Deadline for Oscar Party RSVPs Approaching

At last year’s Academy Awards, the horror genre got its own montage, and Phoenixville had a moment.

As members took in the Oscars from the seats at The Colonial Theatre, they watched as two scenes from The Blob flashed across the big screen during the live broadcast. One was the running out scene, which was filmed at the Colonial.

“And so here we are, sitting in the theater together watching the Oscars, and then there we are,” said Kirsten Van Vlandren, assistant director at The Colonial Theatre. “It was just awesome. There was just this collective gasp and applause.”

For the seventh year, the theater will celebrate the awards with the Oscar Party on Feb. 27. The party wasn’t always only for theater members.

Van Vlandren recalled the evolution of the event. The first three years, the party was opened up to the public and it was free. Everyone was asked to bring something for the bar and some food to share. This worked swimmingly—for the first two years.

The third year, attendance hit 300 – 400 people. As requested, everyone brought food and drinks, but the theater’s staff and volunteers found themselves buried with salads and other dishes.

“It was one of those experiences where it’s so crazy you just can’t help but laugh kind of hysterically at it,” Van Vlandren said. “We had food stacked up on boxes and tables in our box office. It was just chaotic.”

The following year, the Colonial made the Oscar Party a members-only event, using the occasion to honor those who support the theater through memberships, which start at $40 per year.

“Some people were a little bummed, and understandably,” Van Vlandren said.

However, the party is still accessible to everyone in the community, as Van Vlandren pointed out.

“If you’re not interested in being a member of the theater, if you don’t feel like you use the theater that much, you can think about it in terms of paying $40 to come to a party where you have free food and free open bar, and so that’s a good deal too,” she said.

For the $40 membership, members receive discounted movie prices, free refills on popcorn and soda and a free movie pass. Other memberships levels are offered, as well, and come with more perks. Of course, members also get access to the Oscar Party, which has some changes in store this year.

A Jack Sparrow lookalike will be on hand, and Van Vlandren said there may be other lookalikes, too. Keith Moyer takes over the co-hosting duties, joining long-time co-host Diane Canney, and Phoenixville events company Penncora will be handling the stage decoration.

“The stage will hopefully be a little bit more impressive than it has been in the past,” Van Vlandren said.

Also new this year is the band cheekily named “Oscar and the Colonials.” Band leader and bassist Rob Swanson assembled the ensemble. Phoenixville’s will be doing the floral arrangements.

Oscar Party mainstays like jewelry displays provided by sponsor Calhoun Jewelers, costume contests and trivia will be part of the event. The costume contests include best film costume, best formal wear and best pajamas—yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to don your PJs for the party.

Trivia and costume contest winners will score Oscar statues (big ones for contest winners, smaller ones for trivia champs) along with gift bags full of goodies from area merchants.

Some of the more memorable costumes from the past include a duo of volunteers dressed as Julie and Julia (from the feature film). One young woman also showed up several years ago in full Bjork regalia—she wore the infamous swan dress.

“We’re hoping she comes back this year, maybe as Black Swan,” Van Vlandren said.

In addition to the costume contest, members can pick up cupcakes and a chance at a diamond or gemstone, sponsored by Calhoun Jewelers. For $10, members can purchase one of 150 cupcakes. Thirty contain gems, with one holding a diamond.

The proceeds from Calhoun Cupcakes go to the theater. The gems are wrapped, so there’s no need to worry about your dental work. The winner of the diamond should get a photo taken to celebrate the prize.

“We want to acknowledge the person and make a big deal out of it,” Van Vlandren said.

The Oscar Party coordinates with the February membership drive at The Colonial Theatre. This month, the theater association aims to sign up 100 members.

“Those two things really dovetail together, where we’re encouraging new members to join and letting people know about the Oscar Party,” Van Vlandren said.

If You Go:

Location: The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street

Time: Arrivals on the red carpet start at 6 p.m., with the live broadcast of the Academy Awards beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27.

Cost: Free to members of The Colonial Theatre. Memberships start at $40. Find out more about membership on the Web site.

RSVP: Van Vlandren said it’s important for members planning to attend to let the theater know by Feb. 21 so they can give a headcount to the caterer. Send your RSVP to Kirsten@thecolonialtheatre.com.

Food and Drink: Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be featured, and the party is catered by Ludwigs’ Gourmet Catering. Wine and beer will also be available.

Attire: Participate in one of the costume contests (film costume, formal wear, pajamas) or just show up in street clothes. Everyone fits in, Van Vlandren said.