Tampa Theatre will begin its yearlong centennial celebration with six days of events from October 10-15, culminating on the date the downtown movie palace opened in 1926.
The program starts October 10 with a members-only gathering built around a screening of Clue. Activities and complimentary refreshments begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a 2:15 p.m. question-and-answer session with new President and CEO George Levesque. He is expected to discuss planned projects including stage accessibility work, restoration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ and Peacock Room, and a second-floor event space.
The public can see the newly restored Duncan Auditorium during a free open house from 1-5 p.m. on October 11. Staff and volunteers will lead mini tours and share information about the work, while a digital guide will offer historic photos and building details. At 3 p.m., Levesque and retired CEO John Bell will discuss the restoration and take questions.
Three classic films follow at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.: Casablanca on October 12, The Wizard of Oz on October 13 and the Marx Brothers’ A Night at the Opera on October 14. Tickets for each screening are $13.
The October 15 birthday party, presented by Urban E Recycling, begins at 6 p.m. with music and swing dancing from The Jazz Phools, plus professional portraits in front of the theater’s marquee. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s-inspired clothing. Complimentary champagne, souvenir programs and limited-edition merchandise will be available.
At 7 p.m., theater officers and Tampa’s mayor will give remarks before the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ accompany Buster Keaton’s 1924 silent comedy Sherlock Jr.. The program will end with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and special effects recalling the theater’s original opening-night program. Birthday party admission is $26, and tickets for centennial events are available through Tampa Theatre.
