Paramount Theatre shines in return to the main stage after renovation – Austin Daily Herald

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The Texas Tenors sing during the Paramount Theatre’s grand re-opening Sunday night. Photo provided by Randy Kramer

The new stars at the Paramount were out on Sunday night. The number of stars has remained the same, 75, as was previously, but the new stars are LED bulbs, which are noticeably brighter. Photo provided by Randy Kramer

It was a night of celebration and achievement at the Paramount Theatre as the grand re-opening drew a crowd of approximately 450 people who sat back and enjoyed the melodies Sunday night.

The Texas Tenors, who were once featured on America’s Got Talent, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra were the featured acts, but the freshly renovated Paramount was the star of the show.

“It was just a great way to kick it off. It was a great show. The Texas Tenors and Austin Symphony Orchestra did a fantastic job. It was incredible,” said project committee co-chair Randy Kramer. “Everyone was pleased and astounded with the look and the appearance of the upgrades and additions of the theater. The sound and lights were really excellent.”

The idea of renovating the theatre began 10 years ago and project committee co-chair Belita Schindler said it was fulfilling to finally have it finished. The initial project plan was too big, but the most recent one ended up being the perfect fit.

“It’s just hard to believe that we’ve really gotten there after all of those years of trying. It was fun to watch everyone’s eyes last night as they saw all of the room we have now,” Schindler said. “We had a few road blocks, but we just kept plugging forward. The person that wins, is the one that lasts the longest.”

The Paramount has stood at 125 4th Ave. NE in Austin for nearly 100 years and the new renovations insure that it will stay even longer. Austin Area Arts Operations Director Kelsey Ritchie said the facility opens up exciting possibilities for the future, especially with new dressing rooms and bathrooms on the main floor.

“We’ve made the space more accessible and more welcoming to the entire community, which was part of our mission. It’s a really great building and we’re very lucky to have a historic theatre. We’re very happy that back in the 90s, those “crazy” people said ‘let’s go buy the Paramount and not let the city tear it down,’” Ritchie said. “Our momentum is growing and it’s going to continue to get bigger and better. It’s kind of a gem, and after the show last night, people get it. We’re hoping to have a lot more shows with a full house.”

The project began this past January and the final cost was nearly $5 million, with most of the money coming from a grant from the Hormel Foundation. It gave the Paramount a big makeover, including: new wider theater seats that will add ADA retractable arms on aisle seats dispersed throughout the theater, acoustical treatment of the theater and new sound system, new theatrical lighting system, a new stage floor, and a new opening with four main floor restrooms. 

Kramer said that the project was a success due to all of those who stepped up and donated their time and money for the cause.
“We want to extend a big thank you to all of our donors, volunteers and staff who worked a lot of extra hours to make this happen. We really appreciate all of their efforts,” Kramer said. “This facility will provide a real destination point in Austin for a long, long time. It’ll be a focal point for the community.”

The Paramount has two more shows scheduled for this month as Mason Jennings, a Minneapolis based singer-songwriter, will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Dylan Kaercher will play at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 27. Kaercher’s show will celebrate the 96 year anniversary of the Paramount and the night will feature music from the 1920’s all the way up to today.