‘Swiftonomics’: Music Star’s New Album Release Helps Boost Plymouth Movie Theater
As Taylor Swift fans prepare for her 12th studio album release, Emagine Willow Creek is one of the theaters getting a boost by hosting her three-day release party.
Last month, Swift announced “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” a theatrical event accompanying her new album “The Life of a Showgirl.” The movie is being shown in theaters worldwide, from just October 3-5.
“I can understand why people are excited about it. I mean, as soon as the announcement came out, we saw people buying tickets immediately and filling up showtimes,” said Tim Holly, director of creative and alt programming at Emagine Entertainment.
Emagine has locations throughout the Twin Cities hosting the party. It’s one of many big moments in movies throughout the last few years — like The Eras Tour film and the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, both of which brought droves of people into theaters.
“You can’t really compare Taylor Swift’s fandom to anything else– I mean, it’s really a singular thing, right?” Holly said.
One of the big upcoming films is “Wicked: For Good,” which Holly said will make for another group of big crowds. But in the meantime, “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” will bring a big crowd.
“Those big boosts are super helpful, just because some of these other smaller films maybe aren’t delivering what they were prior to the pandemic,” Holly said.
People can buy tickets for the official release party online or at theater kiosks.
Adding More Showings
As some showtimes for the event already sold out, Emagine is adding more showings throughout the three-day period so more fans can come through.
Swift’s show — and other big theatrics — aren’t Emagine’s only tricks to boost its theaters. Holly said the theater is showing popular old films and concert films with interactive wristbands.
Another strategy that Holly boosted is the theater’s incorporation of local food and drink. One such example is food options from Minneapolis-based The Herbivorous Butcher. He said these local touches can set them apart from bigger chains.
“We want to be that neighborhood movie theater for a lot of people,” Holly said.
As for the event, Holly said he is expecting a dressed-up crowd.
“I’m expecting that we will see big, large groups of people that are in a great mood, are just excited for this experience and be able to hear this new record for the first time,” Holly said.
You can check out showtimes for Emagine Willow Creek’s showings on its website. For a full list of participating theaters, check out the “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” website.
