Sandi and I came for the matinee of August Rush at the Paramount Theatre. I found a wonderfully recreated last century theatre. We were warmly welcomed and seated. The musical was superb and we could see and hear it from where we were seated. As we left we were easily able to depart. They do need more bathroom space for women. Take in a play, musical or concert at this theater sometime. It is much easier to get there than downtown Chicago from the western suburbs read more

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The Paramount Theatre is a great venue to come see a Broadway show! Some say there isn't a bad seat in the house and I haven't been in one. For the last show I attended, I was in a front row seat and was afraid that it might be too close. I was proven wrong on show night and had a great time. I can see great from the front row! The theatre also set up a photo op area where you can take pictures with show related backdrop and/or props. I think this is a great touch to the whole experience. They also have Classic Movie Mondays where you can watch an old favorite for $1 at 7pm! Concession is open during both shows and movies days and alcoholic beverages (liquor, beer, wine) are available. Street parking is available, but be sure to check for times and limitations. You may have to park a few blocks away and walk. Street parking is free but only available for a maximum of 1.5 hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No time limit on Sundays. There is also a free parking lot on River Street, just north of New York Street. The theatre website has a map of where to park in the area. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ ) read more

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OK even if you're not a theatergoer, the paramount in Aurora is absolutely breathtaking. It is an absolutely gorgeous theater with weight murals and beautiful beautiful seating. Now I am a theater, and I love their plays and musicals. I have not been disappointed a single time. I always choose to purchase the four plays per season for my mother as a gift. She waits for it and opened it with anticipation. They also have a VIP that starts an hour before the show. It's basically appetizers and drinks but it's well worth the $20 per person. They have a drink ready for you at intermission and they take care of your coat. Also no lines! The other really awesome thing to see at the Paramount is a concert. I have gone there to see Poi Dog Pondering multiple times and I always leave knowing that I could've had the same show downtown for double the cost with problems parking. The valet is kind of a rip off. But who's isn't? read more

I heard so many great things about this venue from colleagues & friends such as it winning many awards, several famous people & great shows also performed here. So, here is my reason for my rating..first, this was my fault, but I did not know that Elf, the Broadway musical was a 2.5 hour show. I went to go purchase the tickets at the box office to avoid the fees & save a few bucks per ticket & failed to ask the lady helping me how long the show was. I only found out as we were parking our car with valet. 2nd, I opted to save a few more bucks choosing the balcony seating, which in my opinion, wasn't bad anyways. I honestly don't think there's any bad seat in there, you're just not as close to the stage, but I could still see everything clearly. 3rd, my family & I that all attended this show are all fairly tall. For a 2.5 hour show, after 1.5 hrs into it, it was getting pretty uncomfortable for us to sit that long. I also had so alcoholic drink, so I had to use the bathroom & I kept thinking how I would disturb everyone in the row, but I went anyways, or I couldn't enjoy the rest of it. Our 11 year old, I could tell he was getting ansty, he is almost 5'7" & his legs were cramping up & couldn't stay still. At that point, I made the motherly decision to leave in the middle of intermission bc I knew he couldn't do amother hour of the show. I don't plan on returning right away as I know they're actually going to be upgrading the seats soon, so I hope they take into considering for taller people. My understanding is that those seats have been in there for 87 years now. That's impressive! Maybe my fiance & I will go watch a show without our son, just to give it another chance, but we will see. read more

Always a great experience. We have loved every performance we have seen here, even when we sot behind very tall people. The performance are always staged so well that you might miss a little if behind someone who is taller than you you never miss much. The bathrooms while busy are fairly clean and the staff is always kind and helpful. We always try to enjoy the premium guest experience. read more

A beautiful old theater built in the 30s and we went to see kinky boots at this theater and it was terrific the theater was nice it was all wrong they did everything they could buy ask him to see an ID and your vaccine card before they let you win they insisted that you wear masks very safe nice experience highly recommended read more

The plays here are always on point! They bring in some serious talent and really put on food shows. Plenty of bathrooms and a huge plus is that the rows are easy to get in and out of. Been to other places that are horrible with seating. There really is not a bad seat in the house. If there are only "nosebleed" seats left, buy them! No worries, you have a great view no matter where you are. They have a bar which is a huge plus and usually have a specialty drink for whatever show is going on. Parking is not the greatest but the Paramount is right downtown so that has to be expected. It is kind of a strange set up for a wedding though, the design of the building is not suited for weddings but they still have a lot of weddings. read more

