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The date was Boxing Day, Dec 26th, 1974, a balmy minus 7 degrees Celsius, greeted the “Peggers”, as they ventured out in droves to see a movie that would change their lives. Yes, a movie so incredible. Take your best comedy, take your best romance, take your best horror, take your best musical, and double it. Phantom of the Paradise embraced a generation of the Winnipeg population and never let go. It flopped everywhere else except Winnipeg, and Paris, France. It played continuously in local Winnipeg cinemas over four months and over one year non-continuously until 1976. The soundtrack album sold 20,000 copies in Winnipeg alone and was certified Gold in Canada. The film played occasionally in Winnipeg theaters in the 1990s and at the Winnipeg IMAX theater in 2000, drawing a dedicated “cult” following. When fans got together, it was a competition to see how many times each of them saw the film. In 2005, a group of dedicated fans set forth to put on the first Phantompalooza, and then again in 2006.
In 2014, a dedicated phantom phan decided to gather some of Winnipeg’s best local musicians and put together a tribute band that performs the soundtrack to perfection. The band Swanage was formed. They performed for the next 6 years, annually to celebrate with the Winnipeg faithful by the hundreds.
The cult continues. In 2024, we will be celebration 50 years of Phantom of the Paradise! November, 2nd, 2024, come partake in a once in a lifetime celebration. Featuring a filming of the movie; cast members confirmed in attendance include, Peter Elbling (Harold Oblong), Archie Hahn, Jeffery Comanor, and Paul Williams. There will be a selection of one-of-a-kind merchandise specific to this event. And to close off the evening, Swanage will perform the entire soundtrack in what may be their last encore.
This is a once in a lifetime event that cannot be missed! This is also an all-ages event, so let’s start the next generation of Phantom Phans!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H2, Canada,Winnipeg, Manitoba
