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Deep down inside, we all know that Downton Abbey — the addictive British saga set at the fictional Crawley estate in Yorkshire — is just a highbrow soap opera. But that doesn’t mean we should love it any less. In fact, we can — and should — celebrate its romantic plot lines and whispered secrets in a similarly romantic style. You can do just that at tonight’s Masterpiece Costume Ball, a party hosted by Rocky Mountain PBS to preview the season-five U.S. premiere a day before anyone else can tune in.
“This is not just a chance to see the show — it’s a chance to live the show,” says RMPBS marketing director Kathryn Roethel. “That time period seems to be having a resurgence — the fashion, the music; there was the Gatsby movie…. Everyone enjoys the escape of getting to go back to that beautiful and iconic time period, and it’s a fun thing that will help people kick off the new year after that holiday letdown.”
The elegant ’20s-themed soiree will take over the Oxford Hotel, 1600 17th Street, from 6 to 10:30 p.m., with live music from stellar Denver songstress Dianne Reeves along with fine food, drinks and dancing, but the focal point is sure to be the premiere screening and the costumes, because, darling, you must dress. Prizes will be awarded for the best period garb, and in this socialite-strewn crowd, the competition is certain to be fierce.
Admission to the Downton Abbey fete and screening is $150 at rmpbs.org/downtonball; proceeds benefit RMPBS. The Oxford is also offering a special $162 Downton Abbey rate for rooms; call 800-228-5838 for information. And if the chance to live the dream is out of your price range, cheer up: The official Downton Abbey premiere is at 9 p.m. January 4 on Channel 6.
Sat., Jan. 3, 6-10:30 p.m., 2015