Paramount Theatre of Aurora, Illinois

The Paramount is the longest lived theatre in Aurora and was built on the site of the old Rialto Theatre in September 1931. Paramount Pictures then went on to use this theatre as the prototype for movie palaces they built all over the country.

In 1976, it was purchased by Aurora Civic Center Authority who restored the theatre to it's original graduer and reopened it as the Paramount Arts Center in 1978. It now offers a variety of theatrical, musical, comedy, dance and family programming.

An additional renovation occurred in 2006 with the addition of a 12,000 square foot lobby. It is also now home to the Paramount School of Performing Arts which brings professional acting classes to the western suburbs.

In addition, the Paramount offers many free programs to the local community as well including the Midwest Literary Festival, the Air Force Band Concert, the Aurora Idol Competition and the annual Fox Valley Park District children's production.

Photograph by Serhii Chrucky, 2006

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2009-10 Paramount Theatre Show Schedule

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September 2009

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Randy Travis

Fr 09/04
8:00pm

This superstar country crooner will bring his remarkable baritone voice and his talent for telling stories to the Paramount Theatre. Travis has sold more than 21 million records and is one of the 10 top-selling solo country artists of all time.

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Journey Unauthorized (Party)

Fr 09/11
4:30pm

Journey Unauthorized (NO Party)

Fr 09/11 8:00pm

With their look and sound, Journey Unauthorized will transport you back in time to the most unforgettable music and concert event of the ‘80’s! The group performs the full-range of Journey’s multi-part harmonies as in “Lights,” “Separate Ways” and “Who’s Cryin’ Now” to span the entire era of Journey’s repertoire.

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Ani DiFranco

Su 09/13
7:00pm

She’s a mix between indie and alternative contemporary folk, infused with a touch of urban folk music. She’s a name “twenty-somethings” will know, and our pick of the season to reach out and expand our fare of entertainment. Ani DiFranco has written hundreds of songs, played thousands of shows, and captured the imaginations of legions of followers jammed with folkies, orchestras, rappers, rock and roll hall-of-famers, jazz musicians, poets, pop superstars, storytellers and a martial arts legend.

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Paul Rodriguez

Fr 09/18
8:00pm
After 30 years in stand-up, comedian Paul Rodriguez shows no signs of stopping. This Latin King of Comedy is funny, charismatic, and engaging. He knows how to connect with an audience and keep them on the edge of their seats.

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Ballet Folklorico (Adult)
Ballet Folklorico (Child)

Sa 09/26
7:00pm

This nationally recognized dance troupe from Aurora brings amazing choreography and showmanship to the stage. Authentic wardrobes, made in Mexico, make this ballet one of the best examples of Mexican tradition and art in the U.S.

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October 2009

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Lily Tomlin

Fr 10/02
8:00pm

She’s won a Grammy, two Tony awards, six Emmies, and been nominated for the Golden Globes and Oscars. Spend an evening with more than a dozen of her famous characters, including the precocious 6-year-old Edith Ann, the irascible telephone operator Ernestine, the aging beauty adviser Madame Lupe, Lucille the rubber addict and Lily’s most profound character, Trudy, the schizophrenic street lady. It will be a night of cerebral comedy and social commentary woven together by Lily’s affectionate memories about her childhood in the Midwest.

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The Smothers Brothers

Su 10/11
4:00pm

When Tom and Dick Smothers fi rst took to the stage together professionally, they changed comedy forever. Their cutting-edge humor has not only been ahead of its time but has remained timeless as well. With their singular blend of comedic and musical talents, the irrepressible brothers have made a sweeping impact on diverse generations of fans.

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Tap Dogs

Fr 10/16
8:00pm

“This is the hottest show on legs”… TIME OUT. Who says real men can’t dance? The international sensation - TAP DOGS - is here and ready to leave dents on stages all across North America.

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BB King

Sa 10/17
8:00pm

Riley “B.B.” King has been called the “King of the Blues” and “Ambassador of the Blues,” and indeed, he’s reigned across the decades as the genre’s most recognizable and infl uential artist. His half-century of success owes much to his hard work.

