News

World-renowned pianist Lang Lang awed a sold-out audience with his mastery of the instrument. The Paramount’s Director of Operations & Programming, Matthew Simon, and the Theater’s Executive Director, Chris Eure, reflected on this extraordinary performance.

“What an amazing show, and to have him play The Paramount was a really big deal,” Matthew said. “He played at the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in Beijing, so to have him play for a 1000-seat hall was special. Lang’s performance did not disappoint. At the end of the show, during the standing ovation, he stood up to take his bow and, with a huge smile on his face, he patted (with some oomph, I might add) the Paramount’s 9′ Steinway as if to say ‘good job’ to it. It was an unforgettable moment, and I’m sure anyone who was at the show remembers it.”

Chris agreed, saying, “Lang Lang exceeded his love of music and was overflowing with joie de vivre. He was the first piano soloist I had experienced, and I will likely be disappointed by any who follow! He traveled with his mom, I believe, and while he was doing the meet and greet, she stood off to his side  It was a long meet and greet, but he kept looking over at his mom to be sure she was okay. He wore gloves the whole time, which at first we thought was to protect his hands from ‘strangers.’ In reality he said it was to keep his hands warm as they tended to get cold easily. You know the expression cold hands, warm heart? Well that was Lang Lang to a T.”

We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Rob Garland Photographers

The Dude abides! Although it was originally a disappointment at the box office, The Big Lebowski has become a cult favorite over the years. The Paramount showed the film in 2008 and 2014, but it was in 2016 that we began our annual screening and costume contest. While Lebowski-lovers are always eager to participate in the costume contest, two years ago we added an extra incentive: the Charlottesville Big Lebowski Best Costume Trophy! The trophy, which is topped with a bobblehead of The Dude, features the name of each costume contest winner – check it out!

We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Bethany Bandera

In January 2019, WNRN and The Paramount partnered to present Dead Air – 22 Bands for 22 Bucks in honor of WNRN’s 22nd anniversary of bringing independent music radio to the Commonwealth. What an incredible night at The Paramount! The sold-out concert spotlighted local Virginia bands and their own unique versions of a Grateful Dead song. Pictured are David Wax Museum, Free Union, The Gladstones, and Steel Wheels.

“It was a night of pure celebration with old friends and new enjoying live Commonwealth music, together,” said Mark Keefe, General Manager for WNRN. “Lasting four hours and twenty minutes, we could have gone on all night, and the crowd would have danced until sunrise. Every inch of the beautiful Paramount Theater shone brightly through our community and beyond – and still does. Stay tuned – we’ll see you again soon.”

In addition to the 22 bands, Dead Air also featured 22 different Virginia nonprofit organizations, which were the financial beneficiaries of a 22-item raffle of signed music memorabilia. 

We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Milo Farineau

Where were you during the 2019 NCAA Final Four? What about when the University of Virginia Men’s Basketball Team won the 2019 NCAA National Championship? The Paramount’s Front of House Operations Manager, Malcolm Dyson, reflected on watching both of these thrilling games on The Paramount’s Big Screen:

“First of all, I was in Memphis when the Hoos won the heartstopping game against Purdue in the Elite Eight. The next day I immediately started to think about the logistics of showing the Final Four game at the Theater.

“Upon returning to Charlottesville and discovering every other large venue (Pavilion, JPJ, Scott Stadium, Alumni Hall) had a conflict, I knew we would be in for a crazy busy night with a packed house of diehard fans. Suffice it to say, we had a full house with the first fans lining up outside the Theater more than 3 hours before game time. Once the time came that I could get to my seat with some friends (Row FF and GG, right on Aisle 4 in the Balcony), I enjoyed a buzz and energy matched only by watching a game in person. The rollercoaster ride lasted until the final whistle as Kyle Guy sank 3 straight free throws to seal the game. There were many hugs and high fives before the whole scene (and town, for that matter) became a blur. Holy crap, UVa was going to be in the Championship Game!

“Kudos to the Tom Tom team for working with our team to reschedule a dinner that was supposed to happen onstage the same Monday evening of the Final game. Again, we had a packed house, and the energy was once again incredible! Same as the Final Four game, I found our crew in our lucky seats and watched another heart-stopping game that the Hoos had now become accustomed to winning. Another OT game and a great performance led to hugs, tears, and celebrations that Charlottesville rarely sees. It was truly magical being able to share that weekend’s UVa NCAA Championship run with 1000+ diehard fans at The Paramount, and an experience I doubt I will ever forget.”

While our stage is dark, our marquee and blade continue to shine. We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Rob Garland Photographers

Motown legend Smokey Robinson performed for a full house in June 2018. His unique show brought stories and memories to life, in addition to the performance of his chart-topping hits like “The Tears of a Clown,” “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me,” “Tracks of My Tears,” and so many more! Mr. Robinson’s performance on our stage that night was one that will not soon be forgotten, as it is rare to get a behind-the-scenes peek into how so many hit songs that have been played for decades originally came to be. 

Have you heard of our backstage Wall of Fame? This is where all performers at The Paramount leave their autograph before or after performing. You may have seen it during a Paramount tour. But, did you know Mr. Robinson’s signature isn’t on the Wall of Fame? It’s actually hidden in one of our star dressing rooms! If you haven’t yet seen our Wall of Fame or Mr. Robinson’s hidden autograph, be sure to sign up for a free tour once the magic returns to The Paramount’s stage and screen. It’s a special stop on the tour you certainly won’t want to miss!

We are diligently working to reschedule many of our events that have been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, and we know that we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Craig Kompelien of Rob Garland Photographers

“Son of a nutcracker!” While The Paramount’s Annual Brew & Buddy Run is still a somewhat new tradition, it’s quickly become a Charlottesville favorite! The Brew & Buddy Run was derived from the 2003 hit movie Elf, starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who grew up with elves in Santa’s workshop.

The Run begins at The Paramount, and our runners – dressed properly for the occasion – travel in a loop around the downtown area, with one stop at Three Notch’d Brewing Co. and another at Champion Brewery. At each location, they receive a free pour before continuing on their run! Upon their return to the Theater, each participant receives a souvenir pint, and then everyone settles in for a costume contest, followed by a screening of Elf. It’s always a fun event, and one we definitely look forward to when the holiday season comes around each year!

While we are diligently working to reschedule many of our spring events, which contribute significantly toward our yearly operating budget, we know we will suffer a devastating loss of revenue as a local nonprofit theater. Please consider making a donation to The Paramount.

Photos by Rob Garland Photographers