Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre is a historic theater located in the heart of Oakland, California, and is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. The theater was designed by Timothy L. Pflueger, a renowned San Francisco architect, and was built during the Great Depression with the help of New Deal programs such as the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Theatre Project. The theater's construction was also influenced by the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Public Works Administration. The Paramount Theatre was opened on December 16, 1931, with a screening of the Marx Brothers film Monkey Business, and was later declared a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1977.

● History

The Paramount Theatre has a rich history, having hosted many famous performers, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Duke Ellington. During the 1930s and 1940s, the theater was a popular venue for vaudeville shows, featuring performers such as Charlie Chaplin and W.C. Fields. The theater also hosted film premieres, including the 1933 premiere of King Kong, which was attended by Fay Wray and Merian C. Cooper. In the 1950s and 1960s, the theater was used for rock and roll concerts, featuring performers such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The Paramount Theatre has also been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows, including The Candidate, starring Robert Redford, and Tales of the City, based on the novels by Armistead Maupin.

● Architecture

The Paramount Theatre is an example of Art Deco architecture, with a design inspired by the Egyptian Revival style and the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The theater's exterior features a large neon sign and a terra cotta facade, while the interior features intricate moldings and ornate plasterwork. The theater's design was influenced by the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Tiffany Studios, and features a large Wurlitzer organ, which was installed in 1931 and is still used today. The theater's architecture has been praised by Frank Lloyd Wright and Julia Morgan, among others, and has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Notable Performances

The Paramount Theatre has hosted many notable performances over the years, including concerts by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead. The theater has also been used for comedy performances, featuring comedians such as Richard Pryor and George Carlin. In addition, the theater has hosted dance performances, including ballet and modern dance productions by companies such as the New York City Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The theater has also been used for theater productions, including Broadway shows such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, which have been produced by companies such as Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

● Restoration Efforts

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Paramount Theatre underwent a major restoration effort, which was led by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra and the City of Oakland. The restoration effort was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council, and involved the repair and replacement of the theater's seating, lighting, and sound systems. The restoration effort also included the installation of new stage equipment and the repair of the theater's Wurlitzer organ, which was restored by the American Theatre Organ Society. The restoration effort was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects, and has helped to ensure the continued use of the theater as a performing arts venue.

● Current Status

Today, the Paramount Theatre is a thriving performing arts center, hosting a wide range of events and performances throughout the year. The theater is home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Oakland Ballet, and has also hosted performances by companies such as the San Francisco Opera and the California Shakespeare Theater. The theater has also been used for film screenings and live music performances, featuring artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. The Paramount Theatre is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres and the National Association of Theatre Owners, and has been recognized as one of the Top 10 historic theaters in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The theater continues to be an important part of the Oakland community, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to visit the nearby Lake Merritt and the Oakland Museum of California. Category:Theatres in California