When my sister and I attended a showing of Holiday Inn last year, the Tampa Theatre instantly became a new Christmas pastime. This year, I enjoyed the new holiday tradition with my girls when we were invited to attend The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Since the 1920s, the magnificent Tampa Theatre has been entertaining and dazzling audiences for generations and my daughters were no exception. With its gorgeous Mediterranean style décor, they felt like princesses strolling through a starry-lit castle.
The royal red carpet treatment continued when my princesses chose balcony seats. They loved experiencing the sights and sounds of a movie from new heights.
Just like in its early days, an organist serenades the audience before the featured presentation. For an extra special treat, Mrs. Claus made a guest appearance and shared stories with the audience.
To pay tribute to a golden era gone-by, the organist led the audience in a few sing-a-longs before the featured presentation.
Before the movie started, I slipped away to the concession stand for the usual cinema snacks of popcorn and soft drinks, but the Tampa Theatre also serves non-traditional libations such as beer and wine. While at the concession stand, I spotted a vintage replica blown glass ornament of the famous flashing Tampa Theatre marquis. Since the proceeds of the ornament benefit the restoration and maintenance of the theatre, I added an ornament to my popcorn and beer tab.
As for The Muppet Christmas Carol, I had never seen the film before, so it added an element of something new for all of us. Although the sound had some technical difficulties (which is completely understandable for a theatre nearly a century old), we still enjoyed the movie. Michael Caine made the perfect Scrooge and the Muppets delivered all the musical, silly, loving charm would expect from any Muppet movie.
My girls loved the movie, but the beauty and overall experience of the Tampa Theatre makes any movie even more magical.
“Each December, the Theatre offers a Holiday Classics Movie Series on the big screen, with the opportunity to sing along to carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer organ before each show, in the unmatched elegance of the city’s historic movie palace. Tickets for the Holiday Classics Movie Series are $9 for adults and $7 for children, seniors, military and Tampa Theatre members at the box office, or online at TampaTheatre.org ($2 convenience fee applies).”
*My family and I received a tour of the Tampa Theatre and tickets to The Muppet Christmas Carol in exchange for my honest review. My opinions and love for the Tampa Theatre are real and my own.*
I love the picture of you and the little ladies. They are very beautiful. I love, love, love going to live plays. It is a magical experience indeed. 🙂
That looked like such fun!! Can you believe I have been in Tampa for four years now, and have yet to visit the Tampa Theatre! Your post made me realize I definitely need to remedy that asap!
I love seeing shows there. It’s a must-do! Check out the shows/times online. There are a lot of good ones now playing and coming soon.
I work in downtown Tampa, but I’ve never been inside the Tampa Theatre. It is amazing! Great photos!
What fun. Haven’t been in Tampa in years…one of these days I’ll get back!!!
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