POSTED: Thursday, February 24, 2011, 5:00 PM
Filed Under: Critical Mass
With all of those fancy actresses traipsing around in their million dollar gowns, who would feel like watching the Oscars (Sun., Feb. 27, 8:30 p.m.) curled up like a slob on their couch? To get you out of the house and onto a red carpet of your own, Emily Apisa concocted a list of viewing parties to suit every type of cinephile.
For the time traveler: Celebrate the Oscars just the way Marilyn Monroe would have wanted you to. The historic Ambler Theater transports you back to the days of old Hollywood glamour; its outer façade has been restored to "its original 1928 majesty complete with neon trim" and the auditoriums inside are ornately designed, as well, keeping copasetic with the theater's Art Deco roots. The celebration this Sunday serves two purposes: it is both an Oscar viewing party and the theater's birthday. The night's menu is extensive and features cuisine from all over the world, including paella, pulled pork and filet au poivre, just to name a few. A raffle and silent auction provide guests the chance to leave with something more than just a bellyful.
Sun. Feb. 27, Doors open at 6:30 p.m., $40-55, Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave. Ambler, 215-345-7855, amblertheater.org.
For the budding Roger Ebert: Film buffs who've gotten into an award show season rut may want to supplement their night and attend the Bryn Mawr Film Institute's Oscar Party. The night will feature a live telecast on the big screen, with a catered buffet and cash bar open to guests. While your favorite actors are nabbing those little golden trophies, try your luck at the event's silent auction featuring items from area businesses like DiBruno Brothers and Capital Grille.
Sun. Feb 27, 7 p.m., $55-65, Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-9898, brynmawrfilm.org.
For the in-crowd: This member's only event is Oscar-themed through and through. The jazz band Oscar and the Colonials will perform, and movie trivia during the telecast's commercial breaks make the night a non-stop Oscar celebration. Light catered food will be served, and those who purchase a cupcake have a 20 percent chance of finding a Calhoun Jewelers diamond in their dessert. Also, a raffle gives guests the chance to win a movie gift basket full of classic and modern films. Those with luck on their side could walk away with some serious loot.
Sun. Feb. 27, 6 p.m., free for members, The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Pheonixville, 610-917-1228, thecolonialtheatre.com.
For the early bird: Celebrating the Oscars doesn't have to be a one-night-only event. Make a whole weekend of it, and attend Jenkintown's Hiway Theatre Pre-Oscar Party to benefit the non-profit theatre. The black-tie-optional soiree will feature performances by Susan Blair, an active member of Philadelphia's opera and musical theater communities, and award-winning ragtime pianist Don Kawash. Bolstering the musical performances is an open-bar cocktail hour and three-course meal. Each guest is entered to win a weeklong trip for four to Tuscany, Italy valued at $7,000.
Sat. Feb 26, 6-9p.m., $75-500 ticket packages, Huntingdon Valley Country Club, 2295 Country Club Dr., 215-657-1610, hiwaytheatre.org.
For the fun and fabulous: Up your celeb status at Prince Music Theater's Oscar viewing party. First, fend off the paparazzi as you walk down the red carpet. Later, brush shoulders with the Winner of Miss'd America 2010, the classic pageant with a drag queen twist, who's serving as the evening's VIP host. The guest celebrity performer of the night is local actor Erik Ransom (
Carrie, Coming: A Rock Musical of Biblical Proportion). Those with VIP tickets can enjoy an open beer, wine, and vodka bar, along with hors d'oeuvres. Two large-scale screens will stream the live showing of the 83rd Academy Awards. A larger than life James Franco? Yes, please!
Sun. Feb. 27, Doors open at 7 p.m., $25-50, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, 215 569-9700, princemusictheater.org.
Check Critical Mass for more Oscar coverage, including a Best Film round-up, style critique and show review.