I've seen several shows at the Paramount Theater and each time I'm more amazed than before. Paramount delivers Broadway-style performances that stand up against the big city names with affordable prices, free parking, and magical performances that will have you looking for tickets to the next performance before making it to your car. read more

What a spectacular theater. This is truly a gem. I thought all of the amazing theaters were in Chicago, but clearly I was wrong. Not only is the theater itself incredible, but the area is adorable for strolling around before or after a show. We went for the production of The Wizard of Oz and it was outstanding. What a great find that I'm sorry took me so long to discover! read more

This theatre is in such a pretty little area in Aurora! The Wizard of Oz was so awesome! I loved the characters & costumes. Toto was just adorable. The singing was great & I loved that the entire play was entertaining. They had me singing & laughing the entire time. I just wish we had closer seats to the stage! read more

Paramount Aurora - Performing Arts Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

I recently took a small road trip from the city and attended for Hand to God and I loved it! The play was the right amount of humor and horror - but mostly humor, I wouldn't stop laughing! And Tyrone is my new favorite character ever! Be sure to stop by the bar before/after your play! The theatre was very clean and beautifully designed. Also very conveniently located in a beautiful part of Aurora. Will definitely be back! read more

Rock of Ages review -- Good thing: Very talented cast. Produced well. Venue beautiful, as always. Negative? Who likes surprises? My friend advised the movie was so good. She was surprised/shocked the "mature audience" material time and time again. Foul language, suggestive actions both in a small screen plus on stage later. Surprising a live production included whereas the movie did not--who would have thought? No, we are not prudes, but if we wanted to go to a musical with a Mature Audience theme then we'd know. I wouldn't be surprised if after reading this it may draw more....that is their choice. We've seen many wonderful productions at this venue. Will be more cautious in the future. read more

I attended a wedding at the Paramount theatre. The staff was nice and attentive. One person - I believe the manager was running around, obviously working very hard to help the event run smoothly. The food was not great. However- I generally don't expect much from wedding food. There was a chicken dish, sausage and peppers, salad, toasted ravioli, pasta, and bacon wrapped dates. The dates were a little on the mushy side. The pasta was ok. The room itself is long and rectangular shaped. This makes it difficult to hear singers if you're on one end and they are on the other. The room does have a really nice view though. Parking was done through valet and there was a coat check as well - both run efficiently. I will say- the staff seemed genuinely invested in making the event great for everyone who attended. read more

This is my wife and my second time visiting Paramount. This time around we went to check out Cinderella. The staff was very thorough with checking everyone's vaccination cards as well as id's. Throughout the show staff made sure everyone kept their mask on. The show was excellent and we really had a great time. Parking can be a bit hard to find, but there is a parking garage around the corner of the theatre and they offer valet as well, for I believe $11. The bar was open and drinks were being sold at the time, however no food was being sold/served. read more

This is my third season I have bought the package of musics . Buy one ticket get one free and no ticket processing fees. So each ticket ends up to be under $30. 00. I can not recommend it enough. The people who work here could not be helpful. I am so lucky to have this theatre. read more

Seeing a live musical performance at the Paramount Aurora was a really fun experience. We saw the show Rock of Ages in April 2022, and beyond the show itself being spectacular, the VIP package (which included hors d'oevres and drinks) were awesome. Our seats were right at the center and the front (seats 109 and 110 in Row F), and my friend and I had the best time. I have family in Aurora and will definitely be attending more shows here in the future! I highly recommend the VIP experience pre-show in the old theatre, it's worth it! read more

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Okay, it is a small theater that has been remodeled. It is on the garish side of tasteful. Here are the facts: it opened in 1931, perhaps a time when mankind was shorter and smaller. Very little leg room and when every seat in the row is occupied, it has the feeling of sardines in a can. It is severely lacking in restroom facilities for a theater that holds 1,885 people. However, people watching is 5-star. Acoustics are good, except for the performer who did not have a microphone while out in the audience. Couldn't understand a word he said. Ushers were very kind and seating went quickly. The hats, horns, candy, and necklaces were a nice touch for the New Year's Eve performance. Except for the theater patrons, the area was a ghost town. read more

I absolutely love The Paramount Theatre! The theatre itself, to me reminds me of what elegant theatre's back when my grandparents would frequent plays would look like. One complaint, but I can't really complain too much, is that the seats are on the smaller end, but I'm a big guy over 300lbs. If you are bigger, plan on an aisle seat to allow that extra room for yourself. The lights and sound are astonishing and the stage itself is very well suited for all types of genres. My wife and I try and go as often as we can when we can. read more

