The 2013 film “The Great Gatsby” will be the centerpiece at a 1920s-themed party March 16 at the Saban Theatre. (photo courtesy of Warner Bros.)

It’s been a century since the legendary, decadent Roaring ‘20s, but on March 16, Street Food Cinema is bringing them back – for one night only. It’s “The Great Gatsby” night at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, and the vintage Art Deco venue will pair the 2013 Baz Luhrmann-directed film with a party for the ages.

Guests can look forward to live jazz, Charleston dance lessons, a costume contest, vintage photo op, delectable bites from local food trucks and vendors, and cocktails paying homage to the era. Attendees 21-and-older with an add-on ticket can also join the top-secret, exclusive private speakeasy.

Street Food Cinema co-founder Steve Allison had been talking with the team at the Saban Theatre about potential events the theater could host.

“I’ve always wanted to do a Roaring ‘20s thing, and the Saban just finished renovating the entire lobby’s architecture true to its [original appearance],” Allison said. “So, I thought ‘The Great Gatsby’ was just a perfect idea.”

The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the titular Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy, the object of his unrequited love, and Tobey Maguire as Nick, the audience’s eye into the story. Based on the 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, the tale has long been renowned for its analysis of the Prohibition Era, and is routinely taught in high schools. The 2013 version won Academy Awards for its production design and costumes.

“I think it goes back to F. Scott Fitzgerald being the quintessential 1920s-era writer, and then ‘The Great Gatsby’ being the quintessential novel of the era, and of all Los Angeles theaters the Saban is the quintessential Art Deco historical theater,” Allison said. “I think that Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of it gives it a vibrancy that you wouldn’t have expected any other filmmaker to give such a classical tale. Honestly, Baz Luhrmann turns everything into a party.”

Street Food Cinema launched 13 years ago in Los Angeles, initially as a summer movie series that showed classics in city parks. Food trucks are available at every screening, too, giving the events a unique picnic vibe. The screenings draw big names on a regular basis, including Jodie Foster for “The Silence of the Lambs” and Shia LaBeouf for “Holes.” In September, Academy Award-winner Justin Hurwitz conducted a 52-piece orchestra for a live music version of “La La Land.” Roughly 7,000 people turned out for that night.

With Street Food Cinema’s increased popularity, it has expanded past its regular summer season. It takes over the Heritage Square Museum during its off season, offering events that take advantage of the Victorian homes in the area, including historical home tours and a Bloody Valentine event, which Allison describes as an “anti-Valentine’s Day” at the Million Dollar Theatre downtown.

But “The Great Gatsby” night might be one of the organization’s most ambitious to date.

“So, it’s all 1920-themed Art Deco immersion kind of events – all things fun. We’re going to make it feel authentic and a moment of yesteryear,” he said.

For Allison, it comes down to seeing movies together.

“It really creates the sense of community around a viewing experience. So, it’s not like you go home and watch it with your friends sitting on the couch or watching them in bed. This is something you get to share from the energy of the room and all the people in the room,” he said.

And Allison promised that much, much more is to come with Street Food Cinema’s 2024 schedule.

“We’re going to be pushing ourselves this year to really try to heighten cinema,” he said. “I think people really want a little bit of spectacle with the experience.”

For tickets and information, visit streetfoodcinema.com/events/greatgatsbynight. The Saban Theatre is located at 8440 Wilshire Blvd.

The interior of the Saban lends itself to the “Gatsby” theme. (photo courtesy of the Saban Theater)