Just brought the show in yesterday and luckily got tickets to see it! It was sooo funny! The main characters were awesome Too. Man tho Paramount .. get some new seats. My back and legs were killing me!! read more

I have been a loyal patron and devoted fan of live theater since I was 5 years old growing up in New York. All that change today at a matinee of Wicked, something I'd been looking forward to for months. Instead of hearing Glenda and Elphaba, I heard the symphonic rattling of celophane candy bags - on all sides of me through the entire show. People would come and go during the performance bringing in more candy bags, popping them open midsong, passing them around. The woman behind me had two young boys and you guessed it, all three of them were loudly rattling their candy bags. I've been at Mariners games that were quieter! So I took half an unpaid day off from work, payed $30 for parking, roughly $200 for tickets - to hear not WICKED, but a symphony of rattling Haribo bags. Yep. $300 to be miserable. Said woman and her kids talked the entire show, kicked our seats, and one child managed to someone spill his drink on my back. What a lovely afternoon. We spoke with an usher at intermission and were met with hostility from the mother once the show commenced. Fortunately, the house manager allowed us to move seats but we could still hear the rattling everywhere. On top of the incessant bag rattling, the ushers continued to bring people in well into the third song. They never waited until a break in the music, just kept seating people. Loud, talking people. We were considering buying season tickets prior to this experience but won't be returning to the Paramount ever. I can understand people coming and going at a movie theater for food, but an afternoon at the movie doesn't set you back over $200. The powers that be at STG probably think they're making a great profit selling $4 candy bags, but in the end it will result in a loss - not just in loyal patrons but in giving true musical theater fans the experience they deserve. read more

We go to the Paramount quite a bit and have for 30+ years. The seats could certainly use an update; you can literally feel the springs in some of them and others are broken at the base; but I know the theatre business was hit hard during Covid so it will probably be a while before those are replaced. We had the unfortunate experience of ordering drinks from a very grumpy bartender in the main bar last night. I understand finding proper staffing is difficult these days but he should NOT be interfacing w/the public. Older gentleman (50-ish), heavy with a small ponytail. TOTAL JERK to myself and several folks who were in line. If I could have found a manager I would have mentioned it to them last night but Hadestown drew a very large crowd so trying to work that in while we were there would have been a nightmare. The Paramount is a Seattle institution, and one of the few choices for National shows, so that jackwagon won't keep us from coming back. But hopefully, if he continues acting like he did last night, it will be noticed by those who manage the place. read more

After so many experiences at the Paramount, I am finally ready to write a review! (Ok, I'll admit, I've got forgotten to do it before). With a ridiculous amount of seats, and good ones at that, this is one of the best venues in town! I've seen everything from Jerry Seinfeld to Mama Mia to Devotchka and The Gypsy Kings. Sound here is great, the views are great and the theater is gorgeous. Whenever I drive past I make sure to look at the billboard just for the chance to come back and enjoy another show. read more

The Paramount is a great venue for concerts and performances. I've seen many shows here over the years with the most recent being the Allen Stone concert this weekend. The theater is beautiful and I love the glittery sign out front. They have three bars. Restrooms are located downstairs which is a bit inconvenient if you're on the top floor but they're not a big deal to access. Staff is friendly. A beer will set you back $6 for 12 oz. of beer but they had a few decent choices. I still prefer the 5th Avenue for a play venue but The Paramount hosts a much wider range of shows and acts than just plays so I suppose it's not entirely fair to compare them side to side. I'm sure I'll be back in the near future! read more

This first time I ever went to the Paramount I was 12 and being taken to see "The Phantom of the Opera" with my Father. This was right before the years of teenage angst hit, and therefore quite possibly the last time before college my Father and I spent quality time together. The evening was magical (it was the 1st time I ever had quiche! But I digress) -- and being out on the town in such a huge gorgeous building made me feel glamorous and "just like a grown up" for the first time ever. Fast forward 16 years and the building is even more beautiful than I remember! I could probably spend a good portion of an hour in the staircase area alone just LOOKING cuz everything is just so pretty. Even the bathrooms here are swank and polished. Seats are comfortable and no matter where I have sat the view has been good to great. Acoustics are top notch, and all the people working there to help you find your seat are friendly enough. I've never bothered with trying to get a drink because it seems like the moment the doors open the line is 30 feet long for the rest of the evening. But drinks are secondary when again, you are out on a town being a "grown up" and enjoying a show in such a fabulous venue! read more