I've been to three productions at the Paramount, and have loved them all. I've seen Mama Mia, Little Mermaid and Sweeny Todd. The theater is a beautiful building, and downtown Aurora is a nice place for dinner and a show. The acting is always phenomenal, and the sets and costumes are amazing. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The ticket prices are affordable, and parking is a breeze. They do have a valet, but if you park in the garage on Stolp and Downer, the cost of parking for the duration of the show is a whopping $3. Woo hoo! read more

Paramount Aurora - Christmas at the Paramount! - Performing Arts Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

Awesome experience!!! My wife took me here to see Penn and Teller for our one year anniversary. And I was shocked at how nice everyone was. From the people who took our tickets, to the ushers, to the people working the consession stands... They were great! The ticket price is a tad bit pricey, but going in there it wasn't. I got a drink refill for $1. Who did that now adays. My wife is great too for knowing that I'd have an awesome time here. I even got to meet Penn. read more

Paramount Aurora - Thanks Penn! - Performing Arts Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

Everything was wonderful - the Play, the music, the atmosphere, the staff. Except for the Valet parking. We paid the "Premium" $20 to have "quick access". When the Play was over, and everyone leaving, there was no one at the Valet Podium, No keys in the car. We had to spend 10 minutes trying to find a Valet parking employee, and couldn't, so I had to stand in line and wait like everyone else who did NOT pay the premium price. When I noted this to the Podium attendant, she ignored me. Bottom line - there is no advantage to paying the Premium price for Valet parking. Just park in a nearby free lot, and save yourself the hassle and expense. read more

We had season tickets for this past season and were SO impressed. We enjoyed exploring downtown Aurora and trying the local restaurants, and thought the city looked beautiful at night during the holidays with all the lights and stars. The quality of the shows was top notch. We couldn't believe how incredible the shows were- especially Fiddler on the Roof and Annie. And the prices for the season tickets were very affordable. To get a date night on the calendar was so worth it. We sat in the balcony- we like seats that aren't right next to everyone, and that's how the balcony was on Thursday nights. We had to use our binoculars to see the faces of the performers but that was fun. The seats feel small and a little uncomfortable to us. The theater is beautiful. We enjoy looking down from the balcony and people watching. The bathrooms are clean, nice and have a lot of stalls but there is still always a line for the ladies' room. The "cafe" is very basic but I do really like the hot chocolate. I appreciate that you can buy drinks and bring them into the theater with you (though there are no cup holders). We park down the street at the $3 garage. There are a lot of one way streets and has been construction which makes it a little tricky to find parking and restaurants in the town, in my opinion. We highly recommend this theater and hope to be back again soon. read more

This is the best place in the Chicago area to see Broadway Shows, music and dance! The 1800 seats are all close enough to the stage so that there is no bad seat. The locally produced shows are top notch, and rival any big city production. I understand that actors come from all over the Midwest to be part of the shows. I have met the Artistic Director, Jim Corti, and he really has vision. AND the best part, it is quite reasonable, $40-50 dollars per show, or get a subscription for all four shows and save half off the individual price. Park for free also, and grab a great meal at one of my faves, Two Brothers Brewery, on Broadway. Don't put it off any longer, this is the year for Miss Saigon and Rent, along with 42nd Street and In The Heights. Amazing! read more

I've seen four performances here in the past year- each one has been very much worth the price of admission. The sets, costumes, and talent are all great. The sound is well done, and the old seats have mostly been replaced. Concessions are reasonably priced, bathrooms are clean and wait times are nonexistent (although I'm a guy- I can't speak for the women's rooms). My wife and I enjoyed our first experience here so much (Cabaret) that we opted to purchase season tickets. I'm so glad we did! Paramount is such a great option, especially compared to going in to Chicago for a theater experience. Highly, highly recommend. read more

Saw ELF last Thursday. The Paramount Theatre scored a perfect 10 again !! This time, in addition to an excellent cast and amazing sets along with unbelievably talented musicians, kudos must go to the lighting crew. A lot of the scene changes were dowith lighting. Amazing. You'll Believe after seeing this one. I tell everyone to be a subscriber and treat yourself to the Premier package. Worth every penny! Went last night to see Legally Blond. Amazing how each performance I attend is excellent! The Premier package is different this season but it is better than it was before. It is worth the extra cost. The entire Paramount staff from Valet, Box Office, Ushers, Hostesses, Bar Tenders to Management could not be friendlier and more caring. If you aren't a subscriber you are missing an amazing theatrical opportunity. read more

