A Few Interesting Facts


Originally part of Paramount Pictures’ nation-wide movie theater chain, The Paramount is now a privately owned, not-for-profit corporation.


The first movie was “Touchdown,” starring Richard Arlen, who was born in Charlottesville.


The last movie prior to renvation was “Tomesina and Bushrod,” a blacksploitation western.


Approximate cost of the 1931 construction was $350,000.


4 “Summertime” Marquee


The cost of the 2002-2004 restoration/renovation was $17.6 million which included purchase of the theater and building next door, the restoration, and the construction of the annex.


The box above stage right originally housed the pipes for the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The box at stage left was empty as far as is known. It now holds HVAC ductwork.


The Wurlitzer console was destroyed by fire in 1934 and replaced with a Kimball console. The entire organ, pipes and all, was sold to a collector around 1960. Most recently it was in good working order in the Bristol, TN Paramount Theater.


What’s original


, what’s just old


and what’s new


?


The basic structure of the building: walls, plaster moldings, auditorium ceiling, chandeliers, doors, tapestries, grand lobby staircase are ORIGINAL.


The Grand Lobby chandeliers probably date from the 1959 renovation. The seats are NEW, but the stanchions at the end of each row are ORIGINAL. The small wall sconces at the back of the Auditorium and Promenade are NEW. The backstage area – new restrooms, dressing rooms, production office – is NEW. The modified fly loft is NEW.


The extended stage and orchestra pit are NEW. All of the fabric – that on the walls and stage curtains are NEW.


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