The Daily Progress Readers’ Choice 2017 Winner!

Thank you to all who voted for The Paramount in The Daily Progress 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards! We are honored to have won two first place awards:

BEST PLACE TO CATCH THE BIG SHOW – FIRST PLACE

BEST INTIMATE MUSIC VENUE – FIRST PLACE

The Paramount Board of Directors and staff wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to making The Paramount such a special Charlottesville landmark – including our loyal patrons, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors. The Theater could not be what it is today without you! We invite you to check out our upcoming schedule to experience The Paramount Theater first-hand!

2016-17 Education Season Wrap-Up

Photo Courtesy of Jack Looney

As spring comes to a close, so does the 2016-17 Arts Education season – and what a season it was!

This season, we were thrilled to welcome 16,000 students and teachers from around Central Virginia and make great memories with artists from all over North America. On average, our Arts Education program serves over 15,000 students and teachers annually – and in total, more than 158,000 since 2004! We were also pleased to have assisted approximately 6,000 students with financial assistance beyond the subsidized ticket price of $7.50. Read more below for a breakdown of this season’s highlights – and stay tuned for 2017-18 Education Season programming details!

 

 

By The Numbers:

  • 16,000 students and teachers attended performances in 2016-17
  • Attendees were from 56 public schools, 27 private schools, and 25 home school groups
  • 6,000 students were impacted by financial assistance
  • 9 productions and 18 performances in total on The Paramount’s stage, including:
    • Black Angels Over Tuskegee | Dallas Children’s Theater’s Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters | National Players’ The Grapes of Wrath | Richmond Symphony The Snowman; What’s Going on Here Beakman? | Mad River Theater Works Everybody’s Hero: The Jackie Robinson Story| Momix: Opus Cactus | Childsplay’s Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat| Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories.

Our Favorite Moments:

Stone Robinson Bright Stars’ gorgeous thank you letter to The Paramount for the April Brown Bear, Brown Bear performance – a real ray of sunshine!
The reverse side of the note from Stone Robinson which features the butterfly that students saw on stage!
The standing ovation that the Off-Broadway Black Angels Over Tuskegee received from students and the post-show selfie the cast took with the audience!
A very special surprise by Education Committee member Lisa Cogswell, who dressed for the occasion at the The Cat in the Hat performance on March 27!

Over 200 teachers and students submitted post-performance feedback – here’s what they had to say!

“The moments the lights were dimmed, the students were transported to the imaginary world of Dr. Seuss and were captivated by the performance. The students were delighted by the energetic cast that brought to life such a well-loved story. For days after our visit to the theater, the children continued to talk about the ‘silly Cat’ and how much trouble he caused on that wet, wet day! They especially enjoyed recognizing the character’s lines and chiming in with the actors throughout the play.” – Cale Elementary, 1st Grade Teacher

“The children had a wonderful time [at Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories] and, as always, recreated the performances in the classroom for days after the performance! It would not have been possible for the Bright Stars to attend without financial assistance from The Paramount….The commitment that The Paramount has to children is an inspiration. We are extremely fortunate to have you in our community. Thank you!” –  Stone Robinson Bright Stars Coordinator

Agnor Hurt 5th graders react to Everybody’s Hero – The Jackie Robinson Story:

“I enjoyed the show because it was like Jackie Robinson was really there. I also liked it because of the way that Jackie handled the crowd booing and saying disrespectful things to him.”

“Jackie Robinson was the best play I have seen. The actors did a beautiful job and the words had so much feeling in their faces when they were acting.”

“My favorite part was when the two people in the back sitting on the chairs were touching their guitars because it was really nice hearing the sound and their songs were wonderful!”

“I definitely adored the play and I thought it was fancy too!”

“I liked that it was so realistic and it showed his whole life including his struggles and opportunities. I wouldn’t change any of it because I loved it!”

“I liked the music because it was great for the situation they were in during that time period. I liked that the actors were so realistic when they spoke to each other.”

“My favorite part was when it started and everyone got quiet. I didn’t really like when they made Jackie feel less than others. The music was wonderful, and I loved the way the chorus did the harmony.”

“I loved the actors. They were very creative. I loved the music. It made everyone clap, and some songs were very catchy. It was an awesome way to teach us more about Jackie Robinson.”

