Paramount Theatre (Middletown, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paramount Theatre
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Paramount Theatre marquee in 2007
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| Location | 17 South St., Middletown, NY |
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| Built | 1930 |
| Architect | Rapp and Rapp |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000136 |
| Added to NRHP | March 6, 2002 |
The Paramount Theatre is a special old movie theater located at 17 South Street in Middletown, New York. It was built in 1930. The theater has a cool Art Deco design style. It was made to be like another Paramount Theater in Peekskill, which is across the Hudson River. Because of its history and unique style, the Paramount Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Contents
A Look at the Paramount Theatre's History
How the Theatre Began
The Paramount-Publix Corporation, which is now known as Paramount Pictures, built this theater. It first opened its doors on June 12, 1930. The opening day was a big celebration! It included a parade in the afternoon. There was also a musical show by the Paramount Symphony Orchestra. The very first movie shown was The Big Pond. It starred famous actors Maurice Chevalier and Claudette Colbert. Before the main movie, people watched a newsreel. There was also a short film about Middletown and its people. A special welcome film starring Buddy Rogers was shown too.
Changes in Ownership
After 1948, a court decision made big movie studios sell their movie theaters. Because of this, Paramount-Publix sold the theater. ABC, another company, owned the Paramount until 1973. Then, it was sold to Hallmark Releasing. After a few more owners, the theater closed in 1978. In 1979, the city of Middletown took over the building. This happened because the property taxes had not been paid.
Bringing the Theatre Back to Life
Two years later, in 1981, the Arts Council of Orange County bought the building. They worked hard to fix it up. Their goal was to turn it into a place for live performances. They added an apron to the stage. This is an extra part that sticks out into the audience. A small building called a pavilion was also added to the back. This new space provided dressing rooms for performers. The theater reopened in 1985. In 2002, the building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What Happens at the Paramount Today
Today, the Paramount Theatre is a busy place! It hosts many different kinds of shows and events. You can see art exhibits and listen to interesting talks. The theater also holds events to raise money for good causes. Dance shows, business meetings, and school theater series happen here. There's even a performing arts summer camp for kids. Sometimes, they still show movies too.
Special Features of the Theatre
The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ
The New York Theater Organ Society put a special Wurlitzer organ in the Paramount. This organ came from the Clairidge Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. Organs like this were often used to play music for silent movies. The original keyboard from the Paramount's organ is now part of another organ. That organ is at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix, Arizona.
Film Festival Fun
The Hoboken International Film Festival is a big event. It happens every year at the Paramount Theatre. This festival brings many different films and filmmakers to Middletown.
Images for kids
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Theatre seating area
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Faux opera boxes
