TAMPA – Over its 98-year history, Tampa Theatre has served as a setting for love stories of many Bay-area romantics, including first dates under the starry sky, stolen kisses in the balcony, “meet cutes” under the historic marquee and dream proposals on the stage.
If Tampa’s movie palace is part of your love story – or if you would like it to be – you are invited to spend a romantic evening under the stars with Valentine’s Vows and a classic romantic comedy at Tampa Theatre on Feb. 14.
At 7 p.m., the Right Reverend John Bell (also known as Tampa Theatre President & CEO John Bell, armed with an internet-official certificate of ordination) will invite married couples to participate in an en masse renewal of their wedding vows – written especially for an audience well-versed in romantic movie quotes – and a champagne toast to “happily ever after.” And should there be anyone ready to walk down the aisle (both literally and figuratively) that night, just bring your marriage license, and the Rev. Bell will perform the legal ceremony.
After the nuptials, the silent comedy “Our Hospitality” provides an excuse to sneak an arm around your date. In this 1923 classic, Buster Keaton plays Willie McKay, a young man who travels to the South to claim his inheritance. On the train ride, he meets the fetching Virginia Canfield. Unbeknownst to Willie, however, his family is embroiled in a long-standing feud with the Canfield family. Hilarity ensues as Willie unwittingly becomes a guest in the Canfield home, where Virginia’s father and brothers are bound by their genteel Southern hospitality not to harm a guest.
Nationally renowned organist Steven Ball will accompany the film with an original score performed LIVE on Tampa Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.
The film screening starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $14.50 for general admission and $11.50 for Tampa Theatre members at the Franklin Street Box Office or at TampaTheatre.org (service fees apply).
Film tickets are required for entry, and the vows ceremony is included at no additional charge. To register for the vows, contact Jill Witecki at or 813-274-8287.