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Capitol Steps Obama Mia

Fr 10/23
8:00pm

The Capitol Steps originated in 1981 when senate staffers were planning entertainment for a Christmas party. They wanted to stage a nativity play, but in the whole Congress they couldn’t fi nd three wise men or a virgin! So, they decided to satirize the very people that employed them. Since then they have recorded 28 albums and toured the nation.

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Bowfire

Sa 10/24
8:00pm

As seen on PBS, Bowfire presents the world’s critically acclaimed violinists and fi ddlers on one stage in one spectacular concert event. It takes its audiences on a musical journey that moves seamlessly from jazz, classical, bluegrass, celtic, rock, gypsy, world, Texas Swing and Ottawa Valley and Cape Breton styles and mixes in incredible step and tap dancing and a beautiful voice.

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100 Years of Broadway

Su 10/25
3:00pm

100 Years of Broadway is a phenomenal revue saluting the American musical theatre’s best songs and best shows with nods to Porter, Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bernstein, Lloyd-Webber, and many others.

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November 2009

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RENT The Musical

Fr 11/06
7:30pm

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, RENT, by Jonathan Larson, comes to the Paramount Theatre for one invigorating night! The story integrates contemporary music and dance to tell an emotional tale about a community of young artists who celebrate life while struggling to make it in New York’s East Village. Based on Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT is a modern day story of love and loyalty that utilizes pop, rock ‘n roll, R&B and salsa, to singlehandedly reinvigorate Broadway. Produced by Joseph Robinson, HALO Productions brings you a show that will lead you on a whirlwind roller coaster ride of passion and song, leaving you breathless and begging for more.

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Frank Caliendo

Sa 11/07
5:00pm
9:00pm

Frank Caliendo , the star or Frank TV and Mad TV, is back due to popular demand! The zany comedian /actor /impressionist returns to the stage with his “dead on” impressions of famous athletes, actors, politicians and pop icons.

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Clint Black

Sa 11/14
8:00pm

You saw country superstar Clint Black battle away on The Apprentice. Now you can see him live at The Paramount, doing what he does best, singing hit after hit. One of the most popular and infl uential artists in the history of country music, Clint Black has an unmistakable voice with a knack for writing great songs.

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Drinkin’ Singin’ Swingin’

Sa 11/21
8:00pm

Don’t miss the Chicagoland premier of this amazing show. You’ll never be more excited about any show after you’ve seen this Salute to Frank Sinatra - Sammy Davis Jr. - Dean Martin. The impersonations are spot on and you also get to see a couple more surprise celebrity impersonations.

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Sensational Psychic Spectacular

Su 11/22
3:00pm

A real live “Lie to Me” guy, a hysterical Ventriloquist and a World Champion Juggler/Comedian who does it all in 3-D! Forensic Psychic Joshua Kane performs strange feats with the audience, tapping the powers of their mind. Predictions will be made and proved true; the entire audience will experience simultaneous telepathy; unseen drawings will be reproduced; thoughts will be plucked from people’s minds; and the spirits will be invited to materialize. Comedian/Ventriloquist Lynn Trefzger has been amazing audiences since 1977.

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The Wizard of Oz

Fr 11/27
8:00pm

Sa 11/28
2:00pm
8:00pm

The Wizard of Oz There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time, the wonderful Wizard of Oz, twists its way into Illinois! The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.

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December 2009

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The Nutcracker (Adult)
The Nutcracker (Child)

Sa 12/05
1:00pm
5:00pm

An enchanting holiday tradition for many families, Paramount Theatre is proud to present the return of Salt Creek Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER.

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A Christmas Carol (Adult)
A Christmas Carol (Child)

Su 12/06
3:00pm

Mo12/07
9:00am
12:00pm

This lavish musical theatre production is bursting with pageantry, laughter, gorgeous costumes and classic lines. Never has a theatrical performance embodied the warmth and joy of the season more brilliantly than this classic production.