We happened to be in Aurora for the weekend and were able to get last minute seats for Paramount Theatre's production of Million Dollar Quartet-this Sunday afternoon. Not being familiar w the Paramount, I must start out by saying how overwhelmed I was by the beauty of the theatre! Thanks to all who were involved- past and present, for supporting the arts in restoring and preserving the originality and beauty of this historic building. Some have voiced concern of close seating; our seats were close to stage - 3rd row; I assure you, any concerns will quickly dissipate as your senses are treated to professional actors in character, 100 percent of time; costuming that you'll want post production; realization that- yes- he is singing and playing upside down and NO, that is not- a player piano! Appreciation for quality of set construction and authenticity which is beyond comparison. Who constructs a turn of the century side door, rarely seen- past row 8, with transom window and upper hardware? Or instead of placing an awning on wooden trowels- or a triangular welded frame- it's meticulously molded on a metal frame, carefully crafted with an arch that could only be seen by those up close and personal- as I sit and wonder, why? Why would someone take time for all the added detail? A side door step- probably not seen past row 5- in concrete? Or a full size car no one on the other side of the theatre will see at all? Who noticed the street lights were original, working and had a clue what it took to make that happen- or the amazing (authentic looking) water tower? To my childish delight- no detail was wasted on me- I was in awe and felt as if I had stepped in on a broadway set. I wanted to write the costume director and beg for Jerry Lee Lewis' shirt- please!!! Few costume changes- but carefully and beautifully chosen! Director and choreographer- I felt, did a beautiful job balancing out the roles of each character so neither over shadowed another- drawing us into their individual stories, allowing each to stand on their own, carefully giving us rare backstories on iconic singers of our lifetime. The actors talents were phenomenal and had me smiling and dancing in my heart the entire time! It goes without saying- this was an amazing afternoon. I cannot wait to come back. Wish this theatre were in my neighborhood. If you have the opportunity to visit, please do so. If you have an opportunity to sit close up- take that chance and appreciate a show from a very different perspective. Theatre is a compilation of many talents beyond the actors. You will learn to appreciate it at a much higher level. Become a patron- visit this local gem. I believe backstage at the Paramount, takes this theatre, to level of one of our country's finest! Thank you Paramount, for your level of quality commitment to the arts. read more

We have been season ticket holders for the Broadway Series for several years. They do an amazing job show after show year after year. It's great to be able to see this quality of performances without having to go downtown. The theatre is beautiful, renovated several years ago. They have just started replacing the original seats and that well even make it better. They have allot of other types of shows and movies something for any taste. Check it out I dought you be disappointed. read more

Exceptional theater in the center of Aurora's upswing. The musicals in the Paramount and the smaller shows at the Copley Theater across the street are extremely well done and we enjoy each one. read more

Saw Elf. The performance was great. The theater is very nice. Everyone of the staff was helpful from checking in to finding our seats. Will definitely return in the future. read more

Wow!!! First show of my Broadway series subscription and they did it again! Million Dollar Quartet was fabulous. The four guys, and whole cast, were fantastic. Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Elvis came to life. This production was better than the one I saw at the Apollo theater in Chicago. It's that good! I love this theater so much that my husband and I actually bought a whole seat during the intermission of this show in the theater's efforts to replace the original seating by next year through donations. We are so proud that our names will be engraved on a plaque at the theater due to our substantial donation. Back to the show...we were dancing in our seats and the finale of the show had us on our feet. I say this every time I see a show, but it's true...they get better and better with their productions and they rival anything I've seen in Chicago. The theater is easier to get to, free parking for the most part unless you valet or use the parking garage. That's a plus! The only downside is that we don't dying in the area as it's not a foodie town as of yet. So we usually go back to Naperville for dinner. read more

The paramount theater in aurora is beautiful and filled with historic charm The musicals have been phenomenal. I'm here at the opening of les Miserables. Previous musicals have been spectacular as well. I was here for Mary Poppins and Annie. read more

Paramount Aurora - Inside the paramount - Performing Arts Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

This historic theatre has become the ONLY affordable means of entertainment in the Chicagoland area. The caliber of shows they continue to put on since starting their Broadway series'a few seasons ago has grown in leaps and bounds. You can't get this kind of quality show with the outstanding talent they have managed to procure anywhere near here and certainly not at this price. We are beyond lucky to have this place in our backyard. Surrounded by great restaurants and a casino, the Paramount provides the setting for a complete night out and the staff is outstanding! read more

