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Jackson Forderer
Burnsville, Minn.

Photos: Dressing for the occasion on 'Star Wars' opening night

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Sam Kirk, Darth Akudo, and Zach Kirk, Darth Zorn
Sam Kirk, left, dressed as Darth Akudo and Zach Kirk dressed as Darth Zorn. The theater did not allow lightsabers and masks inside the theaters but allowed them in the lobby for pictures.
Jackson Forderer for MPR News

As "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" opened to record-breaking crowds Thursday night, Dec. 17, many who came to the Paragon Odyssey 15 IMAX movie theater in Burnsville dressed as their favorite Star Wars character.

Johnny Cooper, manager at the Paragon Odyssey theater, said the "Star Wars" movie played in 13 of its 15 auditoriums on opening day.

"It's been really busy," Cooper said, "but it was expected."

Gallery
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Max Liebl, an employee at the Paragon Odyssey
Max Liebl, an employee at the Paragon Odyssey theater for just over a year, said that he has only seen the theater this busy one other time, last year on Christmas Day. Johnny Cooper, manager at the movie complex said, "We've been hiring for the last couple of months to prepare for this holiday season," and added that employees who normally work two or three shifts per week are now working five days a week.
Jackson Forderer for MPR News
1 of 20
Sam Kirk, Darth Akudo, and Zach Kirk, Darth Zorn
Sam Kirk, left, dressed as Darth Akudo and Zach Kirk dressed as Darth Zorn. The theater did not allow lightsabers and masks inside the theaters but allowed them in the lobby for pictures.
Jackson Forderer for MPR News
2 of 20
Twins Carlie and Chloe as Princess Leia
Twins Carlie and Chloe, 15, dressed as Princess Leia. The two saw the movie in the IMAX 3D theater.
Jackson Forderer for MPR News