The Paramount Theatre: Offering a Blend of History and Community

Once the tallest building in town, the Paramount Theatre was constructed in 1882 by Henry and Solomon Weil on South Center Street in Downtown Goldsboro. The three-story, high Victorian Italianate-style brick building was constructed to house offices and to serve as an armory. Noted for its ornamental features, including arched windows, cornices and quoins, the building was significantly different from those surrounding it. In addition to the ornamental features, the brick construction was different from the wood construction common in the area. Furthermore, since it was a brick building, it could safely sit adjacent to the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad without danger of catching fire from the sparks emitted by the engine boilers.

Over the years, the building was utilized in a number of different ways. The Goldsboro Rifles used the third floor to practice drills, while the Oheb Shalom congregation used the second floor as a synagogue as they waited for their Temple to be completed. A marquee and stage were added in the 1920s, after which the building became known as The Mason Theatre as it hosted films and vaudeville entertainment. The name was changed to Paramount shortly after, but came to close its doors in the early 1980s. It remained that way until the early 1990s, at which time the community came together to reopen the theater as a center for the performing arts. Today, the theater is home to a number of events, including the Paramount Performing Arts Series and Paramount Movie Nights.

Paramount Performing Arts Series

The Paramount Performing Arts Series is brought to Goldsboro through a partnership between the Paramount Theatre Foundation and the City of Goldsboro. The series aims to bring new artists who have never been to Goldsboro while also bringing back some of the city’s favorites. This year marks the ninth year the Paramount Performing Arts Series has been brought to Goldsboro. Some acts planned for this year include:

• Nnenna Freelon: October 7
• Caribou Mountain Collective: October 8
• Parsons Dance: October 28
• The North Carolina Symphony’s Annual Holiday Pops Concert: November 22

2017 will also bring acts like Tim Meadows, The Malpass Brothers, Joshua Lozoff and James Gregory.

Paramount Movie Nights

During Paramount Movie Nights, guests have the opportunity to watch classic movies as they are brought back to life on the silver screen. This season’s scheduled movies include:

• Gone with the Wind: September 25
• E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: October 30
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: November 11
• It’s a Wonderful Life: December 20
• Gandhi: January 22, 2017
• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: February 7, 2017
• Spaceballs: March 7, 2017
• Casablanca: April 18, 2017

The theatre frequently decorates the auditorium in a theme that suits the movie and giveaways are often included as part of the fun.

General Admission tickets are $5 each, with children 12 and under admitted for free with a paying adult. A Paramount Movie Pass, which grants access to all 8 movies, can also be purchased for $30. Popcorn, candy and drinks can also be purchased and enjoyed while watching the show.

The Paramount Theatre is just one of the many great sources of entertainment that Goldsboro and the surrounding area has to offer. To learn more about Goldsboro real estate opportunities, contact our team of highly-trained real estate professionals.

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