Paramount Announces New Spring Series

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

December 2, 2007

The Paramount Theater is proud to announce its schedule of performances for Spring 2008! The 23-act series, which runs through May 2008, features a variety of musical concerts, theatrical performances, comedians, dance companies, and family programs as well as some big names coming to Charlottesville for the first time.

The theater’s new lineup includes such internationally-acclaimed artists as world-renowned chamber ensemble Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, blues legend Taj Mahal, comedian extraordinaire Martin Short, iconic folk singer Judy Collins, bluegrass master Ralph Stanley in a co-bill with long-time bluegrass favorites The Seldom Scene, and the nation’s oldest and most celebrated contemporary dance troupe, the Martha Graham Dance Company.

Tickets remain on sale for previously-announced December, January, and February events in The Paramount’s Fall/Winter Season -- including holiday performances featuring The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Leo Kottke, and Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s A Christmas Carol as well as concerts with Poncho Sanzhez, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Cherryholmes, Arlo Guthrie, and more.

Tickets for all events in The Paramount’s Spring 2008 Series will go on sale in December, with Paramount members having the first opportunity to purchase. The series is available to members at the theater’s Star Circle level ($1,000 and above) on December 3 and to all Paramount members on December 10. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning January 8.

Anyone who is not currently a member of the theater may take advantage of the early purchasing period by making a tax-deductible membership contribution when placing an order. Tickets will be available through the theater’s website, www.theparamount.net, and The Paramount Box Office (434.979.1333).

“Our spring series represents The Paramount’s commitment to present nationally and internationally-known artists and musicians for the benefit of our community. This series advances The Paramount’s mission to be the premiere performing arts, education, and entertainment venue for the entire Central Virginia region,” said president Edward Rucker.

“As an added thank you to our annual contributors this Holiday Season, we are offering the best seats for this exciting new series to our contributing members in advance of the general public, just in time for holiday gift-giving.”

The new series for Spring 2008 begins on February 16 with a concert by two-time Grammy-winner, vocalist, and world-class musical virtuoso, blues man Taj Mahal. It concludes on May 25 with the big band sounds and popular hits of the world famous Count Basie Orchestra.

The Paramount’s wide-ranging fourth season continues with the following performances and artists:

• Folk and bluegrass fans have plenty to sing about with two-time Grammy winner, member of the Grand Ole Opry, and mountain music monarch Ralph Stanley with acclaimed bluegrass band The Seldom Scene; folk singer icon Judy Collins’ music of hope and healing; and the return of the legendary Doc Watson in the multimedia musical evening Hills of Home with David Holt and Richard Watson.

• Comedy offerings will have audiences in stitches, with the trademark physical comedy, amazing impressions, and hilarious characters of Tony and Emmy award winner Martin Short as well as the return of Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood for a side-splitting evening of interactive improvisational sketches.

• Classical music and opera will be center stage with the world’s most-recorded chamber orchestra, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, performing Mozart, Vaughan-Williams, Britten, and Haydn; the return of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players with the romantic sailors, sisters, cousins, and aunts of the fanciful British naval vessel H.M.S. Pinafore; and the unique Americana-inspired sounds and violin/viola/cello chamber-inspired conversations of Mark O’Connor’s Appalachia Waltz.

• Blues and big band will resonate through the theater with Taj Mahal’s distinctive brand of folk, gospel, rock, pop, and soul-infused blues; and the “American institution” that is the Count Basie Orchestra.

• Dance enthusiasts will be spinning with the instantly-recognizable movement of the Martha Graham Dance Company performing the company’s masterwork Appalachian Spring; high traditions of Russian ballet with a Spanish accent in St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s presentation of Georges Bizet’s Carmen; and an international production featuring fiddling as well as Irish step, Ottawa Valley, and modern tap styles, The StepCrew.

• Broadway and drama will be in the spotlight with singing, dancing, and some of the most popular songs of the Great White Way in the sparkling, high-energy revue On Broadway! as well as the return of Montana Repertory Theatre for Tennessee Williams’ powerfully resonant drama Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

• Gospel and R & B fans will experience two unforgettable evenings, thanks to a repeat performance featuring the matching tones, smooth stepping, and flawless presentation of Motown favorites The Temptations and the inspirational blend of jazz, pop, R&B, and a capella harmonies that is Take 6.

• A rock tribute act, the internationally-acclaimed One Night of Queen will showcase the band’s classic never-to-die anthems performed by Gary Mullen & The Works.

• Beats of world music will fill The Paramount in a concert by returning artists Leahy with their breathless triple threat of fiddle-driven Celtic/country/pop music, dancing, and vocals.

• Families will enjoy smiles and plenty of fun with the Kennedy Center production of Katie Couric’s popular children’s book The Brand New Kid; the Peking Acrobats’ return for a brilliant display of tumbling, juggling, acrobatics, and agility; a swirling evening of fiddles and feet with The StepCrew; a musical adaptation of Arnold Lobel’s beloved A Year with Frog and Toad; and the zany fact and fancy-filled musical sensation about the world’s great composers, Beethoven’s Wig.

The Paramount also continues to serve as “Charlottesville’s Largest Classroom for the Performing Arts” through The Paramount Theater Arts Education Program sponsored in part by The Ralph & Mary Fischer Bell Foundation.

From February through May, four ArtsReach education performances geared for elementary and middle school students will offer school time opportunities for young people to experience the performing arts. Four InterACT events -- workshops, master classes, performance discussions, and an open rehearsal -- will benefit theatergoers of all ages and interests.

For more information about or tickets to upcoming events at The Paramount Theater -- including the new Spring 2008 Series -- please visit www.theparamount.net or call the box office at 434.979.1333. Patrons desiring to purchase holiday gift certificates and tickets for holiday gift-giving should visit the box office prior to 5 pm on Saturday, December 22.