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Event
Casablanca and 87th Anniversary Gala
While most of Hollywood searches for the fountain of youth, one aging movie queen is planning a big party to celebrate her 87th birthday and everyone is invited.
Carpinteria's entertainment stalwart, the Plaza Playhouse Theater, will celebrate its 87th Anniversary on Saturday, May 2. A capacity crowd is expected once again for the celebration and annual screening of "Casablanca," the 1942 film noir classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The screening will be preceded by a reception featuring appetizers and signature drinks. Music during the reception will be provided by Mr. Fred Olivas, a talented local musician.
"Casablanca" and Carpinteria," one may think. "I don't get the connection." Well, impress your movie buff friends with this bit of trivia Carpinterian Oliver Prickett played a waiter at the Blue Parrot, the watering hole in "Casablanca," and Prickett was the founder and original manager of Carpinteria's only theater.
"We are honored to being carrying on the dream of Ollie's", says board president, Melinda Bie, "I'm confident that he would be very pleased that the theater he started is in the hands of a very dedicated board of directors and volunteers who are committed to keeping every aspect of the theater arts alive in the Carpinteria Valley".
Before it was known as the Plaza Playhouse Theater, it was The Alcazar and opened on April 27, 1928. Owner, Henry J. Muller invested $500,000 to build the theater that builder Alex C. D'Alfonso claimed was "as Strong and Sturdy as the Rock of Gibraltar." The opening of the theater prompted telegrams of congratulations from MGM, Paramount and Christie Films among others to the first proprietor of the theater, long time resident and actor Oliver Prickett (sometimes known as Oliver Blake) of "Ma and Pa Kettle" fame. (Some of those original communiqués are on display in the lobby.) Opening night at the Alcazar featured a live band and the premier showing of a comedy "The Fifty-Fifty Girl"....admission was $1.10.
"As the oldest continually operating theater between San Francisco and Los Angeles, we feel a great sense of responsibility to our community and to all of those who have proceeded us in maintaining a center of entertainment in Carpinteria", continues Bie, "this is our 4th annual presentation of "Casablanca" in memory of Ollie and celebration of the theater, and every year we see more new faces and have more fun!".
Admission to the theater's 87th birthday party is $30 per person/$50 per couple and includes a reception and entertainment prior to screening. Advance purchase is encouraged and tickets may be purchased online at or by cash or check at Seastrand (919 Linden Ave). Proceeds from the evening directly benefit the Plaza Playhouse Theater. The theater is located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. The 86th Anniversary celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the "Casablanca" screens at 7 pm. For more information on the screening of "Casablanca" or the Plaza Playhouse Theater, call (805) 684-6380 or visit www.plazatheatercarpinteria.com.
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The Plaza Playhouse Theater is located at 4916 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Phone: (805) 684-6380. Free parking nearby. Wheelchair accessible.
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LocationPlaza Playhouse Theater (View)
4916 Carpinteria Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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