Tell me how how how you have the cast of a TV show on stage and can't get the sound to work? You host every Broadway show under the sun with 50,000 mic'd characters. You have rock concerts and remove the seats to create a dance floor. Yet 6 people in chairs who have a conversation about their television show is too much of a technical challenge. $300 (264.68) for my ticket. What a bunch of crap. And no refunds or follow through. Staff says...we're trying. Seattle Paramount you are a joke circus. A world class venue that decided to take a vacation tonight. Thanks for making my trip here your night off. #shittscreekisshit #waitforthetvversion #letdown #fired #oncestarisgenerous read more

They don't make places like this anymore. It's got all the touches from the classic era of theater you'd expect, but with a bunch of modern comforts from recent renovations. The awesome marqueee and (now-eco-friendly LED) Paramount sign outside; to the mirror and faux-gold-plated lobby, to the embellishments that drip from every wall inside the theater itself. it really is like stepping into a time-warp. But they have best-in-class lighting and sound equipment, so they know what a modern theater go-er expects. The chairs, while not luxurious outside of the "Loge" seating, are not as cramped as some places like the Moore. The sightlines are excellent, even from super high up in the 3rd mezzanine. There's usually plenty of bathrooms (!) and concessions on the various floors. Sure, it gets packed on the way in and out, but that's how these places work. I've seen so many shows here I've lost count. From Dido to Annie to Movin Out to Yo Gabba Gabba to Suessical the Musical. From what I've read this is one of the "hardest working" theaters in the entire US in terms of the number of shows that it puts on. If you get a chance to see a show here, do it. read more

This review is solely on this theatre's staff. A friend and I went to see Wicked at this venue last week, and while I loved the show, I have to say that I am truly appalled at the treatment I along with other patrons received from the staff. The male attendants during the intermission were UNBELIEVABLY rude to me and other women as we were trying to make our way to the restroom. Now don't get me wrong - I understand it's very busy and chaotic and there's lots of people, but there is absolutely no excuse for the way we were treated. These attendants yelled and shouted at us as if we were cattle and said things like "You women need to listen to us" and "Umm excuse me women you need to do what we say" in the most demeaning and condescending tone. Umm, are you KIDDING me? I honestly could not believe those were the things I was hearing. It was beyond uncalled for and unprofessional! Who in their right mind was taught to speak to their customers like that? As a paying patron and a human being, I did not deserve to be spoken to like that. I enjoyed the show, but given that experience alone, I don't think I'd come back. read more

This is an absolutely beautiful theater! Two things I did find out this last visit: Apparently you have to be a member of The Paramount Club to get Loge seats (my favorite). Be sure to pre order your drinks at one of the bars! The place is always crazy packed. I don't think that I have ever seen more than a seat or two empty at any time. On our last visit to the Paramount we saw Mamma Mia. I had forgotten how funny it was and how amazing it is that they turned all those bubble gum pop songs from ABBA into a hilarious story line. Ruth's Chris before and/or after is a must too! They also have a free coat check. Take care of business before the show! Order those cocktails for intermission! read more

She's a grand ole dame and I love her for it. Here's the good: Gorgeous- SERIOUSLY beautiful architecture, seating is reasonably comfortable, staff are nice and friendly, great variety of shows (I've seen somewhere in the 20-30 range) I think that the only reason for the 4 stars is the promise of cocktails is never quite fulfilled. Yes, there are two- sometimes 3 I believe- bars in the joint but the lines are soooo long and the drinks are expensive-ish and nothing to write home about. I love a grand ole dame but I love her more when she shares her booze a little more freely. read more

