Centennial Celebration - Tampa Theatre
On October 15, 1926, Tampa Theatre opened its doors to an eager public for the very first time. One hundred years to the day later, the Theatre is throwing a birthday party — presented by Urban E Recyling — to thank the community that rescued this building 50 years ago and has supported it ever since.
The party starts on the sidewalk at 6:00 p.m. with live music and swing dancing with The Jazz Phools and professional portraits in front of the historic marquee (1920s-era attire is encouraged!) Inside, guests will receive complimentary champagne and a souvenir program similar to the opening night original from 1926, and limited-edition centennial merchandise will be available.
The program begins 7:00 p.m. with comments from Theatre officers and Tampa’s mayor. Then, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and Tampa Theatre’s own Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ will present the 1924 silent comedy Sherlock Jr., starring Buster Keaton as a humble movie projectionist who dreams of being a great detective. The evening’s finale — Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture — was also part of the opening night performance in 1926 and will feature some spectacular special effects made possible by 2026 technology.
