A Few Changes in Store for This Year's Oscar Party

As host to Phoenixville’s largest Oscar Party, the staff of the is making preparations for its annual statuette soiree, happening Sunday, Feb. 26. 

The many hundreds of guests from years past will be treated to the same entertainment that has kept them coming back annually, with some important changes for this year’s event.

The Colonial’s own Kirsten Van Vlandren, assistant director, gave us the scoop on what to expect at the 2012 event.

“There are two big changes really," Van Vlandren said. "The biggest is the limited guest count for the 7 p.m. event.”

She's referring to the new rule that only the first 150 members to RSVP for the event by Feb. 20 will be able to participate in the infamous cocktail hour. As in past years, the party is only open to Colonial members, who receive a certain number of invitations depending on their level of membership.  

“The bar will still be open for the 8:30 group, and there will still be some food," but after overwhelming turnouts in year’s past created sheer mayhem, crowd control had become a problem, Van Vlandren explained. This was decided to be the best way to ensure everything goes smoothly.

“There are only about 30 to 40 slots remaining for the 7 o'clock event," Van Vlandren added, so time is of the essence if you wish to attend the early part of the affair.

The second big change will be the judging of the costumes.

“In the past we always judged three different categories—Best Film-Themed Costume, Best Black Tie and Best Pajamas,"  Van Vlandren said. “This year, we’re only judging one category, and that’s Best Film-Themed Costume, although people are still encouraged to dress in whatever category they like.”

Even pajamas? “Yes, a lot of people come in pajamas, and it’s really fun!” she assured.

Event sponsor Kathy Calhoun of Calhoun Jewelers is working on a gem of an exhibition for this year’s event. At the recent auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate, Calhoun acquired some of the famously bejeweled beauty’s baubles.

“[Kathy]’s really trying to make it happen, though with insurance issues it’s not a definite, but if she can she will be bringing those along," Van Vlandren said.

With funny girl ensemble movie Bridesmaids released last year as well as the star-studded Midnight in Paris and the comedic potential of a human dressed as War Horse, it is a safe bet to say that the night will be full of winners and a camera is this year’s must-have red carpet accessory.

If You Go:

What: 8th Annual Members’ Oscar Party

Where: The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St.

When: Sunday, Feb. 28, Cocktail Hour begins at 7 p.m.; only the first 150 guests to RSVP will be able to attend the cocktail hour; main event begins at 8:30 p.m.

RSVP Information: You must RSVP by Feb. 20. The party is open to Colonial members as a thank you for their support. For membership info, visit the theatre's website.

More Info: For more information, visit the Colonial Theatre's Oscar Party Website.