What I've enjoyed most about The Paramount is that it accommodates all kinds of concerts. For instance, the first concert I attended here was in 1999 - Method Man and Redman. During that concert, people were throwing blunts up on stage to share with these classic rappers. I probably wasn't one of those. Almost 15 years later, I'm here attending an opera concert by Sarah Brightman for my mom's birthday. People weren't exactly throwing different substances on stage to share with Ms. Brightman, but that's besides the point. With those artists mentioned, talk about two different ends of the spectrum! The malleability of the theatre is partly what allows this to happen. They can strip out the seating on the main floor and change it to a general admission area where people can stand and move around, like for rap or rock concerts. Then, for concerts like the Wilco one I attended 5+ years ago, they put the seating in, and BAM, you're right back to loungin' while enjoying your artist perform. Just because you get seating on the balcony levels, don't think you're screwed out of getting a view. The elevation and angle is just right so that you can save money by getting these seats, but you won't have to suffer through dodging obstructions in your view like poles, pillars, and what not (unless you're sitting behind Shaq). Given that 5th Ave.and The Paramount are the two of the larger theatre-style venues for performances in Seattle, you don't get many choices by default. But, if you get to see a show at The Paramount, you'll [at least] get a little taste of Seattle history, the comfort of a good seat, and a decent view to boot. read more

I used to live here. I don't mean that I worked here, so I was here all the time, so it felt like I lived here. And I don't mean that I have seen everything from Miss Saigon to Carol Channing to Yngwie Malmsteen, to The Cure, to Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. I mean I LIVED here, on the 8th floor in the apartments above, during my senior year of high school. I did not see Yngwie Malmsteen when he played in 1988, but his shit was audible from my bathtub. As was Santana. read more

I love the Paramount! I think the acoustics are great and the venue is lovely! I like the high ceilings and the big chandeliers hanging high up. i think no matter where you sit you can really appreciate the show. I've been to a couple shows here and every time i have a swell time! read more

I went to a comedy show at Paramount to see Lewis Black. Overall, I enjoyed the show but I was not impressed by the theatre. The interior of the theatre itself is beautiful resembling many other historic theatres that I have been previously (such as the Fox in St Louis and Midland in Kansas City, Missouri). I sat in the mezzanine and had a good view of the stage. It appeared that most of the seats in the mezzanine had a clear and unobstructed view. However, the main floor is completely flat with no incline. I would not recommend seats on the main floor. The acoustics are decent but not great. I would not want to be in this theatre in the event of an emergency...it is full of bottlenecks with no quick escape route. Tips: - Sit in the 1st or 2nd mezzanine for a good view if you don't want to pay for seats in the first few rows on the main floor - Otherwise, sit as close to the stage as possible or your view will be obstructed - Drinks (alcoholic beverages) are not allowed inside the theatre - Not ADA accessible in any way whatsoever Pros: - Beautiful interior - Most every seat in the mezzanine has a good view - Easily accessible from Westlake Station or the Monorail (only 4 blocks away) - At the Lewis Black show they did serve beer and some mixed drinks but you had to finish your beverage before going into the theatre Cons: - There is no leg room between the seats. If you are tall (6'0" or taller) the seats will be very uncomfortable - There is only 1 restroom in the entire theatre and it is in the basement - No alcoholic beverages allowed in the theatre - The stairs are very narrow and easy to slip on. As we were exiting the theatre several people fell down the stairs including one lady right behind me. read more

The Paramount is beautiful.This I cannot argue. However, if you fit any of these specs, you will not enjoy your time there: 1) 5'7, 200 lbs 2) 6'4, 230 lbs 3) 5'11, 220 lbs The seats are made for people in the art deco period, who had slender, stylish asses. My brother was lucky to have an aisle seat and he extended his legs into the aisle. He wouldn't have fit in an inside seat, he said. I am option 1, female. i fit myself into the seat but It was cramped, no leg space and uncomfortable. PSA: If you are fat and/or tall, see a show at a different venue. read more

