The Tampa Theatre is Back in Action
The first weekend of June, the Tampa Theatre hosted their restoration celebration to commemorate the reopening of the historic city landmark after a $6 million renovation, the largest in its history. The event began with heavy appetizers and cocktails and transitioned into a Champagne toast from the chair of the theatre’s board, Anne Pittman. Money was raised for the project through grants and public donations drawn from a campaign called “Cush Your Tush,” a cheeky homage to the complaints that the former seats were uncomfortable and too close together.
Guests of the celebration were treated to increased leg room in the all-new chocolate leather seats while the theatre showed the 1926 silent film “The General.” Considered one of Buster Keaton’s greatest films, and released the same year the theatre opened, it was accompanied by 17 members of the Florida Orchestra playing the score alongside the on-screen action. The theatre still features its famous Italian-inspired night sky, now recently repainted with forensically matched paint. Other changes include a new, more accommodating concession stand and pinstriped curtains in place of the previous red velvet ones.
Tampa Theatre
711 N. Franklin St. | (813) 274-8286
While you’re here, check out our article on another Tampa landmark. The Chatterbox may be a thing of the past, but its memory lives on.
