Paramount Theatre

Related:	broadway center cinemas
Address:	2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
Phone:	+1 510-465-6400
Site:	paramounttheatre.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Diana Sky

I love the art deco style, so I fell in love with this theatre the first time that I visited several years ago. The majestic lobby with its gold decor, curving staircases, and elegant lighting have a grand feel. When you enter the main theater itself, its like walking into an art deco feast of the senses. Even the bathrooms and lounges on the balcony level and main level are eclectic. I liked this theatre so much so, that I hauled myself out of bed early on a weekend morning to take one their tours for the public given on the first and third Saturdays of each month, excluding holidays and holiday weekends (now $2, I believe). Its definitely worth it! Youll learn about the fascinating history of the building (did you know that Robert Redford filmed his Presidential scene from "The Candidate" in the balcony level womens bathroom sitting room?) My favorite evenings were those spent on Fridays at the $5 Movie Classics Nights, where they screen 35mm film prints, plus a newsreel, cartoon, and preview prior to the movie. You can even win a fabulous prize with "Dec-O-Win" Its a great place to bring a large group. Many a time I would see friends from several different Meetup Groups in attendance! Youll even find the Ladies Red Hat Society, along with 20s enthusiasts dressed to the 9s. *Tip: Get there early to stand in line when doors open to get the best seats if you have a big group. Otherwise, you will be hard pressed to find seats together past 7 p.m. Ive also been there for concerts, and they have great acoustics. I hear that they do live comedy and stage plays as well as ballet.

Simon Kong

After going to this amazing theatre a few times, Im never tired of it. I have already seen Nicki Minaj, Sinbad and Gladys Knight there. Theres always a variety of acts waiting to please you here. When you step inside, youre almost transformed and sent way back into the 1930s era. Its almost like youre in a Great Gatsby novel. The high gold colored walls and ceilings will impress you. The retro carpet will impress you. This theatre actually has about 5 floors.The main auditorium is quite expansive and huge. The only complaint I have is the sound tends to be muffled with some echoing and not crisp sometimes. This is the only place that Ive been to also where they still use Borax for soap in the restrooms. For those that dont know what Borax is, its like a talcum powder but feels more rough at first. Service is quite impressive here too. All staff seems to be very attentive, friendly and courteous. Theres a mix of volunteers and actual paid workers here. At the concessions, theres your usual wine and sodas but food seems to be scarce with only a few candy, chips and nuts to purchase. Overall, this is a great place to check out for the first time as it will definitely leave you in awe.

Rosa Jiménez Cano

Impresiona encontrar un teatro así, tan precioso, tan bonito, tan bien cuidado y con una acústica increíble. Está conservado tal cual estaba en los años 30. Después de un periodo de decadencia, en los 70 se rehabilitó. Desde entonces se cuida con gran mimo. Grandes estrellas de la actuación y la música llenan este espacio en el corazón de Oakland con espectátulos de primer nivel. Una vez al mes, en sábado por la mañana, organizan una visita con explicación. Una auténtica joya para turistas y locales.

fraulein casigan

Lucky me! I had the chance to watch Alicia Keys and John Legend perform here. A good friend of mine bought me tickets front row and center to watch their concert! Sadly, I wasnt too fond of the location but the inside venue is a must-see. Arrive early in order to find decent parking thats not far of a walk. Id be a lil scared to be walking outside during disruptive hours (late-night owls who lurk cute ladies passing by). Balcony seats or the ones set far away from the stage area...not a pleasing sight. You wouldnt get to see much unless you had binoculars. If youre lucky enough to spend tickets to watch a show or if someone bought you tickets, trust me....youll enjoy every penny worth of seeing a good performer 10 feet away from you! Seats are not as comfy as others might think, but my butt wasnt glued to the chair when I stood up half the time singing songs of Alicia and John!

Johanna Ottervanger

Been going here since mid 19 70s when I took my daughter each year for Nutcracker and of course my son too but 16 yrs after her birth, then began going for concerts, I cant get enough of them here........this place is old, with character and history. ...saw OJAYS a few months ago and they sounded GREAT, could be the acoustics. ......only setback would be if you are drinking too much and your wait in the restroom is going to be lengthy, not my problem but it is for some. ....was also there to see another group almost a yr ago, parking can be a headache but I take Uber or Lyft and home in ten minutes. .....bar is open for cocktails, etc., but I think it closes just after the artists reach the halftime. ......

Dan Schoknecht

Beautiful theater. I was here for Hustle Con in June 2017. It was a good place for a conference as there were three floors open (the highest level wasnt accessible) and each had its own bar. Lots of space to move around in. The theater itself has magnificent decor. Sound was great considering I was on the far right side of the first balcony. I could see the whole stage from there, too.

Kate Voss

The monthly or every-so-often classic movies are a lot of fun. Just $5 entrance to see the Blues Brothers or Wizard of Oz with a short show before, it feels like a night out to the movies used to be before previews and advertising. The theater is grand and well preserved. It makes for a great friends night out, date night, or bring your kids along to the age appropriate movies.

Alexander Herrero

This theater is neat reminder of what old school theaters were like. Its large and ornate on the inside and suited for large audiences in the several thousands. Beware the parking though. Dont pay $20 for the one in front, go an extra block and pay $10 instead. Its not a great area so you want paid parking instead of street parking.

Elizabeth Thornburg

Went to see the a show play this past weekend and it was pretty good and funny I was pleased within the play itself, but the theater on the other hand is something else I couldnt hear clearly, I dont know if its because I was sitting on the balcony or something else. I also got bit on my arm three times as well as my friend.

A Private User

Two nights ago I attended a concert there. The theater was beautiful, the ambiance divine but the organization in the place was awful. They allowed people in and out continuously while the show was on. What a lack of respect for the artists performing and for the paying people that were there on time.

Joie Seldon

A true gem in Oakland, and a wonderful place to hear a concert or go to the Friday night movie events. Another review said "not a great area" and to choose paid parking. Ive always parked on the street and never had any issues. Its very safe around there.

Latoya Sales

I have seen three shows here and I really love this theatre. It is very true when they say, "there are no bad seats in the house at The Paramount Theatre." It is such an intimate place, it seems like it is a private show, just you and the performer(s).