Gallery

Momix: Opus Cactus.
Photo Courtesy of Rob Garland Photographers
Black Angels Over Tuskegee.
Photo Courtesy of Eze Amos
Black Angels Over Tuskegee.
Photo Courtesy of Eze Amos
Everybody’s Hero: The Jackie Robinson Story.
Photo Courtesy of Jack Looney
Everybody’s Hero – The Jackie Robinson Story.
Photo Courtesy of Jack Looney
Black Angels Over Tuskegee.
Photo Courtesy of Eze Amos

Read The Paramount Theater’s Spring 2017 Newsletter

Our Spring 2017 Newsletter is now available online!

Read the newsletter below and find out about recent events such as The Paramount’s presentation of Tony Bennett, our 85th Birthday, and 2016 by the numbers including fascinating statistics about the past year at the Theater!

This digital newsletter is powered by Issuu.

You’re invited to the biggest party of the year!

We invite you, our honored patrons, supporters, and friends to The Paramount’s most important fundraiser of the year, which also happens to be one of the biggest parties!

Photo: Rob Garland Photographers

7th Annual Grand Marquee Gala
Friday, April 28
Gala 7:00PM | Late Night 9:00PM
$250 Individual Supporter | $500 Individual Patron | $100 Late Night

CLICK HERE To Purchase Tickets

Photo: Rob Garland Photographers

Join us for the 7th Annual Grand Marquee Gala, where there will be incredible food, a silent disco, dancing, and a fabulous silent auction – all in support of our grandest fundraising effort of 2017! We are so thankful to all those who have supported us through the years in ways big and small, and because nonprofit Paramount relies so heavily on donations, your continued investment in the Theater means more than you know. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the incredible successes we’ve had over the past year, including welcoming legends such as Tony Bennett, providing access to Arts Education programming for more than 16,000 students and teachers, and offering 25 free events to the community! We can think of no better way to honor these achievements than to spend a fun, retro-fresh evening with those who make all of this possible.

We also extend a sincere thank you to Gary and Tana Taylor and their family, who have generously chaired this event to make it an unforgettable evening.

This year, we are excited to offer the “Late Night” ticket again, which includes dancing on the stage, drinks, and food starting at 9:00PM – a  great option for the night owls!

For more information about the event, to reserve your ticket, or inquire about exciting event sponsorship opportunities, please click here or contact Rosemary Miller at 434.293.1010 or rosemarymiller@theparamount.net.

Unable to attend the Gala but still want to support The Paramount? CLICK HERE to donate now!

Two Days of Fun with The Cat in the Hat

“It is fun to have fun but you have to know how.” – Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat

Paramount patrons definitely know how to have fun! Our public and education performances of The Cat in the Hat performed by Childsplay of Tempe, Arizona on March 26 & 27 were an absolute blast for all involved. For Sunday’s public performance, patrons were able to purchase the “Thing One Cocktail” for adults and the “Thing Two Mocktail” for the young (and young at heart!), and we enjoyed a wonderful family reception with friends of The Paramount!

 

The students who attended Monday’s education performances were treated to a surprise guest – the Cat in the Hat in the flesh! While the students waited patiently on the Downtown Mall to enter the Theater, Arts Education Committee Volunteer Lisa Cogswell (who is the generous sponsor for our Arts Education production of Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories) A.K.A. the Cat provided pre-show entertainment.

Thank you to all of the students, patrons, and families who helped make two days with The Cat in the Hat so special.

 

2017 March Madness: Paramount Theater Bracket Challenge Standings

Stay up-to-date on The Paramount Theater’s Bracket Challenge Leaderboard for the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament! The winner of the Bracket Challenge will receive 2 tickets to Paramount Presents: Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live, 2 Cinemaniac Passes, and a Paramount Theater Mug!

Top 10 – March 27, 2017

  1. *Garrick G. – 72 points
  2. *Jason E. – 66 points
  3. Darin M. – 65 points
  4. *Joel S. – 63 points
  5. Mark F. – 62 points
  6. John B. – 61 points
  7. *JW G. – 59 points
  8. Milos T. – 58 points
  9. *David – B. – 57 points
  10. Art R. – 56 points

*Still has teams active in the bracket

Top 10 – March 20, 2017

  1. Darin M. – 49 points
  2. Mark F. – 46 points
  3. John G. – 46 points
  4. Milos T. – 46 points
  5. Jason E. – 46 points
  6. Mark W. – 45 points
  7. John B. – 45 points
  8. Garrick G. – 45 points
  9. Mark B. – 45 points
  10. Avan B. – 44 points

American Bass-Baritone Eric Owens Joined by World Renowned Pianist Craig Terry on April 15!

