5. A Nondescript Building Conceals One of East Village’s Hidden Gems

The Village East Cinema originated as a Yiddish Arts Theater designed by Brooklyn lawyer and Jewish community leader Louis Jaffe in the 1920s. The theater had the capability to seat 1265 people and features intricate designs and architecture in its interior. There is a decorative ceiling featuring Jewish religious symbolism, including the Star of David above an elaborate chandelier. The theater is popular for hosting independent movies, and showed the original productions of ‘Grease’ and ‘Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ and midnight showings of the ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’