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Paramount Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
911 Pine St(between 9th Ave & I-5)
Seattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown
(206) 682-1414
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
156 reviews for Paramount Theatre
156 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie L.
Maple Valley, WA
2/2/2012
Love this place! Gorgeous ceilings and I love the old style of the place.
I've seen ballets here, I've seen concerts here, and I've been on school field trips here. Really seeing anything here is amazing.
Even the bathrooms are gorgeous.
I will TOTALLY be back! -
Review from Ninette C.
Seattle, WA
11/20/2011
I've been here to see quite a few shows, most recently "The Lion King." I like this place better than 5th Ave. Theater. I think it has a classier feel aka not the Chinese-dragon theme!
The one annoying thing is the website is not very user-friendly. They have a ton of shows but I wish it was easier to find the musicals from the concerts etc. and find the shows that are further out. -
Review from Joshua B.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Brad G.
Houston, TX
2/8/2012
I saw Wilco here last night (FEB 7, 2012) and had a blast. The sound and lighting was great and the general admission wasn't half bad. It would be a five star review, but for the life of me I couldn't find where to buy beer... and I need my beer.
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Review from Ian B.
Updated - 1/12/2012
This was only my second time seeing an event here, and my first time seeing a musical. West Side Story was great, and I was pretty happy with our seats even at birds eye view from the Mezzanine. The seats weren't so high up as the crazy balconies at the Moore Theater (I'm not sure why anyone would want to sit in those at all), and they compared well to seats that I paid more for at 5th Avenue (Seattle). If I had to do it again, I would probably have preferred to have bought tickets earlier at the $50 level. All the same, this is one of the very best venues in the city, and I've enjoyed everything I've seen here.
Listed in: Concerts, theatres, and…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/22/2009
Oh God! What an amazing show. I saw Swell Season here tonight (Glen Hansard/Marketa Irglova and… Read more »
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Review from Hsing S.
Bellevue, WA
1/15/2012
Every year we will take our elderly parents to the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, to see the show. However, this year, the weather did not cooperate, it was snowing and our parents were afraid of going out in the snow days.
We understand The Paramount Theatre policy, no refund, and no exchange. We still decided to try and see if the Paramount Theatre will consider our parent's situation and exchange our tickets.
We called and was told to call the manager, Jason, back at 4:15PM. We did, Jason was not back ,and a man named Timothy Mitchel talked to us, we explained to him our situation, and he said, "The Paramount has nothing to do with it, the business YOU did was with the traveling show " Then he made a remark saying," I mean, I can come pick you up, with my jeep." We asked him "Are you being serious?" Timothy just chuckled ....
Needless to say, after he laughed, we questioned him, "Are you being a smart ass?"
He said, "I have other customers I need to take care of!" CLICK.
We tried to call him back many times, he refused to give us his name, but finally we got it.
We are very disappointed with The Paramount Theater in Seattle, even though we have been her patrons for many years, but this uncalled for customer service phone conversation just diminished our good faith in The Paramount.
We think The Seattle Paramount Theater should reconstruct their no refund, no exchange policy for special cases. Furthermore, they should train their customer service representative professionally. -
Review from Konrad C.
Kent, WA
2/3/2012
Theater and shows are great and all, but be careful when purchasing tickets from STG - their exchange policy is HORRIBLE. Pay $200 for tickets to a show 2 months in advance and then, heaven forbid, something else comes up and you need to exchange your tickets for another date (not cancel, just exchange for another date)... out of luck. They've got your money, and your seats sit empty. I can't understand how it harms them to allow you to exchange - I'd be happy to pay the processing fees again. Theater is a classic - customer service is anything but.
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Review from Nicole C.
Seattle, WA
1/30/2012
Love paramount, Never Buy tickets through STG Presents!!! Total rip off - seatting chart is vague. And they are just contracted to sell all the crap seats to unsuspecting consumers like myself and then charge you 27.50 convience seating fee....Shame on paramount for contracting this company
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Review from Neil W.
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
How do you not love the Paramount? It is a beautiful venue. It may just be an average show you may be seeing, but the Paramount ambiance classes everything up.
I have seen plays, comedy and concerts here. I have been to a holiday party here. It was perfect for all the events.
I love walking in and watching the patrons, me and my wife included, look at the details in the decor. It really takes you back to the grand days of the threat er.
If you love live events, find one at the Paramount and go if you have never been. -
Review from Kate S.
8/25/2011
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!Listed in: Go ahead, entertain me!
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Review from Honey R.
