Information
Landmark: Paramount TheatreCity: Aurora
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Paramount Theatre, Aurora, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Since it first lit up its marquee in Aurora, Illinois, the Paramount Theatre has been a beloved landmark, shaping the city’s entertainment scene and preserving its rich cultural history.Here’s a closer look: the Paramount Theatre sits at 23 East Galena Boulevard, right in the heart of Aurora’s downtown, where the old brick façade catches the afternoon light.It opened its doors on September 3, 1931, with Rapp and Rapp at the helm- the same firm that crafted other grand landmarks like the glittering Chicago Theatre.The Balaban and Katz theatre chain, a powerhouse in early 20th-century American cinema, built the Paramount, its marquee glowing bright against the night.Built in the depths of the Great Depression, the theatre still dazzled with velvet seats, gleaming brass fixtures, and cutting‑edge amenities.Back then, it was Aurora’s first building with air conditioning-you could step inside and feel a welcome rush of cool air.The Paramount Theatre blends the bold lines of Art Deco with delicate Venetian flourishes, like arches that catch the afternoon light.Inside, you’ll find delicate plaster patterns, sweeping staircases, and murals so detailed you can almost trace the brushstrokes.They’ve preserved and restored the auditorium with care, bringing back the sweeping curves and rich wood tones that defined its 1930s grandeur.In 1986, it joined the National Register of Historic Places, honored for its striking architecture and its place in America’s entertainment story-echoes of applause still seem to linger in its halls.By the 1970s, the theatre stood dark and empty, its doors locked and dust gathering on the seats.The Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) later took ownership and kicked off a major restoration, peeling away years of dust and wear.In 1978, the doors opened again-this time to a performing arts center-and before long it was the city’s cultural heart, alive with the sound of applause.Back in 2011, the theatre kicked off its own Broadway Series, bringing fully staged professional musicals to life right on its own stage, with the bright glare of footlights warming the set.These shows keep drawing packed houses and winning over critics year after year.At the Paramount Theatre, the spotlight often shines on its Broadway Series, bringing in top-notch musicals with a polished cast and crew-think velvet curtains rising on a show that hums with energy.Each season usually delivers five big musicals-complete with full orchestras, sweeping sets, and costumes that look like they’ve stepped straight out of another era.Past and upcoming productions range from Cats, on stage through June 15, 2025, to Million Dollar Quartet, Come From Away opening August 20, 2025, White Christmas in November, Dear Evan Hansen in February 2026, Ride the Cyclone, and South Pacific; beyond theatre, the venue buzzes with comedy, live music, film nights, and special events.The nearby Copley Theatre hosts the Paramount’s BOLD Series, staging smaller, sharper productions that might surprise you the way a sudden spotlight cuts through the dark.The main auditorium holds roughly 1,885 guests, with seating spread across the orchestra floor and the balcony above, where the view sweeps over the stage.The venue boasts sleek, modern sound and lighting, yet the carved wooden beams still whisper its history.The theatre offers wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and performances with open captions or ASL interpretation, and the staff is ready to help guests with sensory sensitivities or other special needs-even dimming the lights when it makes a difference.The Paramount Theatre has more to offer, including The Grand Gallery-a bright, elegant space perfect for receptions, banquets, or fundraisers.Sweeping staircases curve upward beneath warm, golden light, framed by elegant décor.The Meyer Ballroom, just across the street at 8 East Galena Boulevard, hosts up to 350 guests and overlooks the shimmering waters of the Fox River.The Copley Theatre seats just 216, making it a cozy spot for intimate shows and fresh, original plays.You can buy tickets online, over the phone, or right at the theatre’s box office, where the scent of fresh popcorn drifts through the lobby.You can grab a subscription to the Broadway Series and lock in your seats early-plus save money while you’re at it.We offer group rates, along with discounts for students and seniors-perfect if you’re bringing friends or want to save a few dollars.The Paramount Theatre brings the arts to life through its School of the Arts and local outreach, inviting the community in with bright stage lights and open doors.Students can sign up for classes in acting, musical theatre, voice, and dance - from memorizing lines on a small stage to perfecting a graceful spin.The theatre teams up with schools and neighborhood groups, opening the doors to live shows and hands-on arts lessons where kids can feel the hum of the stage lights.The Paramount Theatre in Aurora isn’t just a stage for shows-it’s a living cultural landmark, still changing with the times while keeping the warm glow of its storied past.Blending world-class shows, lively community events, and the charm of its century-old architecture, it stands as one of the Chicago area’s most dynamic arts institutions.
