Spectrum the Ghost King

Spectrum the Ghost King

Photo by Christine Back

If you look over an empty beach on Halloween night, and see a white shape floating around or twirling, so that sparkles of light sometimes appear, you see a ghost! But it's no ordinary ghost; it's a King! He's Spectrum the Ghost King, identifiable not by a crown but by a large, high-necked collar lavished with diamonds that twinkle in the colors of the spectrum!

Interpretive dancer Suzanne Muldowney, of Delran, NJ, created this character in 1968.

She was inspired by classical musics, notably Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens, depicting supernatural beings making merry at Halloween. There were also examples of dance corps in white costumes, resembling clouds or a fog bank, en masse. The name Spectrum derived from the traditional spectre. Ms. Muldowney's first ballet tutu, with several panels of multi-color sequins, was named Spectrum in the catalog. The faceted diamonds, sparkling in the light, gave off different colors of the spectrum.

In the summer of 1968, the Muldowney family stayed in a hotel on the margin of the beach. Each night Suzanne went onto the empty beach, and one night she realized it was a perfect place for myriads of ghosts to dance on Halloween night! She memorized Danse Macabre so that she could hear it in her mind when she went onto the beach to dance secretly.

Suzanne created a scenario in which spectrum flew, on Halloween night, above many adjoining beaches, looking down at party after party.

Appearances by this ghost are most atmospheric at night. Aforementioned musical and dancing examples all are set at night, as are many real-life Halloween parades.

Because the costume is white, it is safest for night. The long-sleeved robe conceals thermal undergarments worn in case of cold. The headdress leaves the face exposed for unlimited visibility. The collar, a belt, the hemline, and the outer sheer cape all bear sparkles.

Since Spectrum was "born" in 1968, this year marks his 50th (Golden) Anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, creator Suzanne Muldowney appears as him in four Halloween parades she is booked for.

Photos by Checkerphil of Spectrum the Ghost King at the Beyond Vaudeville Live @ Carolines Oct 28th 1993

http://muldowneyville.tripod.com/spectrum.htm