Seattle, WA
7/22/2011
Sweet theater! I love it.
I was there for a Shpongle/Random Rab concert and had a good time. Tons of space, awesome atmosphere, easy to see even from far away.
The interior is pretty magical.
If you've never been, find an excuse!
It's worth knowing what's on the inside of this flashy building :)
The lobby is a good hang-out space, too. Skip the bar, it's cheesy and expensive. The prices aren't bad either, you can see a decent show for $28.
No complaints. -
Review from Marshall M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/25/2011
Broadway Across America? Nationally renowned comics? So You Think You Could Dance tryouts? Popular bands?
Check x5.
The Paramount theatre has it all, and it shows it all in a gorgeous, elegant space- the kind that makes your night out on the town a truly memorable one.
The ticket prices vary drastically with the event (minimum of $60 for broadway events, as low as $23 for some comedy shows), and the seating in the theater is definitely not created equal (expect lodge seats for any production to run $125 each... That is, if you even have the option of buying them.), but as far a live show venues in Seattle, the Paramount's probably the best. -
Review from Joe O.
6/27/2011
I've seen a few shows here as of late, the first being Ween and last night, My Morning Jacket.
Ween review here:
http://blogs.seattlewe...
MMJ setlist:
http://mmjtweetpickles...
I have to say, MMJ was LOUD! -
Review from Celeste T.
Seattle, WA
6/16/2011
The show I attended recently (Mary Poppins) was great. The atmosphere and decor of the Paramount is also wonderful - just over the top.
I only gave the theater three stars because I couldn't make it to the bathroom during the intermission - the line was just too long. Also, I was hungry, got a tasty hand pie, then ran out of time to finish it before the show started (man, that hand pie was HOT!) I knew they wouldn't allow food in the theater, but I folded my tray around the hand pie very carefully and then covered it all with napkins and tucked it in my pocket for later. I know, I'm being a true deviant, right? The ushers noticed something and made me throw my now very expensive, half-eaten hand pie away. I was rather disappointed.
I sat through the admittedly wonderful show hungry and having to pee. -
Review from Clover A.
12/28/2010
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. -
Review from Shayla J.
Bothell, WA
4/14/2011
If I could, this would be the only place I would watch live shows.
Incredibly spacious, and a lavish interior!
Arched ceilings, with crystal chandeliars, velvet curtains with an aura of the french renesainace. Simply elegant, and absolutely grand.
Seeing a show here makes the experience more magical.
Coming from someone who appreciates film, I adore the fact that the Paramount was built during the roaring 20's and was originally a movie palace constructed by Paramount Pictures! -
Review from Michael C.
Seattle, WA
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing venue to catch a show at; especially the balcony-center section.
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Review from Laura B.
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful venue.
If you go to the bar downstairs go around the crowds to the very last bartender for no line.
The seats are comfortable.
The bathroom on the top floor is spacious... not sure what all the complaining is about. -
Review from Galen B.
Seattle, WA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
What could I possible say about the Paramount that hasn't been already? I have seen some epic shows here and of all different variety. Band of Horses, Blue Scholars, Wolfmother and I think even a musical that I hardly remember. Every time I walk into that theater and look up I'm amazed. It's truly a unique venue and I look forward to many more shows there. Just wish I didn't continually find myself chugging my beer so I can go watch the show. At least there are TVs to show me what I'm missing.
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Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2010 22 Check-ins Here
This is one of my favourite venues. If you ever have a chance to see a show here, take a moment and look at it. I mean REALLY look at it and marvel at its beauty.
Designed by Rapp & Rapp in the late 20s, this beautiful theatre holds a little under 3,000 and easily ranks in my top five places to see a show in Seattle! We have seen theatre here (Avenue Q), comedy (Eddie Izzard), and an embarrassment of good live music (too numerous to list). Whether it's assigned seating or general admission SRO on the floor, you won't be disappointed seeing a show. We've only left one time because the sound engineer did a crap job...
The sign was in desperate need of renovation and eventual removal (rusty fittings). So in 2009, the sign came down and the new one went up! Since there was was too much damage, they selected a firm who reproduced the sign exactly with one exception. Instead of the nearly 2,000 bulbs, the glittery sign uses LED lights to draw your attention to the marquee.
Bathrooms are located downstairs. I'm unsure if they have facilities on the ground floor. Some shows require ushers to seat you when you arrive late so call ahead if you don't want to miss anything. Parking is easy enough, there's a couple of pay lots within a block radius but they charge stupidly high prices for proximity. Park in the garage across from the convention centre and walk over. The only downside is when you leave, there's only two elevators and when it's crowded, it will take a while to return to your vehicle.
