Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom

A stunning venue. I don't need to get into its history and its refurbishment or its place in Anderson's history. But suffice to say It's almost as important and central to Anderson's identity as GM was.What you need to know for a concert - no cameras. Lovely vibe, beautifully restored, with wonderful acoustics. There's a big lot near the library nearby where you can park for free. The seats in the upper balcony are just fine, but the closer to the stage, the better.Prices for all their events are usually very reasonable.The Paramount is one of those places I'd recommend everyone visit if they can. It's an Indiana landmark, and rightfully so.

I had the pleasure of visiting this place checking out a kid's show with my littles. They have a parking garage next door and tons of free street parking in a very reasonable walking area. I parked on the street and walked over to the theater. It took my less than five minutes to get from where I parked to the theater. The staff there is very nice. This is a classic venue with a historic feel. It dates back to 1929. The venue is gorgeous. I loved the theme and decor of the auditorium. It is awesome. The auditorium seats are on an incline so there are not really any bad seats. The seats are the old movie theater style seats that automatically fold up when it is not occupied. The seats were comfortable enough. The theater has an old school water fountain to drink out of and there is a little snack bar in the front. The snack bar is limited and has reasonably priced items such as candy, and popcorn.All in all, I really like this theater. It is easy to get in and out of and it is very clean. It is a low key spot with tons of parking options available. This is one of the better venues in the area and a hope to catch another show here very soon.

It's my first time visiting the beautifully restored Paramount Theatre & Ballroom. Moscow-based, Leonid & Friends performed the music of Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan. The venue, as an historic building, has NO Elevator! The Anderson Paramount Theatre is a historic movie theater located in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana. It opened on August 20, 1929, and at the time was part of the Publix Chain of theaters, owned by Paramount Pictures. The theater was designed by the famous movie theater architect, John Eberson.

The Paramount Theatre Centre & Ballroom is one of Anderson, Indiana's pride and joys, a true classic theatre that has somewhat miraculously been maintained despite being quite literally days away from being torn down in the mid-90s. The Paramount opened in 1929, a John Eberson creation that had the initial misfortune of opening up just as the Great Depression was getting started. It was opened with a plan for vaudeville and movies and at opening had 1,700 seats. The Paramount is an atmospheric theatre and it maintains much of that atmosphere to this day. It was designed by resemble a Spanish Casa with wrought-iron gates, statues, and a ceiling painted with stars that really did twinkle. Clouds were projected onto the ceiling and they would move across the "sky." Because of the timing of building, plans went from a seven-story structure design to three stories with the ballroom on the top floor. There were originally 155 theatres nationwide constructed by Eberson - 12 remain and Indiana has two (the Embassy in Fort Wayne being the other). In 1985, the Paramount closed for 4 years and by 1989 had experienced eight different owners. It was facing the wrecking ball with plans for a parking lot. It was only 3 weeks before the final ordinance would approve tearing down the Paramount that a local lawyer who worked across the street was watching a television show about restoration and came up with and quickly put into action a plan to save the Paramount. It was no small task to attempt restoration - the Paramount had gone four years without heat and cooling and had significant water leaks and other major damage. In January 1995, the restoration began and while it continues to this day by June the first concert took place in the restored Paramount - Sammy Kaye and the McGuire Sisters. The theatre now has wider seating and has been reduced to 1,458 seats - having attended multiple events here including music and film festivals, it looks and feels enormous. All the statues along the wall are original. There's a catwalk along the ceiling to access lights (all 221 of them). The theatre screen is 40' x 20' and is the second largest in Indiana. The Grande Page Organ is still in place and is one of only three such pipe organs remaining in their original theatres. In 1997, it was restored and even enlarged. The Paramount even hosts the annual American Theatre Organ Society convention.In 2015, a new sound reinforcement system was donated along with new aisle lights. You can rent the theatre - in addition to the 1,458 seats it has 10 dressing rooms and on-stage seating for up to 60 guests. You can also rent the Hardacre Ballroom and Marquee Room - the ballroom has 6,000 square feet with an original hardwood floor and the Spanish Villa-themed terrace room with a kitchenette. The Marquee Room is a smaller room appropriate for 70 guests. It does have an accented fireplace. Being that this is largely a vintage theatre, accessibility is certainly hit-and-miss, though they've done very well in most public areas. The theatre does have an elevator, though it does not allow access to all spaces. They offer public tours and specifically note that to do the complete tour some stairs are involved. As a theatre on the National Register of Historic Places, it is exempt but I've been able to enjoy every event I've attended here and the staff members are always exceptionally helpful as needed. If you've never experienced the Paramount, it's worth a trip - they host many special events throughout the year (the 80's band Night Ranger is playing there tomorrow night!). Anderson is actually a rather cool city with lots of sights worth seeing and a chance to check out the Paramount and that amazing organ is definitely worth it.

I was there for an orchestra and the place was incredible. Everywhere you go is nothing but interesting facts, history, beauty, and helpful staff. The prices can be much but that's mostly for VIP. I recommend going here next time a concert or film is playing there.

We saw the most gorgeous Christmas show here last week and I had to share with y'all how beautiful this theater is and how wonderful the Celtic Angels were for the show. Being Scottish and my husband being Irish, we thoroughly enjoyed the singing, dancing, and the most talented musicians! I didn't know if I would like it but it quickly became something I will make a point to buy tickets for every year! Gorgeous theater too! I would come here for any event they hold.

What a gorgeous gem of a theater! I have seen orchestra performances and dance recitals at this theater. It is clean and absolutely gorgeously designed.If coming from the Indianapolis area it is a short trip well worth it too see this beauty! There are enough bathrooms, a balcony, and I've always been able to find street parking nearby.

Beautiful decor, luxurious ambiance, and a refined feel. It is always such a treat to go to the paramount. I've been there several times over the years for various events. Their dancing like the stars event is fun and a great way to bring the community together. I've gone to several school performances whether it was for choir or drama or even a media arts presentation, they've always been well put on and easily accessible. My favorite time I went was to see the lion the witch and the wardrobe as a play there. I love live entertainment like that, so it's such a treat that I get to enjoy a place so nice in my hometown. Couldn't say enough good things about the Paramount.

The theater has been restored to its original glory. Of course restoration is a never ending process. They have linked with 3 other theaters to enable getting entertainment that they could not afford without doing this. Getting the building to the east of the building to become dressing rooms will be a great improvement. The small dressing rooms under the stage were very inadequate. Hopefully, our community will continue to support this attraction.

2nd time at the Paramount Theatre in Anderson. Travis Tritt acoustic concert was awesome. Such a great place to have a concert at. Can't hardly wait till July when Sawyer Brown will be there. Also, gotta say the people that work the events there are all so helpful and nice. Great Job!