The Ghosts of The Paramount Theatre

Opening on March 1, 1928, I never knew how much this theatre was apart of Seattle's community. It opened with the intention of being the most largest, most elaborate, and the most opulent movie palace Seattle had ever seen. Decorated in the French Renaissance style, it produced a 4 tiered lobby, had gold leaf encrusted medallions, and was covered in heavy expensive draperies. It also cost 50 cents to see a show in the evening.  And, before heading into the auditorium, the audience was entertained by  a rare gold and ivory knabe ampico grand player piano. It was placed in the lounge area above the foyer using the fantastic acoustics the building had acquired. But, soon after it opened, it had to close. The Depression had taken it's toll and the theatre could not remain open for over a couple of years. 

It was then reopened in 1932 and introduced its first "talkie". The customers responded so well to these films that the movie industry almost produced no silent films after this. The theatre was also known to produce a wide variety of shows including films, magic acts, plays, and musicals. 

When the 70's came around the theatre was slightly lacking in sales, and when a new owner over took the paramount it became a great venue for rock, soul, and jazz concerts. By this time, concert tickets were sold for $5 and $3.50 for open seating. Because it now housed rock bands, the interior of the theatre became worn. People would stand in the chairs and on the arm rests, trying to see the entertainers as best they could. The theatre was in need of a major makeover.

By 1997 The Paramount Theatre had completed its renovation for roughly 30 million dollars. It is now used for everything from concerts, plays, comics, musicals, dance, jazz and benefits. It represents a sort of "ghost" for seattle because you can feel the history as you enter the building. Performers that have left their "ghost" include Mickey Rooney, Ella Fitzgerald, The Who, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead, Frank Sinatra, Fleetwood Mac, Bette Midler, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Mr. Rogers, Ellen DeGeneres, and even the Star Trek Convention. It provides this wide range of art and acts that the theatre takes a piece of everyone that walks through it's doors. 

It is now surrounded by construction leaving the theatre to stand alone on 9th and Pine. This also contributes to the "ghost" feeling in Seattle.  It blossoms in the midst of concrete and will continue to thrive no matter what hardships lay ahead. It is a fantastic piece of architecture and will remain a part of seattle's home for all to enjoy.