This Is What You Need to Know about the History of Austin’s Paramount Theatre
Austin, Texas, has developed a reputation for a vibrant music and arts scene and outstanding food culture. However, some people are unaware of the city’s architectural treasures, one of which is the famous Paramount Theatre.
Design and Construction
Located on Congress Avenue next to the Capitol Building, the Paramount Theatre dates back to 1915. The theatre was designed by John Eberson, who designed or built more than 1,200 theatres and opera houses over the course of a prolific career. He chose a Neoclassical Revival style for the design of Austin’s venue, which includes a recessed entrance and a brick façade.
The theatre was built on land owned by Ernest Nalle (and which had been in his family since 1885). He paid $150,000 for the construction project. The four-story, 500,000-cubic-foot building had a capacity of nearly 1,400 attendees at the time. The theater was originally named The Majestic and featured vaudeville performers, including the widely acclaimed Marx Brothers.
Becoming The Paramount
The theatre became a Paramount-Publix theatre in 1930 when it was purchased by showman Karl Hoblitzelle. He added a vertical 75-foot-high blade, reading “Paramount,” on the façade above the building-wide marquee. The renovation also included carpeting, a new sound system, and upholstered chairs.
In the 1940s, the Paramount became home to the Interstate Theatre Circuit, which demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. To this end, the Paramount Theatre promoted war bonds, selling $8.4 million in bonds from 1942 to 1945.
During its first three decades, the Paramount hosted a number of famous performers. These include Orson Welles, Mae West, Harry Houdini, and Katherine Hepburn.
Renovation and Revival
The theater experienced a drop in attendance during the 1950s with the invention of the television and the construction of movie houses in the suburbs. However, it would see a revival in the 1970s following renovations under new managers John Bernardoni, Stephen Scott, and Charles Eckerman, who rescued the building from demolition.
One year later, the original curtain, designed by Tobin of St. Louis, was found in perfect condition in the rafters. This is thought to be the oldest fire curtain in the country and remains in the theatre to this day. The Paramount began hosting live performances again following its restoration, welcoming famous jazz artist Dave Brubeck to the stage in 1975.
A Historic Landmark
Two years later, the Texas Historical Commission gave the building a state historical marker. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Paramount received federal and other funds for restoration, which began in 1977.
The restoration helped the theatre meet higher standards and bring in prominent touring theatre companies. Since the 1980s, the theatre has hosted such productions as Evita and My Fair Lady as well as numerous individual stars, including Dolly Parton, Jim Nabors, and Rodney Dangerfield.
In 2014, President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to speak at the theatre, and in 2015, the Paramount celebrated its centennial. On September 23 of that year, the theatre celebrated a blade relighting ceremony.
Reconstruction of the Paramount Blade
The ceremony served as the culmination of an elaborate project to construct a Paramount blade reminiscent of the original. Completion of this project entailed close examination of photographs taken over the years, which proved challenging given the scarcity of color photographs.
It was initially speculated that the blade matched the maroon and gold of the marquee. However, researchers found old postcards suggesting the blade was green with a white and yellow border. The preparation of the new blade also included scrutiny of videos, one of which showed the blade in a parade attended by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1961.
The new 47-foot blade cost over $190,000. It was lit during a ceremony on September 23, 2015, followed by Patty Griffin concert. Just a few weeks later, on October 11, the theatre celebrated its official centennial.
The Paramount Today
Today, the theatre brings in over 200,000 patrons to see more than 250 performances and 100 films each year. Film lovers can see world premieres at several festivals held at the theatre, including the Austin Film Festival and South by Southwest, as well as the annual Summer Classic Film Series, which has been running for more than 40 years.
The Paramount Theatre not only stands out as an architectural gem on Austin’s Congress Avenue. It also serves as a landmark that tells the story of Austin’s performing arts scene over the last 100 years.
In addition to screening innovative films and hosting prominent theatre productions, the theatre provides exposure to the performing arts to some 20,000 youth from underprivileged backgrounds each year. For more information on the history of the Paramount Theatre and its upcoming performances and film screenings, visit www.austintheatre.org.
