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Nelson Civic Theatre celebrates Oscar week in style

The Nelson Hustle features some of the hottest Best Picture nominees and the Oscar Awards ceremony live-streamed on the big screen
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Nelson Civic Theatre will be showing Oscar nominees for Best Picture later this month. It will also have a live feed of the award show on March 2.

“The Hustle” is more than just a disco song from the ‘70s. This month, it’s the first birthday bash of the Nelson Civic Theatre. “The Nelson Hustle” celebrates film, fun and community and runs February 20 to March 2.

The Nelson Hustle features some of the hottest Best Picture nominees, a little “gambling,” the Oscar Awards ceremony live-streamed on the big screen — and a party of course.

“The Civic Theatre’s first birthday and the Oscars is a perfect combination,” says project manager Roger Ley.  “Everyone loves a party — especially one that runs for a week.”

All donations and proceeds during the Nelson Hustle will help pay for upgrades to the concession, Ley explains, adding, “If you’ve ever seen our concession, you’ll know why.”

The fun begins with a week of films, so film lovers can see some of the Best Picture nominees before the big day. On the playlist are Broken Circle Breakdown (February 20), Philomena, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, American Hustle and Ernest and Celestine running February 26 to March 2. “Gamblers” can guess the Oscar-winners on ballot forms in the lobby to win prizes.

On Saturday, March 1 the Civic goes into full ‘70s party mode in Oscar fashion, with The Nelson Hustle’s red carpet event. Stars and limousines, music, hors d’oeuvres, sparkly refreshments, prizes for ‘70s glam costumes and a special screening of Oscar contender American Hustle are among the highlights. (Sorry, no minors at this one.)

This unforgettable fundraising evening is hosted by Roger Ley and the fabulous Lisel Forst, or her alter-ego, whoever that may be.

“It’s great to celebrate how far we’ve come. It’s also great to celebrate where we’re going,” says Ley, explaining that the Civic Theatre has an approved grant that will match $30,000 of community donations for the essential concession upgrades.

The final fundraising tally will be revealed at a live, satellite-feed Oscar broadcast on Sunday, March 2 from 4 to 7 p.m at the theatre, where the local guess-the-Oscar winners will also be revealed and last-minute donations accepted.

“Of course, everyone’s a winner in this hustle,” says Ley.

For the full schedule go to civictheatre.ca.