The 1st Annual Friends of the Performing Arts Oscar Party by Alex Kerai

The glitz, the glamour, the tuxedos, the dresses... The red carpet! The Oscars arrived in Marblehead on Sunday at Warwick Place and Cinema in an event for the Friends of the Performing Arts (FoPA).  Guests arrived dressed ready for the red carpet where they had the opportunity to have their picture taken with full-size Oscar statuettes. There were also tuxedo-clad performing arts students waiting by the entrance to get your coat for you, which added a feeling of elegance to the party. FoPA and Warwick Place and Cinema owner Harold Blank did a fantastic job creating a stylish environment for Oscar viewing. A three-piece Jazz ensemble played before the awards show began and added to the atmosphere – a nice touch from FoPA.

The red carpet led the way from the front door down to two theaters where the Oscars were playing. Before the awards show began, guests could either watch in the no-talking luxury cinema or eat, play Oscar Bingo, and talk in the screening room. There was wonderful food in the screening room where friends mingled before the Oscars began at 8:30 while drinks and unlimited popcorn were also provided to the guests.  A raffle was held a little before the Oscars began and guests who had purchased tickets had the opportunity to win baskets from such Marblehead establishments as Ohh La La and Chet’s Video. Once the show started, everyone filed into the Warwick’s luxury cinema to watch film’s biggest night on the big screen! The fun didn’t stop once the show started, either. The audience in the theater was completely engaged in the show and it seemed like you were in the Kodak Theater with the stars. Everyone clapped when their favorite won an award, laughed at Ellen’s jokes and a few even danced to Pharrell Williams’s song “Happy” when he performed.

By attending the Oscar party, guests not only got to enjoy all the great perks provided by Warwick Cinemas, FoPA and their sponsors, but by purchasing a ticket they also contributed to FoPA’s ability to fund programs for the high school and scholarships for seniors. I am so happy that FoPA invited me to their first annual soirée for the Oscars. It was an incredibly fun night and anyone who missed it this year I encourage to attend next year.