Paramount Announces Third Season Schedule

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

June 23, 2006

Offering more acts and events than ever before, The Paramount Theater has announced its 2006-07 Season, a star-studded and genre-crossing continuation of the venue's first two schedules.

In a special media event held at the theater, Paramount President and CEO Chad Hershner and Director of Marketing Kristen Gleason unveiled the theater's 2006-07 lineup, which includes performances by such international stars as violinist Itzhak Perlman, comedienne Whoopi Goldberg, blues legend Bo Diddley, country sensation Trisha Yearwood, jazz great Branford Marsalis, the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, celebrated vocalist Paul Anka, folk legend Art Garfunkel, and perennial pop favorites The Beach Boys.

"This third season reflects the next step on The Paramount's journey, as we take our season to a new level." Hershner said. "Our patrons in Charlottesville, Central Virginia, and beyond have come to expect a smorgasbord of world-class arts and entertainment experiences from The Paramount each season.  We're thrilled to continue that tradition with our biggest season ever, a series that showcases both legendary artists and talented new performers in The Paramount's intimate setting."

Tickets for all events in The Paramount's 2006-07 Season will go on sale in July and August, with Paramount members having the first opportunity to buy tickets. The season goes on sale to members at the theater's Star Circle level and above on July 18, and to all Paramount members on August 1. Sales for the general public begin on August 15. Anyone who is not currently a member of the theater may take advantage of the early purchasing period by joining when placing an order. Tickets will be available through the theater's website and Box Office (434.979.1333).

The season kicks off on September 6 with a concert by celebrated vocalist and songwriter Paul Anka, and has its fun finale in two concerts with American icons The Beach Boys on May 11, 2007.

A sampling of The Paramount's wide-ranging third season includes the following performances and artists:

• Classics of Broadway will be in the spotlight with Camelot and Man of La Mancha.

• Also on deck for theater lovers are Larry Hagman and Barbara Eden, together again for A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters; and Montana Repertory Theater presenting the Neil Simon hit Lost in Yonkers.

• Jazz will resonate through the theater with a performance by unparalleled vocalists Diane Schuur & Karrin Allyson and the Cajun jazz of Irvin Mayfield and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra -- tickets to which include a contribution for Katrina relief efforts.

• Country and bluegrass fans have plenty to sing about with a series including concerts by SHeDAISY, Blake Shelton, The Oak Ridge Boys, and two evenings featuring Ricky Skaggs with Kentucky Thunder, who return to The Paramount's stage.

• Dance enthusiasts will be jumping with the athletic and sculptural Pilobolus Dance Theatre, the Richmond Ballet, Momix Dance Theater's imaginative Lunar Sea, tap sensation Savion Glover taking on Vivaldi and Bach in Classical Savion, and the Moscow Festival Ballet in Sleeping Beauty.

• Two nights at the opera are better than one with The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players in The Pirates of Penzance and The Bulgarian State Opera performing Verdi's Aida.

• Warm-hearted fun and intelligent songwriting will entertain when folk singer/songwriter Livingston Taylor gives a concert featuring his original songs and first-rate vocal interpretations.

• Classical music will be center stage with The Canadian Brass, returning vocal artists The King's Singers, and The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with violin virtuoso Gil Shaham.

• Comedic offerings will have audiences in stitches, from The Second City Touring Company in Truth, Justice, and the American Way, to Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show, The Capitol Steps, and two performances with legendary comedienne Lily Tomlin.

• Nostalgia is the name of the game for music fans thanks to events featuring The Lettermen, The Four Tops, Johnny Mathis, The Coasters, The Drifters, and The Platters, and Frankie Avalon. 

• Bringing classic band sounds to The Paramount are a Christmas performance by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, hometown favorites Big Ray and the Kool Kats, Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Coronet Band with a trip back to 1905 in Hometown Saturday Night, and American Big Band.

• Families will enjoy smiles and fun thanks to a series that includes Dorothy the Dinosaur's Dance Party, illusionists The Pendragons in The Ghosts of Broadway, the musical holiday favorite A Christmas Carol, and the fiddling, singing, and dancing of the fast-paced theatrical event Bowfire.

• Gospel fans will enjoy two unforgettable evenings, courtesy of the impassioned Oleta Adams and the Point of Grace Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest Scott Krippayne and Charlottesville's own Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir under the direction of Jonathan K. Spivey.

• Beats of contemporary and world music will fill The Paramount in concerts by The Bonnie Rideout Scottish Trio, Jim Brickman, the Windham Hill 30th Anniversary Tour, Natalie MacMaster, The Chieftains, and the one-of-a-kind Bobby McFerrin with a cappella ensemble Voicestra.

Once again this season, The Paramount will complement live performances with a season of classic and soon-to-be-classic films. The Paramount Goes to the Movies schedule will be forthcoming, with the latest information on movies, dates, and times available online.

The Paramount will also continue to serve as "Charlottesville’s Largest Classroom for the Performing Arts" through the Elizabeth & Joe LeVaca Arts Education Program. Twelve different ArtsReach education performances geared for elementary, middle, and high school students will offer schooltime opportunities for young people to experience the performing arts. InterACT improv and acting workshops, dance master classes, open company classes, and performance discussions are designed to benefit theatergoers of all ages and interests. Information on all activities is avaliable on the Education section of The Paramount's website.

In addition, the complete schedule for The Paramount Theater's 2006-07 Season is available online.