Candle-Light.” Later, in the 1950s, it transformed into the Vagabond, a premiere revival movie house. It even boasted one of LA’s first Tiki Bars, The Vagabond’s House. This opulent tropical nightclub became a hotspot for Hollywood’s elite. The Hayworth building’s history intertwines with its neighbor, La Fonda de Los Camperos. Opened in 1969 by mariachi musician Nati Cano, La Fonda has become a cultural landmark. It served as a home for Cano’s group, Los Camperos, and as a beloved mariachi dinner theater. In 1983, the theater was restored and renamed in honor of actress Rita Hayworth. Legend has it that her family’s dance studio once resided within its walls. During this period, the city of Los Angeles recognized its significance, designating the building a historic cultural landmark. The Hayworth continued to thrive in the 90s and early 2000s. It became home to award-winning theater companies like Circus Theatricals and The New American Theatre company. It even hosted premieres of plays produced by Academy-Award-nominated director Paul Mazursky. The Hayworth has also graced the silver screen. It’s appeared in films ranging from “The Naked Gun” to “La La Land,” where it served as the backdrop for Emma Stone’s one-woman show. In 2013, the building entered a new chapter when it was purchased by Jenji Kohan, the creator of “Orange Is the New Black” and “Weeds.” Together with Christopher Noxon, they meticulously restored the art deco interior to its original splendor. Finally, in 2014, Dynasty Typewriter emerged. Comedians Vanessa Ragland and Jamie Flam, fueled by a passion for the space, launched a successful Kickstarter campaign. This marked the beginning of the Dynasty Typewriter At The Hayworth as we know it today. The Dynasty Typewriter At The Hayworth carries the torch of this vibrant legacy, offering highly curated entertainment and comedy events. So, the next time you find yourself at Dynasty Typewriter At The Hayworth, remember the stories held within its walls. They are a testament to the enduring power of creativity, laughter, and the magic of Hollywood history.