A beautiful palace of entertainment. The ceiling, balconies and lighting are all in excellent condition so people can come here and really experience a live show in a venue intended to impress and entrance every visitor. Too bad they don't make newly built theaters like this anymore. Find an excuse to see something here and check out how much theater owners used to invest in the visual stimulation of their customers. It really makes your local multiplex cinema seem lame. read more

Came here to watch the Sound of Music. Loved the set up and even from the Mezzanine level on the 2nd floor, I still had a good view of the show. Also, there was an usher who was helping move the women's bathroom line quickly so that the stalls would be filled up without people getting confused. What's really cool about the Paramount is its versatility because during the Penny Arcade Expo, the chairs were cleared out to make room for the many computers for the Destiny games. read more

Great theatre. Great design. Great sound. like the last few reviews, i was here for the conchords show this week, and was glad to see it's detailed architecture, big lobby, and options for food and drinks before the show. we were on the floor towards the front, and after taking a glance back to see how the theatre was set up, i would not have been disappointed should i have been in the last row. nice set up. great place to see a show. read more

I don't know what it is, but the Paramount just doesn't do it for me. It's the grande dame of Seattle theater, particularly Seattle musical theater, and I've seen many a show here. But it just never seems to quite be right. I saw CATS and couldn't help but think how much more I enjoyed the London production. I saw Wicked and as much as I loved the show, I was fighting a cough and cold the entire time and the seats were uncomfortable. The best experience was when we got moved to front row seats for Tom Jones, so close that his sweat could hit me and panties were sailing over my head, and yet all I could think was how much more I enjoyed the show up in Bellingham. The bathrooms are inconvenient, the sound system is average, overall the seats are lackluster, and yes the building is historical and pretty but not in a way that stands out to me. Maybe it's the exorbitant Ticketmaster fees. Maybe it's the lack of parking. Maybe there's a disgruntled ghost throwing bad ju-ju all over the place. But every time I come here, I just want to see my show and get out as quickly as I can. I know I'll be back when there's a show I want to see, but honestly I'd much rather go somewhere else if I could. read more

Le Fantôme de l'opéra...Se magnifique! I had to trek 3 1/2 city blocks and 4 flight of stairs on crutches to reach my snug seat overlooking the bleak stage some 100 feet in front of me. The seats were on the second floor and 6 rows behind the rail, but they were good seats. If I sat on the 1st floor perhaps the show would have been somewhat better, but still good seats. The building is 81 years old and the architecture is beautiful, and at intermission I couldn't help but wonder while I sat in my tight seat all the great shows that have been graced by the Building's ambience and character. If you ever come to a show look up at the ceiling-- it's beautiful. read more

I've been back to the Paramount two more times since my original review, and I still love it every time I go! Last fall, we saw Jerry Seinfeld here, and again were on the 2nd mezzanine. I must say, the seats didn't seem as great as they did for a regular concert. I mean, half of the punchline of a standup comedian comes from being able to see facial expressions, etc. Then we went again last week for The Book of Mormon (*ahhh mazing*) and had sort of the same problem. Our tickets were none to cheap (StubHub's fault, not the Paramount's), and we were on the 2nd level again, this time even farther back. And while we could see the stage fine and hear mostly everything, I felt like I was missing something by not being able to see the actors' faces. So, if you can, get seats as close as possible. If you can't, maybe bring some opera glasses. You'll still have a good experience either way. On a side note, I found it hilarious when I went to the ladies' room during the intermission and found a woman directing traffic into stalls. "Third door on your right's open! Stall's open at the end!" If only every large venue could have that... read more

Great venue in the old theater style located right on Pine, kitty-corner to the Wyndham hotel. I had my doubts but I have enjoyed a couple of DJ events here over the years that were pretty amazing. And there is a lot of seating as well. The parking situation sucks around this area of town, though, and the lots are expensive. Best if you just take the light-link up to the Mall and walk the rest of the way up, or come down on the 41 to the transit center and then it's just a walk up the stairs and across the street. read more

