Is there any local landmark more flat-out glorious than Tampa Theatre? Any venue so rich in history, character, color and class? Sitting under that star-studded canopy ceiling, watching the ageless Rosa Rio rise from the stage pit as she coaxes all sorts of fabulous sounds from the Mighty Wurlitzer, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer atmosphere and funky splendor of the place. Granted, the programming these days isn’t always as adventurous as we might like — yes, Casablanca and Gone with the Wind are good films, but what about the zillions of equally good films that never, ever, ever get screened (and that aren’t even available on DVD)? — but the place is such a bona fide Temple o’ Cinema that, frankly, they could show I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and it would still feel like an Event.
Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St, Tampa, 813-274-8286, tampatheatre.org.