Paramount Aurora - Beautiful view of the historic Paramount Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Aurora, Illinois

Just saw Little Mermaid last Saturday, what a great show. Was not planning on going, but tickets became available so decided to tag along with my daughters. Glad I went, the costumes (masterfully done), stage design and backdrops, music were all TOP NOTCH. The play was very entertaining, performers at the top of their game, what beautiful voices!! Both laughed and cried a little during the play. I have attended several shows at the Paramount since about 2005. The shows have become more and more professional now than they were back then. They definitely give Drury Lane a run for competition as the Paramount Theatre is beautifully decorated. It is large, but the sound system carries throughout, parking is easy, especially if you get a players card at the Hollywood Casino across the street, parking is free. My favorite show so far was the recent making of Mamma Mia. Again, I was not so interested in the idea of seeing it as the story line did not interest me. As a season pass was sold to me, I went, and it was very entertaining. Loved the familiar ABBA songs, the dancing, the costumes and stage design. The rendition of this play was very entertaining. read more

If you haven't been to the Copley Theatre yet it's worth checking it out. It's part of Paramount Theatre and it is such a beautiful venue.

Went to see "Legally Blonde the Musical" and this was my first time at this theater. I just loved the beautiful staircase and old world charm of it. But really enjoyed the fact that it had a bar and snacks. The actual theater itself was just historic and wonderful. We had great seats but it looked like you could see the stage from anywhere in that place, it was so big. The performance and musical itself was fantastic. The players worked so hard and the show was fun and effortless. The orchestra was tremendous. It was all you could have wanted in a theater experience and more. The staff was courteous and friendly. It was nice to see folks dressed up, but also dressed casual. I recommend it for all who love a great play!! read more

I saw Rock of Ages for the opening weekend It was a great show. It was entertaining, had great music and the story line was fun! It was a blast from the past and I enjoyed every minute. read more

We had a beautiful afternoon at this theater watching the musical, January 11, 2020, 2PM matinee, Beauty and the Beast ! The theater is gorgeous. The only problem was the Valet Parking was not clear on pick up of our car. It was sleeting and my husband had my daughter and I out on a slippery sidewalk thinking our car pick up was at the drop off location on Stolp. Actually, the pick up of our keys was outside a main door and he had to walk us across the street and down the block to pick up our car, a little confusing. I'm only mentioning it because I have a handicap placard and was afraid of falling on the slippery sidewalk and street as we crossed to find our car in the sleet and snow. We still had a wonderful time with my daughter. And she and my husband supported me to retrieve our car. Handicapped persons need to be made aware to ask where to retrieve their keys and car. I hope the theater will post more clear details for valet parking for handicapped persons benefit in the future. read more

I purchased tickets online for my family to watch Fiddler on the Roof for my birthday. We were all surprised to see a beautiful, old theater right on the river in Aurora, even more surprised to see the amazing talent present at their productions. The theater itself is breathtaking; my mother had recently purchased an iPhone and spent the entire intermission taking photos of the ceiling. The seats are old, but not uncomfortable. Our seats were in the front, far left of the first level. Despite it being a wide angle, we were all able to see everything well. My only issue is the location. There's really not much to do before or after the show in that area and it was strange seeing the outlandishly gaudy casino right across the street. And the bathroom lines at intermission, but what can you do about that? read more

Thank you for doing such an incredible job bringing beautiful theatre back!! So appreciate all of your work!

The Paramount is a beautiful old building on the riverfront in Aurora. It honestly looks out of place across from the garish monstrosity that is the casino. They started a new musical series in 2011-12 and we've gone to every show. I have been consistently surprised by the quality of the performances. Many of the actors have performed at Lyric Opera, so you know they can sing. The sets have been simple but evocative. It's just a well run operation and a joy to visit. On the house side of things, the seats are comfortable and well spaced. The ushers are friendly and helpful and seem to exist to help you find your seat, rather than shame you for sitting in someone else's seat. Use the upstairs bathroom during intermissions even if you are sitting on the lower level. The lines are about 1/3 as long. I only ding the Paramount for one reason, and it's basically beyond their control. The theater is located in downtown Aurora, which is a craphole. There are maybe three worthwhile restaurants within walking distance of the theater, and you can't get a table at any of them on the night of the show. Plus, nothing is open at 10 P.M. when the show lets out except for a couple of dive bars and that dratted casino. Don't plan on going early or staying late. read more