I've enjoyed both shows I've been to here but the Paramount acoustics are much better suited to project the delicate intricacies of say, a harpist than a Marshall stack. Flight of the Concords were excellent and it seemed like we were right up front despite being 10 or more rows back. FotC seems like the kind of modern act best suited to this hall--their acoustic guitars really expanded in the theatre and mixed well with the vocal harmonies, but the encore with electric guitars submerged their sound under a wash of distortion. The Decemberists also put on a great show here but they're a larger band and sometimes were punished by the room acoustics for not having as much space in their sound. I'd definitely come back here for another show, but I'd shy away from seeing the likes of, say, My Bloody Valentine or M83. read more

"An acre of seats in a palace of splendor. It's yours ... you'll love it." --- the Seattle Times on the opening of the Paramount Theatre in 1928. The Paramount Theatre is a beautiful throwback to the roaring twenties and it's aged very gracefully since then. I've been here for concerts, comedy shows and after last night, a musical. I took my mom to see Wicked here last night and she was very impressed. Aside from the fact that Wicked is just a fabulous musical, she was blown away by the venue. After 80+ years, you'd think that they know how to run a quick and efficient concession operation without running out of inventory. There was a long line at the bar/concession during the intermission (understandably), but when we got to the front of the line, we found out that they're out of the wicked brownies and coffee :( Boo... There was also an unbelievably long line for the ladies room, before, during, and after the show. Catching a show at the Paramount is a treat, but make sure you stuff yourself before the show so you don't get hangry, and dehydrate yourself so you don't need to use the bathroom. read more

I had a very unpleasant experience because of one of their very unprofessional staffs. While we were watching a show, one of the staffs came over to me and said something. Of course I couldn't hear him and was very confused. It looked like he was asking me to move to the seat next to me, which was not my seat. When I moved, he asked me to show him my ticket. He checked my ticket and left without any explanation!!!! How rude!!!! I missed a good few minutes of the show! It looked like the people next to me was confused with their seats and told the staff that we were on their seats. I understand that. However, if he needs to take care of any situation, he should do it during intermission. Not during the show! That was very unprofessional and rude. I even complained it to their website. No response or anything! read more

"Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor!" This opener from Flight of the Concords really spoke to me. I feel that way all the time- dance floor or no... The Paramount is a great venue. Intricately decorated walls with heavily pitched dome ceilings- they just don't make em like this anymore. It left me wondering, "how do you keep a place like this dusted?" The one big drawback was the seats. Even though we were in the 7th row with a great view during the 'Sugar Lumps' song, the seating was about as comfortable those Plexiglas chairs at McDonald's! I had to sleep with my legs propped up along the back of my couch for most of the night just to break the crimps out of my lower back! But still, it was the most truly enjoyable shows I've experienced in a very long time. read more

The Paramount is a lovely venue. But if you're going to watch plays and can only get seats in the center under the balcony or in the balcony - - go for the balcony--you'll have a better view of the entire stage. They also offer pillows to help see over tall people in front of you. read more

Paramount Theatre - "Wicked" intermission at the Paramount. - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The Paramount Theatre is an absolutely gorgeous venue. I have been here for musicals and concerts and have always come away impressed. The interior is stunning beyond belief, the acoustics are incredible, and there isn't a bad seat in the house (and I have sat all over the place - from the balcony to the main floor!). Employees are friendly and helpful. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. They also have awesome concessions at shows. I went to Wicked last month and got to buy a delectable Dahlia Lounge Chocolate Truffle Cookie - YUM!! One of the best venues in the city - you must go here! read more

I went to see Wicked here, and the theater was beautiful. The front of the theater was intimate, beneath the lit-up "Paramount" sign. The inside is absolutely gorgeous, transporting you to an age gone by. I paid a large amount of $$ to get nosebleed seats, but I've kind of expected to pay big bucks to see a good Broadway musical. Accepting that, it's hard to imagine many other theaters that contribute as much to the experience as the Paramount. (Also, Wicked rocked -- there was a cult-like following among the audience, who clapped at unexpected times, but it was great fun.) And yes, when the theater ends, it just becomes gridlock in the back. I would attribute that to an older-age design that did not take into account crowd flow as much as we do today. read more

