Just Do Art!

PHOTOGRAPHY: “HOLDOUTS” Populated by photos of Mom & Pop storefronts, David Monderer’s installation at Soho Photo Gallery aims to replicate the hustle and bustle of urban living — including, perhaps, the sound of a Duane Reade truck spewing fumes as it makes a bulk delivery to a shiny new franchise location that’s displaced a decades-old, immigrant-owned pharmacy. “What might be gained in efficiency and convenience has unaccounted for social and cultural costs,” laments Monderer — who makes a case for his argument with poignant before and after photos of storefronts. Included: how Famous Ray’s morphed into Famous Roio’s Pizza. The original, whose ghost image remains on the signage and the awning, speaks volumes about how quickly (and irreversibly) times change.

Through Sat., June 2, at Soho Photo Gallery (15 White St., btw. W. Broadway & Sixth Ave.). Hours: Wed.-Sun., 1-6pm. For info, visit sohophoto.com.

THEATER: THE BOWERY WARS, PART 2 | A story of blossoming love between a boy and a girl caught in the middle of a West Side turf war? That urban interpretation of “Romeo & Juliet” is so 1950s. It’s about time for a Downtown take on this oft-told tale that always seems to end with somebody ingesting poison, somebody getting stabby with a dagger and two gorgeous young corpses. But before that grim ending, there’s plenty of compelling words and deeds — and in this version, rock music composed by Michael Hickey and performed by a company of 25 teen actors and musicians. Writer and director Ryan Gilliam’s script takes the audience to multiple outdoor sites as they witness this blend of history and fiction set in 1903 (when the Lower East Side was the most densely populated place on the face of the earth). Against the backdrop of two rival gangs fighting for control of the lucrative Bowery entertainment district, a young Italian and a young Russian Jew fall in love. Bring a hanky.

Through Sun., May 20, Sat. & Sun., 3:15pm. All performances are outdoors. Act I is performed as a 45-minute walking tour, which starts at 120 E. 2nd St. and ends at 19 E. 3rd St. Act II, seated, takes place outdoors, at 19 E. 3rd St.). For tickets ($15, $10 for students/seniors), visit downtownart.org