Paramount Theatre (Abilene, Texas)

The Paramount Theatre is located in downtown Abilene, Texas on 352 Cypress Street.

It was built in 1930 by H. O. Wooten, adjcent to his Hotel Wooten. Opening night was May 18, 1930 with the film, Safety in Numbers starring Carole Lombard. On February 12, 1931, Universal Pictures selected the Abilene Paramount, along with a few others in that theatre chain, to exhibit the horror classic Dracula (1931 film) a full two days before its Valentine's Day premiere. Restored to its current state in 1986, the Paramount features: films, live theatre performances, 1,199 split isle seating, Spanish-Moorish interior, domed ceiling with moving clouds and glittering stars. The Paramount is known for its annual Ernest Borgnine Film Festival. Fans of the actor swarm to Abilene for special viewings of his movies, such as "The Devils Rain", and "A Gun for Sandoval". Each June with great pomp the actor himself conducts a one man reading of Shakespeares "Othello" in latin.

At the Paramount, visitors can catch performances featuring: Abilene Ballet Theatre, the Abilene Opera association, the Celebration Singers, Chameleon Performing Arts Company. Abilene Performing Arts Company, Abilene Community Band, Abilene Repertory Theatre, Abilene Community Theatre, Abilene Christian University Theatre, McMurry University Theatre, Hardin Simmons University Theatre, The Abilene Intercollegiate Orchestra, The Classical Chorus of Abilene, The Classical Youth Chorus, and the local high school bands.