Black Love Classic Movie Series

For nearly a century, Tampa Theatre has been a gathering place, bringing people together in the heart of downtown Tampa. Community bonds, fast friendships, and even love affairs have all been born out of illuminating, shared experiences at the majestic movie palace.

In that grand tradition, Tampa Theatre is proud to announce the return of the Black Love Classic Movie Series, presented by TECO. For its second season, the series will center around the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is.” These four films – chosen in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department – explore journeys of discovery and the roads that lead back, as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts.

The Wiz (1978)                                    2h 14m / G / Family Adventure
3:00pm Sunday, Feb. 5

At the time of its production, The Wiz was the most expensive movie musical ever made, a genre not known for being cheap to produce. Still: how much would you pay to get Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson and more at the peak of their artistic powers? Directed by Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Network) and written by Joel Schumacher (nothing from its Broadway play source material made it into the movie), The Wiz is a retelling of The Wizard of Oz, swapping poverty-stricken Dust-Bowl-era Kansas for poverty-stricken, run-down New York City. The Wicked Witch of the West is transmogrified into a sweatshop owner; the Good Witch of the North into Miss One, a magical numbers runner; and Oz the great and powerful into The Wiz, a … well, you’ll see.

Join us before the show for a special appearance by Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, co-founder of the Sonni Reading Project and the voice of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who will share a favorite children’s book LIVE on stage at 2:30pm. Guests are invited to donate a copy of their favorite children’s book to benefit young readers in our community and dress as their favorite storybook characters to participate in fun photo ops and a pre-film costume parade after Mayor Jane Castor welcomes the crowd and officially kicks off the Black Love Classics Series.

Contact Name Jill Witecki

Contact Phone 813.274.8287

Contact Email jill@tampatheatre.org

Site Contact Details Business & Box Office (813) 274-8286

Location Tampa Theatre

Building Name/Room Number/Site Tampa Theatre

Participation Cost $10

Event Web Link https://tampatheatre.org/movie-categories/black-love/