In 1994, local comic book writer and filmmaker Ted Sikora first staged his Nothing Like Vaudeville musical at the Phantasy. Tap Dance Killer, one of the “vaude-villains” in the play, would later inspire some of Sikora's comic books.
With the Phantasy set to close this weekend, Sikora aims to give the venue a proper send-off by staging a show that he’s called Tap Dance Killer’s Comic Book Cabaret.
“That experience [in 1994] was life-changing, and when I heard the Phantasy was closing after more than 40 years, I called Phantasy owner, Michelle DeFrasia, and suggested we do a video interview to archive the history of the place,” says Sikora in a press release announcing the event. “I also sheepishly asked if there might be an opening to do a song or two from Nothing Like Vaudeville. At that point, she offered us a whole friggin' night! It will be a show like no other with rock and theater performers, dancers, and poets. We'll also have guest comic book writers like the great Tony Isabella reading from Black Lightning in front of projected pages.”
The event takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Symposium, a club that’s part of the Phantasy complex.
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