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American Idol Stars in Concert

Sa 12/19
8:00pm

Just in time for CHRISTMAS, FOUR of your favorite AMERICAN IDOLS come together for a brilliant holiday concert! A surprising combination of four of the top ten fi nalists from seasons 1 through 8 will take to the stage for the most exciting night of solo, duet and ensemble performances ever in one place.

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New Year's 2009

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New Year’s Eve Gala

Th 12/31
8:00pm

Join us for a Grand Gala Celebration! Ring in the New Year with your friends and family ON STAGE at the Paramount Theatre. This evening includes a three-course Gourmet Dinner, Open Bar, Live Band, Dancing, Raffl e Prizes, Silent Auction and a Fantastic Night Out all for a good cause. For tickets call 630-723-2484. Tables of 10 are available. Where else can you celebrate New Year’s Eve and get a tax deduction? 8:00 Cocktails
9:30 Dinner
11:00 Dancing on stage with Live Band Midnight Champagne Toast & Balloon Drop Proceeds benefi t the Paramount “Dreams Do Come True” program and afford underprivileged children the opportunity to attend a live theatrical performance. Moscow
The Fab Four
Tickets: $150.00* per person
* Purchase before Oct. 1, 2009 only $125.00!

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January 2010

SUPER SUNDAY FREE FAMILY MOVIES

The Paramount Theatre is thrilled to present SUPER SUNDAY FREE FAMILY MOVIES Come in out of the cold and join us on Sunday afternoons at 1:00pm. Mom & Dad can enjoy cocktails in the theatre. (Doors open at 12:30pm.)
1.10.10 Kung Fu Panda PG 90 min
1.17.10 Ghost Busters PG 107 min
1.24.10 Marley & Me PG 123 min
1. 31.10 Hotel for Dogs PG 100 min

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Fab Four

Sa 01/02
8:00pm

This crowd pleaser is back due to popular demand and they’re here while your family is home for the holidays! Get a group together, have a wonderful night out and celebrate the New Year! You’ve seen them on The Ellen Show. They are, by far, the best Beatles tribute band out there.

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Febuary 2010

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Charlotte’s Web

We 02/03
9:30am
12:00pm

Wednesday, February 3, 2010
at 9:30am & noon

E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte comes to life in Charlotte’s Web. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up in the slaughterhouse.

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The Drowsy Chaperone

Sa 02/06
3:00pm
8:00pm

The Sensational National Broadway Tour comes to the Paramount Theatre. This musical magically bursts to life on stage, telling the tale of a glamorous hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day

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Moscow Circus (Adult)
Moscow Circus (Child)

Su 02/07
3:00pm

This is excitement and entertainment that can only be created by some of the greatest circus performers on earth! Russian musicians, clowns and dancers will delight you with centuries old traditions and fables.

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Kenny Rogers

Sa 02/13
8:00pm

Su 02/14
4:00pm

Kenny Rogers Make this Valentine’s Day special. Bring your “Lady” or maybe your “Gambler” to see and hear the incomparable Kenny Rogers. With 21 #1 hits, Kenny’s phenomenal success has earned him Grammies, People’s Choice, and American Music Awards as well as the admiration of his adoring fans

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Ailey II

Su 02/21
4:00pm

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers.

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Freedom Train

Monday, February 22, 2010
9:30am
12:00pm

This Black History Month tradition celebrates the life of Harriet Tubman. Freedom Train begins with her perilous escape from slavery and follows her return to slave territory as she guides more than 300 slaves to freedom.

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Jackie Robinson MVP

Th 2/25 9:30 am
12:00pm

Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York, 1947 ... Before a crowd of 26, 623 Americans, an African American baseball player suits up in a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform and takes second base. On that day, despite hisses, walkouts and even death threats, Jackie Robinson heroically breaks the “color” barrier for the National Baseball League and forever changes the world of sports!

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March 2010

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Give a Pig a Pancake

We03/03
9:30 am
12:00pm

This bright and bouncy musical revue is made up of mini-musicals based on popular children’s books. A bossy pig’s demands frazzle a little girl in this hilarious lesson about cause and effect.

