LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Academy Awards gala and exhibit, 'An Affair to Remember,' at Orinda Theatre

Put on your most elegant attire and join in the dazzling fun at an "Affair to Remember," the Oscar Night Gala at the Orinda Theatre in Orinda. Black-tie and glamorous gowns are encouraged.

Hollywood historian and collector, Barry Barsamian, is joining producers Derek Zemrak, Leonard Pirkle and their crew at the vintage 1940's theater to display an amazing collection of stunning Hollywood Star wardrobes. For the first time in 10 years, Barsamian's Hollywood Legends Collection will be displayed at the theater for one night only in honor of Oscar's Big Night, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. The party is expected to run until 11 p.m.

The premiere exhibition from the collection of Barsamian includes costumes and personal wardrobe items belonging to Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Shirley Temple Black (her gown from her 1984 Academy Aewards Show appearance), Marilyn Monroe, Joan Crawford and Grace Kelly, just to name a few.

Barsamian first began collecting Hollywood memorabilia at age 12 when he visited Beverly Hills with his family. One Saturday, he rang Lucille Ball's doorbell, then Milton Berle's and then Doris Day's. Day was at home and Barsamian heard her tell the assistant to give him an autographed photo from the desk drawer. That's what started it all. His passion grew and so did his collection, along with his friendships with some of Hollywood's greatest legends, stars and Academy Award winners - Shirley Temple Black, Jane Russell, Joan Fontaine, Margaret O'Brien and Mickey Rooney. (Barsamian's cousin is actor Mike Connors of "Mannix" fame.)

On Oscar night, Barsamian will speak briefly about his collection and personal relationships with amazing stars as he shares insightful anecdotes.

Info and tickets: http://lamorindatheatres.com