Ooh, some trivia for you: this theatre was the first in the country to have a convertible floor system to converts the space into a ballroom. Neat, eh? -
Review from Alan N.
9/2/2011
What can I say that is really unique or inspiring that hasn't been said before by other users about Paramount? Probably nothing. I saw the Fray hear back in 2009 and it was a blast. The theatre is really old but that only adds to the charm of the facility. The acoustics felt really amplified and despite the large scale, I still felt it was an intimate setting for the band. I would definitely come here again for a concert for the right artist. Of course with Paramount's reputation, then comes a bigger price tag for the tickets which is probably one of the few draw backs about the Paramount. I would highly recommend this place as a venue!
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Review from Christopher J.
Seattle, WA
2/25/2011
As ppl have stated, it's an absolutely gorgeous theater. The sound was really good, the folks working there were very nice, and I'd highly recommend seeing one of your favorite artists here. They always have a good lineup and the seating is quite comfy.
I thought it was hilarious that when I saw a concert here the line for the women's bathroom was ridiculously long while the guys just whizzed on by (no pun intended). -
Review from Poulina K.
Kirkland, WA
11/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a review of the venue and not any particular show.
I could go on and on about the gilded beauty of this theater, but it has already been said enough. You cannot call yourself a true Seattlite if you have not seen at least one show here and marveled at its timeless decor.
I have seen countless music, comedy and theater acts here, and this is by far my favorite music venue in this city. Nothing beats the intimacy and the sound. Staff is always polite and manage the chaos of sold-out shows with grace.
P.S. If you ever forget to bring your tickets or print them online, go to the box office window and they are always willing to help you out (happened to me a few times). -
Review from Dan S.
Bothell, WA
2/12/2011
I've been to a pretty good number of concerts in Washington and this is by far my favorite venue. It's nicely sized because it's large enough that you don't feel like you're at a club, but small enough that all the seats have a good view. The area in front of the stage can be either reserved seating or just an open area with no seats depending on the act and rowdy their fans are ; )
The place is just gorgeous, with the old-time architecture, large columns, fancy decorations, and just overall feeling. Always feels like an event when you go there.
Despite it being in downtown Seattle I've never had any problems with parking. I always park a couple blocks north on the street for free parking, but there are also lots and garages around. Again, because it's not that big (2200 capacity or so) the area doesn't get crazy busy before or after shows.
Seeing an act here always made it that much more of a must-see for me. If you get a chance I definitely recommend taking it in. -
Review from Dae Y.
3/4/2011
This is actually more of review of "the palace at the paramount". It's the bar there. Tom Douglas does the booze catering apparently.
What else is there to say?
Oh, here's what I can say...
On this occasion they would let you take drinks into the theater!! How awesome is that?? Never have I ever been to a show venue like this one where they let you take drinks - and booze-drinks like we had into the theater!! I guess that's what happens when a major television production like America's Got Talent comes to town. Usually you gotta get your drinks in a really long line after you wait in a really long line for the bathroom, then you have to chug your drink(s) and get back to your seat for the 2nd half.
The Paramount is an awesome venue. I drive by every day on the way to work. Saw Young Frankenstein and Wicked there. I wish Chicago would come back. -
Review from Kristin B.
Marysville, WA
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Paramount Theater is gorgeous and I really like seeing shows here. The bar areas get a bit hectic and the lines are crazy long but I guess that's understandable. I normally am down on the floor in general admission for shows at the Paramount but last night we got to sit in the front row of the balcony (thanks to some employee friends) and damn the view was awesome! I have no complaints about shows at the Paramount and always have a good time!
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Review from Nancy B.
Slickpoo, ID
7/16/2010
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. -
Review from Marcy N.
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The venue itself is absolutely stunning. Each time I come for a show I always want to dress up!
The bar is pretty small and will get jam packed at intermission with a huge long line of people. I don't know how they do it but they get everyone served in a timely fashion. The drinks are very small, not potent enough and very expensive. If I'm gonna pay $8.00 for a cocktail I'd like it in a real glass and not a cheap plastic cup.
I normally sit on the main floor. One time I had to sit in the balcony because I waited too long to buy the tickets. I'd highly suggest sitting on the main floor or else you'll have a hard time seeing. Just hope you don't have a 6'7 person sitting in front of you or you're screwed.
The restrooms are in the basement so if you're in the balcony you have to walk like 4 flights of stairs.
