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 super cool old building in Middletown, New York. It's a historic theater that was built way back in 1930. The theater has a special look called Art Deco style. It was designed to be like another Paramount Theater in Peekskill, across the Hudson River. Because it's so special, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
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The Paramount Theatre's Story
Grand Opening Day
The Paramount Theatre first opened its doors on June 12, 1930. It was a huge celebration! There was a big parade in the afternoon. The Paramount Symphony Orchestra played music for everyone.
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. This was a short film with news from around the world. There was also a special film about Middletown and its people. Plus, a welcome film starring Buddy Rogers played!
Changing Owners and Reopening
The theater changed owners several times over the years. In 1979, the city of Middletown took over the building. This happened because past owners hadn't paid their taxes.
Just two years later, a group called the Arts Council of Orange County bought the theater. They worked hard to fix it up! They turned it into a place for live shows and performances. They added a special part to the stage called an apron. They also built a new area at the back for dressing rooms. The theater reopened in 1985, ready for new audiences.
A Special Organ
The Paramount Theatre has a very cool musical instrument. It's a Wurlitzer organ! This huge organ used to be in another theater in Montclair, New Jersey. These organs were made to play music for silent movies. The original keyboard from the Paramount's organ is now part of an organ in Phoenix, Arizona.
What Happens at the Paramount Today?
Today, the Paramount Theatre is a busy place! It hosts many different kinds of events. You can see live acts and shows there. They also have art exhibits and lectures. Sometimes, there are fundraisers for local groups. Dance recitals and school plays happen on its stage. The theater even has a summer camp for performing arts! And yes, they still show some movies too.
The Hoboken International Film Festival is a big event that happens at the theater every year.
Images for kids
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Theatre seating area
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Faux opera boxes
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Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ
