Paramount Theater, Oakland California - December 1, 2001
The Paramount Theater was designed in 1929, the groundbreaking was December 11, 1930, and it opened December 16, 1931. This was one of the last great movie palaces ever built -- Radio City Music Hall was the last.
The Paramount stayed in business until 1970. Capable of holding orchestras, vaudeville acts, or movies, it spent most of its time as a simple movie house.
In 1972, the Oakland Symphony acquired the Paramount for one million dollars. For another million dollars, it was lovingly restored to its original opening-day condition.
The Paramount Theater is in full operation today. They still host concerts, ballets, and a classic movie night. Twice a month they offer public tours. This was my second time taking the tour. The difference this visit was that a stage show was in production, so the backstage area was off-limits and we had to clear out early for an afternoon show. For the best experience, pick a tour date when there is no stage production scheduled that day. For more information see http://www.paramounttheatre.com.