The acoustics are absolutely wonderful.
The Paramount ticket office is only open Monday-Friday. -
Review from Han O.
9/10/2010
I have been to several things at the Paramount and I have enjoyed every one of them. The stage is great for Broadway productions and the sound is great for concerts (Pavement and The Flaming Lips were amaaaaazing!).
When attending the Voracious Tasting and Food awards, the venue accommodated a lot of people wonderfully. -
Review from Jason P.
9/28/2010 2 photos
Great place to see all the Broadway hits, concerts, and shows. Its a great venue, where almost every seat is a good seat. I sat in the upper balcony and the view and sound were good. ($100 on the floor would blow the bank)
The building is a landmark in Seattle, and well preserved. It detailed interior always impresses me.
I've come here for several shows, like Rent, Stomp, and Wicked. I find that buying the tickets at the window during the week is much better (and cheaper) than the online route. You can pick your seats and ask how it is. -
Review from Jenn Q.
Seattle, WA
7/11/2011
"Like watching a show from inside a wedding cake" - Neko Case
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Review from Adrienne W.
Seattle, WA
2/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love the theater itself. It's absolutely beautiful inside. I've seen The Lion King, Wicked, and most recently Rock of Ages. However, I just have one complaint: please, please, PLEASE do something about the women's restroom! It is small, so there is always a horrendously long line at intermission. You can spend the entire time waiting and not actually get to use the bathroom before it's time to go back inside.
The bar though is great. They get you through the line quickly and are friendly and patient. -
Review from melissa w.
San Diego, CA
10/10/2010 2 photos
I'm biased. I'm leaving a 5 star review because I had pit tickets for a Morrissey show at the Paramount and it kinda can't get better than what I had. It's one of the seated venues where if you have pit tickets, you have no separation between you and the stage. Basically, there's no barrier and, when the show started, security allowed all of us in the pit to stand with our elbows on the stage. Anyone who didn't have pit tickets couldn't come into the area. So, if you're in the pit, it's kind of like having a private show for you and 30 friends.
At the end of the show, during the encore, I was able to accomplish my dream of stage invading a Morrissey show because it was so easy to get on stage! A guy gave me a little boost and I was able to get on stage to hug Morrissey. It was awesome. Security just put me back in the pit after they caught me. -
Review from Mike A.
Bellevue, WA
2/12/2011
Awesome venue ... just saw Rock of Ages, a stellar show.
Paramount would get five stars if they stopped serving absolutely deplorable wine - Columbia Crest?? Come on. It's a fantastic place, please serve some decent wine. -
Review from Todd S.
Kirkland, WA
8/14/2011
Awesome variety in shows held here. One of Seattle's best theaters.
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Review from Tom B.
5/11/2010
So many memories. Such a grand old palace of a building.
Saw my first couple of rock concerts here in 84, when it was kind of rickety and threadbare. Came back again and again for theater, live music through the years. Looks so great since the remodel, even though it's been years since they sunk the money into it. Looks elegant and appealing from every angle, especially inside the main auditorium.
Came back last night for Sonny Rollins. Great show and still a great venue. Plenty of parking, nice flow to the lobby. It's a good idea to get there a little early, as with most shows at a venue this size (or larger), but it really is easy to get in once you're there.
The balconies are pretty lousy seats once you get a few rows back--the place is just big enough that you won't have much fun sitting that far away. But on the main floor the sightlines are great, the sound is good, and the vibe is awesome. Seen everything here from Dead Can Dance to Soundgarden to Cats to Neil Young. Always had a great time; even some of the stuff I wouldn't have chosen to attend was still a great evening out on the town. Easily combines with plenty of decent local restaurants right nearby. Thank goodness they're still keeping this place as alive and vital as they are. -
Review from Anca S.
Seattle, WA
8/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
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. -
Review from erica r.
10/19/2010
I love the paramount. My favorite thing is to get seats near the front of the balacony for concerts that are GA on the main floor. Yes, that makes me a little old, but it also makes me very happy.
All types of shows I've seen at the paramount are good -- concerts, musicals, prairie home, etc. It's a really good venue with few bad seats (that i've seen). And it's a gorgeous venue -- love the glam bathrooms downstairs! -
Review from annie b.
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I dont think there's a bad seat in the house at the Paramount. I've been to a number of shows and have sat on the floor, up above and I've always been able to see the stage perfectly find. It's just a little out-dated and seats are old. They could use a re-model soon.
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Review from Juan M.
Bainbridge Island, WA
4/8/2008
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!
