Underground cinema and drag queen fans have had a hole yearning to be filled since the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled so many events and activities — notably including the old Midnight Mass shows with Peaches Christ. The pandemic forced that popular event to evolve into the Midnight Mass podcast, but now Midnight Mass is dipping its toes back into the holy water of live, in-person shows. On Wednesday night December 15, the Midnight Mass podcast hosts a live showing of Brian De Palma’s rock musical Phantom of the Paradise at the Mission District’s Roxie Theater.

 

“This is for sure the first SF Midnight Mass screening since the pandemic, and it's our first-ever Midnight Mass podcast live event,” Peaches Christ tells Hoodline. “Also, it's important to note that guests will be treated to seeing the film like they've never seen it before. And we mean it. And for legal reasons, that's all I can say.”

Phantom of the Paradise is a little-known musical horror film, but directed by Brian De Palma, and with a score by esteemed songwriter Paul Williams. A box office disaster upon its 1974 release, its garish shock-value has since made it an underground hit and a natural for the Midnight Mass crowd.

And as usual, the ‘show around the show’ Peaches Christ has planned will not disappoint. In addition to the film and an onstage Midnight Mass podcast recording, you'll get a performance from local glam-rock faux queen Trixxie Carr, and a dialogue with Ari Kahan, who maintains the Swan Archives dedicated to preserving the legacy of this film. 

Plus, per the event’s invite, “Don’t forget to DRESS UP for the glam rock lip-synch competition!”

Midnight Mass pocase presents Phantom of the Paradise, Wednesday, December 15 at the Roxie Theater, 6:30 p.m., $15, Tickets here