Horrible sound, just horrible. Just saw Silversun Pickups (SSPU) here, a few months after seeing them open for Muse at Key Arena. No sound problems at the previous venue, so you can hopefully understand why I am laying all the blame on Paramount. The sound for the second opening act can only be described as LOUD -- ear-splitting, high-pitched loudness that in no way was dampened by the ear plugs I was wearing. As for the main act, SSPU, the acoustics and/or sound settings of the Paramount made it so that the lyrics were completely incomprehensible from our seats in the center of the mezzanine. So we went in search of a spot with better sound. Let me list them for you: the ladies' bathroom, the top of the left staircase to the second level, the very top of the theater behind the last row of seats, and (the best) the far-left entrance to the first balcony level. I saw 'Young Frankenstein' here (twice) a few years ago and I vaguely remember them also having some less-than-stellar sound but apparently not bad enough to keep me from coming back a few nights later. But for rock concerts, unless your band of choice deals in "noise" instead of "music", stay away and spare yourself the disappointment and wasted ticket cost. Edited to add: Paramount/STG replied to my emailed complaint about the sound basically saying that any sound problems are solely the fault of the band's sound technicians which is mostly BS if you carefully read my review. I know it would probably take a complete overhaul of the theater's structure to alter the acoustics, but don't pretend your building is not useless acoustically and shift the blame. read more

Thanks to the Paramount I am: The Boy With the Thorn in His Side. My last visit to the Paramount had me walking out just moments after the main act I went to see took the stage. In addition to stringent coffee standards, I am a bastard about sound. I haven't been able to bring myself to indulge in bands I've been desperate to see for years because I don't want the songs I adore being reduced to AM radio. The Paramount was not built for modern music, plain and simple. The interior makes a go at grandeur but few spots can hold a candle to the 5th Ave Theater. I think of the Paramount as an unadvertised replica of the Ms. Nora Dinsmoor residence. I can state that this place is a huge disappointment for any music lover, but, people will go anyway because music love is a powerful thing. Just note that when a person says they haven't heard that version of a song the artist didn't know it was going to sound like that either. read more

I've seen a fair bit of shows in Seattle, but this was my first visit to The Paramount. I was there for the Maxwell show on June 23 (he was THE bomb, and I so wish I wore a pimp hat---because I felt outta place!). The venue is old, but it looks like it is well-kept and is aging gracefully. At the entrance there was a decent-sized line for drinks. My bro got in line and grabbed us something ("Urban Hang Suites"....cookie for anyone who knows what that's in reference to). We then walked through the high-ceiling-ed lobby, and upstairs to our seats with drinks in hand. The usher took one of our tickets. "Mmmmm!" He grabbed the ticket and shot it skyward. "No drinks up in here!!" "Whatever---can I have my ticket!?", my bro shot back. So maybe I'm a little too rezzy, but we just assumed we'd be able to drink our drinks and kick it to some soul. Oh well. The ticket was grabbed and we went back to the lobby, drank our drinks and made it back to our seats (no thanks to the ushers). This venue is expansive. This has to be one of the biggest balconies I've seen. I thought it would be steeper (40 degrees), but it was more on the order of 30 degrees in angle. We were up near the front of the balcony, and had a good view. I liked the ornate interior of the joint. The ushers were a bit power-hungry though. They repeatedly let us know they wanted to see no cameras or phones lightin' up during the show. When Maxwell took the stage, he definitely got it goin' on. After a hiatus of several years we were all ready---especially the females, cuz they screamed and swooned for him (well, I did a little too, I must admit---If I could have a teaspoon of his smoothness, I'd be set!). A few of his new stuff was sung, but my favorites were definitely from his first album, and you could tell everyone knew those songs. The sound could have been a bit more clear, but it was adequate. The tickets could have been lower-priced ($70/balcony seat is STEEP). All in all a good time was had, and Maxwell and Paramount theater proved for a sexy soul Seattle. read more