The Paramount is thrilled to welcome Musical America‘s 2017 Vocalist of the Year, American Bass-Baritone Eric Owens on Saturday, April 15 at 8:00PM. To add to our excitement, Mr. Owens will be accompanied on stage by internationally recognized pianist Craig Terry, who has performed with classical titans such as Renée Fleming and Jamie Barton!

Lauded for his “sensitive and stylish” (The New York Times) and “superb” (Opera News) playing, Terry has launched an international career regularly performing with some of the world’s leading singers and instrumentalists. Currently Mr. Terry serves as Music Director of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago after having spent eleven seasons at Lyric as Assistant Conductor. Previously, he served as Assistant Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera after joining its Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Mr. Terry has performed with such esteemed vocalists as Jamie Barton, Stephanie Blythe, Christine Brewer, Nicole Cabell, Sasha Cooke, Eric Cutler, Danielle de Niese, Joyce DiDonato, Giuseppe Filianoti, Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Denyce Graves, Bryan Hymel, Brian Jagde, Joseph Kaiser, Quinn Kelsey, Kate Lindsey, Ana María Martínez, Susanna Phillips, Luca Pisaroni, Patricia Racette, Hugh Russell, Bo Skovhus, Garrett Sorenson, Heidi Stober, Amber Wagner, and Catherine Wyn-Rogers. He has collaborated as a chamber musician with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra, the Gewandhaus Orchester, and the Pro Arte String Quartet.

Mr. Terry’s 2016/17 performance schedule includes concerts with Stephanie Blythe, Christine Brewer, Lawrence Brownlee, Joyce DiDonato, Ailyn Perez, Patricia Racette, Hugh Russell, Christian Van Horn, and Laura Wilde. He is Artistic Director of “Beyond the Aria,” a concert series presented by the Harris Theater in collaboration with the Ryan Opera Center and Lyric Unlimited. Mr. Terry’s discography includes three recently released recordings: “Diva on Detour” with Patricia Racette, “As Long As There Are Songs” with Stephanie Blythe, and “Chanson d’Avril” with Nicole Cabell. He was also featured in a “Live from Lincoln Center” national broadcast on PBS with Stephanie Blythe in April 2013.

Mr. Terry hails from Tullahoma, Tennessee, received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, continued his studies at Florida State University and received a Masters of Music in Piano Performance/Accompanying from the Manhattan School of Music where he was a student of pianist Warren Jones.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to see Eric Owens and Craig Terry on April 15!

The Charlottesville Opera 2017 Season at The Paramount

For 40 years, Charlottesville Opera has been curating high-quality opera and other musical performances for the Charlottesville community, starting out at Ash Lawn-Highland and now on stage at The Paramount Theater. We have been thrilled and honored for the past 8 years to have been the gathering place for these incredible productions, and we are excited to partner with the transformed (and still very beloved) Ash Lawn Opera to announce its 40th season, now as Charlottesville Opera.

This season, we look forward to seeing the following events live on stage at The Paramount:

Middlemarch in Spring

Thursday, March 23 at 7:30PM | Friday, March 24 at 2:00PM
$25.00, $35.00, $49.00

Charlottesville Opera – the recently renamed Ash Lawn Opera – is excited to present the East Coast premiere of Middlemarch in Spring, a new chamber opera based on George Eliot’s Middlemarch, in March of 2017.  Written by the creative team of Allen Shearer, composer, and Claudia Stevens, librettist, this will be the company’s first premiere in over 35 years. The world premiere of this delightful new work was hailed as one of the top 10 operatic events of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as one of Encyclopedia Britannica’s most noteworthy new musical works of 2015.

The production is presented in partnership with the Virginia Festival of the Book, which will be held in Charlottesville from March 22-26, 2017. Ticket holders are invited to hear pre-performance talks one hour before each performance, by librettist Claudia Stevens on Thursday, March 23 and by Rebecca Mead, staff writer for The New Yorker and author of My Life in Middlemarch, a personal account of the novel’s importance in Mead’s life, on Friday, March 24.

CLICK HERE To Purchase Tickets to Middlemarch in Spring

Rigoletto

Friday, July 14 at 7:30PM | Sunday, July 16 at 2:00PM | Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30PM
$12.00 Youth, $16.50 Student, $25 – $75 Adult

One of the greatest works in the operatic canon, Rigoletto tells the tragedy of a father whose fervent attempts to protect his daughter from the dangers of the world cause her ruin. Featuring several incredibly popular arias, Verdi’s depiction of the machinations and scandals of a sixteenth century Italian court remains haunting and all-too-relevant today.

