RED CARPET, OSCARS, FUN AND FESTIVITIES AT THE KATE

The impressive Red Carpet signaling the Oscars is rolling dramatically from Hollywood all the way to Old Saybrook, to the welcoming doors of the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.  It is slated to arrive on Sunday, March 2 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and host Ellen DeGeneres has all her quips and jokes and surprises lined up ready to pop.

According to the busy co-chairs of the event, Diane Hessinger and Shirley Colquehoun, the excitement is mounting, minute by minute.  When you walk in the entrance of The Kate, be prepared for the paparazzi and photography bulbs flashing as you have your picture taken with a live golden statue named Oscar.

Come dressed to the nines or as your favorite movie character to enjoy the festivities, including outstanding Hors d’oeuvres and desserts courtesy of the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa's acclaimed Fresh Salt Restaurant.  This fundraiser to benefit The Kate is sponsored by Comcast and Land Rover Guilford and will be hosted by Ann Nyberg, Anchor of WTNH News 8 and Kristen Roberts, Vice President of Publicity and Community Investment at Comcast.  A raffle of ten special items, including 2 tickets to the Bruce Springsteen concert May 17 and 18 at Mohegan Sun and a 24 inch flat screen television as well as a silent auction of 50 great gifts like facials, massages and restaurants will be available for bid.

For best picture, would you select “American Hustle,” “Philomena” or “12 Years a Slave?”  As leading actress, would you favor Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine,” Sandra Bullock in “Gravity” or Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County?”  In the category of leading actor, pick between Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyer’s Club,” Bruce Dern in “Nebraska” or Leonardo Di Caprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street.”  The choices abound.

Call The Kate for tickets ($60 members, $65 non-members) at 860-510-0453 or online at www.katherinehepburntheater.org.

Skip along the Red Carpet on a trail to great fun and food and festivities as you watch the Academy Awards live in HD on a big screen.  Ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.