I worked here for 11 years and I still think it's pretty cool. Is there a better review then that? No. I really can't stand musicals though. Suspension of Disbelief goes right out the window when a dude goes from mourning his dead lover to a full musical montage. You dig? read more

The Paramount is a gorgeous old-school theater with a classic interior complete with chandeliers and ornate accents. The sound system here is superb, the balcony provides great viewing angles no matter where you sit, and the orchestra pit has no useless bottleneck areas. On top of that, they have so many wonderful artists and shows here. While I like to rock out in a dingy spot like any other young concert-goer, sometimes it's nice to be in a classy environment for your entertainment. Tip: drink before-hand. There's always a line for beverages, and since most events here are all ages, you'll have to drink them in the lobby. read more

Overview: Awesome looking theatre with the nice, elegant interior details that you would expect when attending these amazing broadway shows! I've only been once but was sold within the first few minutes of sitting down in my seat. Liked it so much that we've already bought tickets for 2 different shows next year. First time coming here was for Aladdin which was my favorite Disney film growing up. I have a feeling no other show will top it for me because of this but either way, we're big fans of Paramount Theatre now and will be coming back whenever we find shows that peak our interest! read more

My age belies my musical tastes: I want to sit and enjoy a show, not stand and lollygag about all night. I wish every venue in Seattle was the Paramount, this theatre knows what it means to put on a show that everyone can enjoy. When I'm seated, I don't have some fat head in front of me or an idiot talking to their friends. I have a view of the stage, I can hear the music, and ushers are available to yank anyone who's ruining my good time. Until I saw The Sonics last night, I had no idea the Paramount had its own private lounge downstairs. Talk about nice! The lounge has its own bathrooms and the bar is essentially yours until the main show begins. We got to enjoy ourselves before the show, meet new people, talk with fellow yelpers... I need to find out how to get into the lounge for every show at the Paramount! read more

I've been to the Paramount more times than I can remember over the years, usually for traveling Broadway performances. I wish I could give it 3 and a half stars but since I have to choose between 3 and 4 I'll pick 4. While I like that the theatre feels (and is) old, I don't like sitting up in the cheap seats because of how long it takes to get out of the building. After a show the crowd bottlenecks at the top of all the staircases. I know that this is just what happens after a show, but I don't like sitting up there thinking about what would happen if there were a fire (or more likely, an earthquake!) If it's that difficult to get out when people are happy and calm what would it be like in a panic?? I also don't care for the seats. I feel smooshed up against the person in front of me, even in the stadium-style seats. It's almost worse because whenever I go to recross my legs I worry about kicking someone in the head. I like the sound. Great quality, great volume always. I like the ornamental design of the walls and ceiling. The way the shadows played along those carvings during Rent was awesome to watch! I like that wherever you are sitting, you have a good view of the stage. I like the volunteer ushers (friendly and helpful, always) and that during intermission they put someone in the ladies' room to "direct traffic." Hey, things could get a little crazy when 300 girls all have to pee at once. read more

This is an old cool venue that, like many others in Seattle, doesn't seem to have much misbehavior at shows. I'm always blown away that this is the case. I'll have to hear more of Scott's stories to have an appropriate sense of dread. This really feels like the old grande dame of Seattle music venues. The best places to see a show here are in the seriously awesome front of the balcony or on the main floor. read more

The Paramount is beautifully intricate with it's old-fashioned charm and feel. However, a few updates are necessary. There is one restroom facility on the bottom floor. Expect the wait-line for the women's room for span 50+ people, out the door, into the lobby, up the stairs....it's desperately in need of expansion! The theater itself is grand, albeit small, yet cozy. However, the grade of incline on the main floor is so gradual that no matter what row you are in, it is difficult to see over the heads of the patrons sitting in front of you. This poses real difficulty in viewing the stage, despite how close you are seated to the stage, save for first row seating. Straining your neck above and around the heads in front of you will result in aches and pains. I recommend taking an aspirin before the show. Or simply visit the lounge and order up a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy the show! read more