Paramount Theatre (Oakland, California)

Paramount Theatre (Oakland, California) is a historic Art Deco movie palace located in Oakland, California, designed by renowned architect Timothy L. Pflueger and opened in 1931. The theatre is a prominent example of Art Deco architecture in the United States, showcasing the work of Ornamentalist sculptor Ralph Stackpole and featuring intricate decorations by Romaine Hoffmann. As a notable landmark in Oakland, the theatre has hosted various events and performances, including concerts by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman. The theatre's rich history is also closely tied to the city's cultural institutions, such as the Oakland Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Opera.

● History

The Paramount Theatre was built during the Great Depression as a flagship theatre for Publix Theatres, a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures. The construction of the theatre was a significant undertaking, involving the work of Herrick & Company and Hansen & Wells contractors, and featuring a Wurlitzer theatre organ designed by Robert-Morton Organ Company. The theatre's opening night on December 16, 1931, featured a screening of the Marx Brothers film Monkey Business, accompanied by a live performance by Ferde Grofé and the Paramount Theatre Orchestra. Over the years, the theatre has hosted numerous notable events, including performances by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong, as well as screenings of classic films like Casablanca and Gone with the Wind. The theatre's history is also closely tied to the development of American cinema, with connections to Hollywood studios like Warner Bros. and MGM Studios.

● Architecture

The Paramount Theatre is an exemplary model of Art Deco architecture, featuring a striking terra cotta exterior and a lavish interior decorated with intricate moldings, gilding, and sculptures by Ralph Stackpole and Ornamentalist artists. The theatre's design was influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Joseph Urban, and features a unique blend of Egyptian Revival and Gothic Revival styles. The theatre's proscenium arch is adorned with a Wurlitzer theatre organ, and the auditorium features a complex system of flying scenery and stage machinery designed by Peter Foy. The theatre's architecture has been praised by critics and historians, including Vincent Scully and Leonard Kessler, and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

● Restoration

In the 1970s, the Paramount Theatre underwent a major restoration project, led by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra and the Paramount Theatre Restoration Project. The restoration involved the work of historic preservation experts, including Lee Harris Pomeroy and Page & Turnbull, and featured the reconstruction of the theatre's original Wurlitzer theatre organ and the restoration of the auditorium's intricate decorations. The project also included the installation of new sound systems and lighting systems, designed by JBL Professional and Strand Lighting. The restoration was recognized with a National Preservation Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a California Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation.

● Events_and_performances

The Paramount Theatre has hosted a wide range of events and performances over the years, including concerts by The Grateful Dead, The Who, and The Rolling Stones, as well as performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and American Ballet Theatre. The theatre has also screened classic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Godfather, and has hosted film festivals like the San Francisco International Film Festival and the Oakland International Film Festival. The theatre's events and performances have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Music Video and a Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre.

● Notable_features

The Paramount Theatre features a number of notable architectural and decorative elements, including a striking terra cotta exterior, a lavish interior decorated with intricate moldings and gilding, and a unique Wurlitzer theatre organ. The theatre's auditorium features a complex system of flying scenery and stage machinery, designed by Peter Foy and Stage Engineering Inc.. The theatre's decorations also include intricate sculptures by Ralph Stackpole and Ornamentalist artists, as well as a series of murals by Arthur Mathews and Frank Brangwyn. The theatre's notable features have been recognized by critics and historians, including Vincent Scully and Leonard Kessler, and have been featured in numerous publications, including Architectural Digest and Theatre Arts Magazine.

● Operations_and_management

The Paramount Theatre is operated by the Paramount Theatre Corporation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the theatre as a cultural and historic landmark. The theatre is managed by a team of experienced professionals, including executive director Sarah Crowell and technical director Michael McGough. The theatre's operations are supported by a range of sponsors and donors, including Chevron Corporation, Kaiser Permanente, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The theatre's management has been recognized with numerous awards, including a California Governor's Award for the Arts and a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing. The theatre is also a member of the League of Historic American Theatres and the International Association of Venue Managers.

Category: Theatres in California