Broadway Across America

Seattle’s Paramount Theatre has enjoyed a long and storied history, beginning with its grand opening as the Seattle Theatre in March of 1928.

Residents and visitors alike have been entertained at the magnificent theatre and millions have delighted in the theatre’s architectural majesty, viewed countless films, and enjoyed thousands of performers from all corners of the globe.

 

Seattle’s Most Opulent Movie Palace

During the “Roaring Twenties,” particularly before the first “talkies” were invented in 1927, vaudeville and silent movies were the dominant form of national and local entertainment. Seattle alone had more than 50 movie palaces, the finest grouped together on 2nd Avenue.

On March 1, 1928, the Seattle Theatre opened. The Seattle Times heralded the occasion with enthusiasm:

“Never has such a magnificent cathedral of entertainment been given over to the public.  Indescribable beauty! Incomparable art! The stage productions will be of the most lavish design, brilliant in their lighting effects and gorgeous in their settings.”

The grand opening was a huge success, garnering in an era of silent films, ‘talkies’ and even surviving The Great Depression to entertain all of Seattle. Fast-forward over 85 years later, and Seattle’s Paramount Theatre has undergone many transformations over the decades, from opulent silent movie palace, to vaudevillian performance hall, Cinerama format movie house, Broadway theatre performances and rock, soul and jazz concerts.

A New Era for The Paramount

After years of financial difficulty throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, determined to restore the theatre to its former glory, Ida Cole, a former Microsoft vice-president, purchased the theatre and re-established the non-profit Seattle Landmark Association (now Seattle Theatre Group®). An 8-month renovation included a stage expansion, plaster and gold leaf restoration, chandelier cleaning, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and extension of the back wall to accommodate new load-in, new dressing rooms, and increased electrical capacity.

In March of 1995, The Paramount re-opened to become, as Ida put it, a “kissable” building, where “everyone was welcome and felt comfortable; the people’s theatre.” Miss Saigon was the first presentation, celebrating the return of Broadway to the theatre. Later, a convertible seating system would be installed in the main auditorium to accommodate more contemporary uses such as runway, corporate events, and large general admission concerts.

In 2002, Ida Cole transferred ownership of The Paramount to the non-profit Seattle Theatre Group® (STG), the new name for the Seattle Landmark Association.

The Paramount Theatre Today

The Paramount is a thriving landmark theatre.  An annual season of Broadway at The Paramount season accompanies a performance series of dance, jazz, live concerts, speakers, comedy, special events, and family shows. The Silent Movie Mondays Series draws thousands to experience a taste of the past accompanied by the original Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. A Theatre Access Program grants tickets to individuals and organizations without the means to attend theatre, and robust Education and Community Programs provide vital professional arts interactions for young and emerging artists.

Continuing to serve the original vision that Ida Cole had for The Paramount, the Seattle Theatre Group® has continued stewardship of the theatre. Additionally, STG operates and maintains the historic Moore and Neptune Theatres.

Featured Parking

Featured Parking

  • Selects this section on the seating chart: Mezzanine 3,
  • Selects this section on the seating chart: Mezzanine 2,
  • Selects this section on the seating chart: Mezzanine 1,
  • Selects this section on the seating chart: Loge,
  • Selects this section on the seating chart: Orchestra,
  • Selects this section on the seating chart: Accessible Seating,

During American Sign Language performances, skilled theatrical Interpreters use American Sign Language to interpret the performances on stage. The Interpreters work with a Deaf ASL Consultant to translate the production into American Sign Language. The audience can see both the Interpreters and the stage action simultaneously.

Please see below for relevant ASL Performances at The Paramount Theatre:

  • Jesus Christ Superstar: Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM
  • Mean Girls: Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM
  • My Fair Lady: Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Anastasia: Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • The Band’s Visit: Sunday, March 13th, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Beautiful – The Carole King Musical: Saturday April 9 at 2:00 PM
  • Pretty Woman: Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Hamilton: Sunday, August 14, 2022 at 2:00 PM;  Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM; Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Open Captioning is a form of accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing population in the United States. The c2net.org website describes Open Captioning as “text displayed simultaneous to live speech, dialogue or performance”. This technology is now utilized by theaters nationwide. It provides hearing impaired patrons with the complete script and song text for live performances on small screens directly adjacent to audience seating. For more comprehensive information on Open Captioning visit c2net.org.

Please see the below dates for relevant Open Captioned Performances at The Paramount Theatre:

  • Jesus Christ Superstar: Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM
  • Mean Girls: Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM
  • My Fair Lady: Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Anastasia: Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • The Band’s Visit: Saturday, March 13, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Beautiful – The Carole King Musical: Saturday April 9 at 8:00 PM
  • Pretty Woman: Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Hamilton: Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM & Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 8:00 PM

Audio description is a live narration of the visual aspects of the performance broadcasted to visually impaired patrons who wear a small receiver (headset). This narration includes pre-show descriptions of the theatre and of the costume and scenic elements as well as narration of blocking and choreography between the show’s dialogue and musical numbers.

Please see below for relevant Audio Described Performances at The Paramount Theatre:

  • Jesus Christ Superstar: Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM
  • Mean Girls: Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM
  • My Fair Lady: Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Anastasia: Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • The Band’s Visit: Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Pretty Woman: Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 1:00 PM
  • Hamilton: Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM

7th & Pike Garage

Subscriber parking vouchers can be redeemed at the Seventh and Pike Garage (located at the Grand Hyatt), located between Pike St and Pine St with entrances on Seventh Ave and Eighth Ave.

Please take a ticket when you enter the garage.

Following your show, locate one of the pay stations. Scan your parking ticket, and then parking voucher.

Pay any remaining balance if applicable, and then scan your parking ticket to exit the garage.