My sister Kelly and I went to (surprise!) the Ballet on Saturday. It was such a great experience. Is it just me, or does it really feel like with all our digital, on-demand lives, things like craftsmanship and art are things of the past? Going to the Ballet was like stepping into a bygone era. The Paramount theatre (the venue) in Oakland (of all places!!) had much to do with that, I think, but also the fact that here, in California, people don’t take the time very often anymore to go outside, or appreciate art because it takes time – something we have very little of. Most families out here have two working parents (if there are two parents at all), multiple jobs, nannies, daycare, massive mortgage payments… life is complicated and quickly-paced. Going to the Ballet felt like stepping into a simpler life. We dressed up. (Which, I am glad we did, it was sad to see most people show up in street clothes).
More about the Paramount: Completed in 1931 in the style known as Art Deco.
After a very brief success as a “Movie Palace” in the ‘30s, the theatre went through three decades of neglect and decline. In 1972, it was purchased and painstakingly renovated in complete authenticity. After the renovation was completed in 1973, the theatre was entered into the National Register of Historic places.
It is particularly curious to me that one such theatre exists in Oakland, an extremely rough city (I work in Downtown Oakland, seven blocks from the Paramount theatre, this month we’ve already had two violent crimes directly across the street from my office). But there are actually more theatres and landmarks like the Paramount in Oakland. There is another theatre I love to visit called the Grand Lakes theatre – it has also been restored authentically, and you can go to the movies on weekends and listen to the giant pipe organ being played live before the show. There are TIFFANY stained glass windows in the Grand Lakes Theatre.
Yet another 30’s era theatre (The Fox Theatre, which has been closed down for over 25 years) is being remodeled two blocks up from the Paramount.
http://www.oaklandfox.com/ (very cool website with cool historical photos, etc)
I for one am really glad to see these bits of history preserved. It is the coolest thing to walk back through time when you pass through the doors and imagine yourself wearing an intricately hand-beaded flapper gown and feather headdress, decked out “to the nines,” topped off in a fur-coat and hanging on the arm of a millionaire that adores you… sigh. (lol) Lots of fun.
Oh and the ballet was great, too.
Three short Ballets: Romeo and Juliet, How'd they Catch Me? and "Bamboo" (Pictured)
Pictures of the Paramount Theatre (Which truthfully don't do the detail work justice!):
This is the view you see when you walk in... Astonishing. The Ceiling and center panels are actually 3-D slats made into those patterns. The side paneling has gilded reliefs of art-deco style women.
View of the Grand lobby entrance - the tiny white things at the bottom are the front doors.
The Women's lounge - outside of the Women's "powder room," which is outside of the Women's Restroom, near the Women's Smoking room. Seriously.
More about the Paramount: Completed in 1931 in the style known as Art Deco.
After a very brief success as a “Movie Palace” in the ‘30s, the theatre went through three decades of neglect and decline. In 1972, it was purchased and painstakingly renovated in complete authenticity. After the renovation was completed in 1973, the theatre was entered into the National Register of Historic places.
It is particularly curious to me that one such theatre exists in Oakland, an extremely rough city (I work in Downtown Oakland, seven blocks from the Paramount theatre, this month we’ve already had two violent crimes directly across the street from my office). But there are actually more theatres and landmarks like the Paramount in Oakland. There is another theatre I love to visit called the Grand Lakes theatre – it has also been restored authentically, and you can go to the movies on weekends and listen to the giant pipe organ being played live before the show. There are TIFFANY stained glass windows in the Grand Lakes Theatre.
Yet another 30’s era theatre (The Fox Theatre, which has been closed down for over 25 years) is being remodeled two blocks up from the Paramount.
http://www.oaklandfox.com/ (very cool website with cool historical photos, etc)
I for one am really glad to see these bits of history preserved. It is the coolest thing to walk back through time when you pass through the doors and imagine yourself wearing an intricately hand-beaded flapper gown and feather headdress, decked out “to the nines,” topped off in a fur-coat and hanging on the arm of a millionaire that adores you… sigh. (lol) Lots of fun.
Oh and the ballet was great, too.
Three short Ballets: Romeo and Juliet, How'd they Catch Me? and "Bamboo" (Pictured)
Pictures of the Paramount Theatre (Which truthfully don't do the detail work justice!):
This is the view you see when you walk in... Astonishing. The Ceiling and center panels are actually 3-D slats made into those patterns. The side paneling has gilded reliefs of art-deco style women.
View of the Grand lobby entrance - the tiny white things at the bottom are the front doors.
The Women's lounge - outside of the Women's "powder room," which is outside of the Women's Restroom, near the Women's Smoking room. Seriously.
And the actual theatre:
