Have you always dreamed of sharing air with the stars on Oscar night? It's a pretty grand and heady affair, but if you can't make it to Hollywood this year, make plans to view the Academy Awards at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.
On Sunday, Feb. 27, the New Theatre Company is hosting the fanciest do in town at the home of Laughing Stock Theatre Company and the Sun Valley Center for the Performing Arts. The location gives everyone a chance to root up close for a couple of valley residents.
Tom Rosenberg, owner of the Sun Valley Athletic Club and a Sun Valley resident, is head of Lakeshore Productions that, with Clint Eastwood, produced "Million Dollar Baby." Eastwood himself has a home north of Ketchum and is up for three awards, including Best Actor, Best Director and Best Movie (Producer).
The evening at the nexStage begins with a proper red carpet greeting by a mother-daughter duo that will knock your silk stockings off.
Guests will proceed into a full bar reception area where a 45-inch high definition TV is placed for out-of-seat viewing purposes. Special drinks, including the Golden Boy 'Tini, the "Dorothy" and the "Bond," will be served by the handiest bartenders in town.
Catered by Judith McQueen, food items to be served will be coordinated to the nominated movies, such as wine for "Sideways" (no Merlot!) and sticky pudding, lemon tarts and chocolate butterfly wings for "Finding Neverland."
Tables will be set up banquet style in the decorated theater where the show can be viewed on the 12 x 12-foot screen. During the show's commercial break, various valley performers, including Chris Millspaugh and David Blampied, will entertain with movie trivia and other comic bits. Of course, what would an award show be without a ballot. Fill one out before the show and you might win the grand prize. Guests are encouraged to dust off the black tie, dress as a favorite star and make a night of it.
New Theatre Company is a producer of quality drama in the valley, including past productions of "Wit" Sylvia," "Fuddy Meers" and "Proof." The company's next production is "The Drawer Boy" by Michael Healy to be staged in March at nexStage Theatre.
The evening is a benefit for New Theatre Company. For reservations to the Evening at the Oscars, call 622-2271 or e-mail ntcplays@cox-internet.com
Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank, both Oscar nominees, battle in out in "Million Dollar Baby." Photo courtesy AMPAS, and Warner Brothers