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Tchaikovsky Ballet Spectacular

Th 03/18
12:00pm
7:30pm

Tchaikovsky Ballet Spectacular An exceptional opportunity to see the highlights of this premier company’s top three dance masterpieces, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. With its roots extending back to 1870, The Tchaikovsky Ballet and Orchestra is one of Russia’s most distinguished artistic companies and is widely considered to be Russia’s third most prominent ballet company, behind the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets.

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The Wedding Singer

Sa 03/20
3:00pm
8:00pm

It’s 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party - until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection.

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The Second City 50th Anniversary

Sa 03/27
8:00pm

Hilarious, spontaneous, topical and insightful
- The Second City is second to none when it comes to live comedy. The touring troupes of The Second City have been the springboard for generations of the comedy world’s best and brightest, including John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Martin Short, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Tina Fey and more.

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April 2010

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One Night of the Bee Gees

Sa 04/10
8:00pm

Stayin’ Alive is the largest musical production of the BEE GEES in the world. With amazing vocals, Stayin’ Alive creates an eerie sense of seeing the Bee Gees live in concert. Not only do they sound like the Bee Gees, they look like them. You won’t believe your ears!

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Jamie Cavanaugh

Tu 04/13
9:30am
12:00pm

Fast paced, funny and full of energy, this great new play tackles the issues of ADHD, bullying, violence, peer pressure, learning disabilities and the struggles to fi t in. Jamie and Max are best friends - she’s a trouble magnet who thinks her ADHD is some kind of “super speed” super power and he’s the smartest kid in the class.

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Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Sa 04/17
8:00pm

This wildly successful review features the music of Leiber and Stoler who “invented Rock ‘n’ Roll”. They inspired everyone from Burt Bacharach, to The Beatles, to Elvis. Their timeless songs provide the basis for this electrifying show that has the critics raving. Smokey Joe’s Cafe features nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded and transforms classic pop music into compelling musical theatre full of sizzle.

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May 2010

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Synergy Brass Quintet

Sa 05/22
3:00pm

Acclaimed for “a veritable fi reworks display of outstanding musical ability combined with superb showmanship” (Door Concerts, Inc) plus “blazing precision [and] amazing technique” ,(The Watertown Daily Times). The Synergy Brass Quintet has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting ensembles. Synergy “has hit on a magical formula: unadulterated exuberance, and a rock star approach to performing,” (U.S.1).

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June 2010

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The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Su 06/06
3:00pm

The legend lives on as the most popular and respected big band returns to the Paramount Theatre. Their music is as smooth as honey and sharp as a tack, creating a fast-paced afternoon of jazz, swing and traditional, timeless classics.

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Copley Theatre-

Rave On Buddy Holly

Fr 10/09
8:00pm

Sa 10/10
3:00pm
8:00pm

Su 10/11
3:00pm

Rave On Buddy Holly A must see for rock and roll fans!” - Omaha World News. “Rave On!” presents an electrifying show paying homage to rock n’ roll’s immortal legend Buddy Holly. The impact of this music will make a lasting impression on audiences of all ages! Billy McGuigan has received national acclaim for his sincere, talented and awe inspiring portrayal of the legendary Buddy Holly

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Purchase Your Paramount Theatre Tickets Right Here
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Paramount Theatre Location & Information
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Location:
23 East Galena Boulevard
Aurora, IL 60506

Directions:
From I-88 (which is accessible from I-290, I-294 or I-355, take I-88 West) exit at Route 31 and go south two and one-half miles to Galena Boulevard. Go left on Galena Boulevard and the Center is two blocks down on the right. Located 4 blocks south of the Burlington Northern Metra station.

Parking:
Parking is available at three garages within one block of the Paramount. Pricing varies.

General Rules:
Cameras and recording devices are not permitted.

Children Rules:
There are no age restrictions.
Children under two years old are free provided they sit on a ticketholders lap.