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Strike Won't Derail Tampa's Oscar Party

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By KEVIN WALKER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 12, 2008

Updated: 02/12/2008 12:22 pm

TAMPA - In the 1950s, Tampa Theatre provided Tampa native Jim Ferman plenty of good times.

"I grew up here," he said recently. "And as everyone who grew up here during that time remembers, Tampa Theatre was the spot."

Now, Ferman sees a chance to give back.

On Feb. 24, Ferman's company will be the marquee sponsor for the theater's biggest annual fundraising event, the "Oscar Night America" party. Ferman said it's a cause worthy of involvement, one he and his wife, Celia, have been active in for years.

"There aren't too many grand palaces like this left out there," Ferman said. "It's an asset from a historical standpoint as well as an architectural and arts standpoint."

The writers strike in Hollywood has halted production on television shows and already led to the cancellation of the Golden Globes awards show. Exactly how the strike will affect the Oscar broadcast remains unknown. Writers were expected to vote today on whether to accept a new deal.

But (cliche alert!) no matter what sort of show is broadcast that night from Los Angeles, the show in Tampa will go on.
Tampa Theatre is one of only 52 official "Oscar Night America" parties and Oscar show viewings sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

"Despite the uncertainty of what is going on 3,000 miles away, here in Tampa we're excited about getting together and having a good time," said Sarah Pickett, a member of the nonprofit board that governs the theater.

The 26-year-old Pickett, a Tampa native and a vice president in the commercial loan division of Mercantile Bank, is chairing her first "Oscar Night America" party.

She said it hasn't been the headache you might expect, given the circumstances.

"That's been the great thing about chairing this event," she said. "Despite what's going on, everyone here is very excited about it. The theater has great support here."

Opened in 1926, Tampa Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places. But despite its historical status, the theater remains relevant. It is one of the few places in the area that screens independent films with regularity. It also frequently shows classic films and hosts concerts, as well as educational, corporate and community events.

The Oscar night fundraiser is expected to bring in about $20,000 to $30,000, all of which will go to the nonprofit trust that supports the theater.

The party will include some of the events from years past, Pickett said. Patrons can enjoy a limousine ride, exit onto a red carpet and run the gauntlet of fans and media. Makeup artists will be on hand to provide "touch ups," and red carpet fashion commentator "Roan Jivers" (Pat Fenda) will interview guests.

Penguins will be there, too, just like last year, exiting a limousine and hitting the red carpet.

"People love the penguins," Pickett said. "We really are happy the Florida Aquarium is bringing them back again."

Leslie Unger, spokeswoman for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles, said recently that the academy "plans on having a live show and a theater full of people on Feb. 24," but beyond that she had few details.

The party at Tampa Theatre starts at 7:15 p.m. Those buying the general-admission ticket ($30) will get free soda, house coffee and popcorn. Those in the VIP reception ($130) will enjoy catering by Mise En Place.
OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA

WHAT: Fundraiser for Tampa Theatre
WHEN: 7:15 p.m. Feb. 24

WHERE: Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St.

ADMISSION: $30 general; $130 VIP (813) 274-8981

Kevin Walker can be reached at (813) 259-7975 or kwalker@tampatrib.com.

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