The cast stars fan-favorite Hyung Yun (Metropolitan Opera) as the title character. Yun was most recently seen with Charlottesville Opera as Germont in La Traviata  (2016), co-produced with The Oratorio Society of Virginia, and as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly (2015). He will be joined by Ashley Emerson (Metropolitan Opera), praised by Opera News for her “musical energy, immaculate technique and physical grace”, as Rigoletto’s beloved daughter Gilda, and Matthew Vickers (Virginia Opera) as the caddish Duke of Mantua.

CLICK HERE To Purchase Tickets to Rigoletto

Oklahoma!

Saturday, July 29 at 7:30PM | Sunday, July 30 at 2:00PM | Wednesday, August 8 at 7:30PM | Friday, August 4 at 7:30PM | Saturday, August 5 at 2:00PM

$12.00 Youth, $16.50 Student, $25 – $75 Adult

Charlottesville Opera’s 40th season concludes with Oklahoma!, the very first collaboration between composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in the Wild West at the turn of the century, this charming and heartfelt musical portrays the rivalry between a small town’s farmers and cowboys, which is brought to a head by the romance between Laurey, an earnest farm girl, and Curly, a rugged cowboy. Oklahoma! is a special collaboration between Charlottesville Opera and the Charlottesville Ballet, Charlottesville’s only professional dance company, to bring the musical’s rousing dance numbers to life.

Jennifer Zetlan (Metropolitan Opera), whom the New York Times described as “a radiant, agile voice and excellent control,” stars as the charming farm girl Laurey. Tenor Nathan Granner (Opera Theatre of St. Louis) plays her star-crossed lover, Curly. Sharin Apostolou (Glimmerglass Festival) returns to Charlottesville Opera for a third consecutive year following her triumphant portrayals of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (2015) and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific (2016) as the flirtatious Ado Annie. Charlottesville Ballet is proud to include choreography by CB Artist Mary Hein, three professional soloists, and a student ensemble. Featuring beloved songs including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re In Love,” this classic musical will delight adults and children alike.

CLICK HERE To Purchase Tickets to Oklahoma!

CLICK HERE to Purchase Charlottesville Opera’s Season Subscription

CLICK HERE to Purchase Charlottesville Opera’s Summer Package (Rigoletto and Oklahoma!)

The Met: Live in HD Box Office – La Traviata takes in $1.8 million in North America

Thank you to all the patrons who attended the March 11 La Traviata broadcast at The Paramount! We are thrilled to report the following statement from The Metropolitan Opera:

New York, NY (March 12, 2017) – The Met: Live in HD’s Saturday, March 11 transmission of Verdi’s La Traviata took in an estimated attendance of 84,000 in North America, earning a gross of $1.8 million. It was seen live on more than 900 screens. An estimated additional 125,000 people saw it live on 800 screens in 37 countries in Europe, 11 countries in Latin America, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Jamaica, and Morocco.

Delayed showings throughout Asia, Australia, Madagascar, New Zealand and South Africa, and encore performances in North America and Europe, are expected to boost worldwide attendance of La Traviata to more than 330,000.  The encore screening in the U.S is on Wednesday, March 15; encore screenings in Canada are on April 15, 17 and 19.

One of the best-loved operas in the repertoire, La Traviata starred Sonya Yoncheva as Violetta, Michael Fabiano as Alfredo, and Thomas Hampson as Germont. The acclaimed production by Willy Decker was conducted by San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti.

The live transmission was hosted by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard and directed for cinema by Matthew Diamond.

The Met: Live in HD, the Met’s award-winning series of live transmissions to movie theaters and performing arts centers around the world, has expanded its worldwide distribution to more than 2000 theaters in 71 countries this season and has sold more than 22 million tickets since its inception in 2006.

La Traviata was the seventh of ten live transmissions to be shown this season. The next transmission will be  Idomeneo, Mozart’s first operatic masterpiece, on Saturday, March 25, conducted by Music Director Emeritus James Levine.

The Daily Progress 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards

The Paramount Theater has been nominated for the Daily Progress 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards!

The Paramount Theater is very excited and honored to have been nominated in the Best Nonprofit, Big Show, and Intimate Show subcategories. The winners will be announced in April 2017.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to several of our wonderful sponsors who were also nominated – including but not limited to: Northwestern Mutual (Financial Services Category) and Carpet Plus (Home Favorites Category) – as well as our House Photographer, Rob Garland Photographers!