FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contacts:
Jay Kelly, LCWA
Jim Jarvis, Paramount Theatre
jkelly@lcwa.com or 312.565.4623 jimj@paramountarts.com or 630.723.2474
FROM A CHRISTMAS CAROL TO A CHRISTMAS STORY, AURORA’S PARAMOUNT
THEATRE IS YOUR HOME FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT THIS DECEMBER
AURORA, IL, September 16, 2013 – The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Boulevard in downtown
Aurora, Illinois, is your home for holiday entertainment this December, with a surprising variety of
seasonal pleasures for young and old.
Gather the kids and schedule a traditional family outing for the holidays by visiting
ParamountAurora.com or calling the box office at (630) 896-6666 to purchase tickets to any of
Paramount Theatre’s 2013-14 holiday presentations:
A Christmas Story
Monday, December 2, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $1
Paramount’s Classic Movie Mondays series will present four consecutive holiday family classics every
Monday in December, each for the incredibly low price of just $1.
The series kicks off December 2nd with A Christmas Story, shown on the Paramount’s gigantic silver
screen via a state-of-the-art digital projector. In the small town of Hohman, Indiana, a young boy named
Ralphie Parker pleads with his family for a Red Ryder BB Gun, only to be warned: “You’ll shoot your eye
out.” A series of comic misadventures besets the Parker household, leading to a memorable Christmas
for all. Starring Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, and Melinda Dillon. Directed by Bob Clark. Rated PG.
94 minutes. 1983. Sponsored by Waubonsee Community College.
The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue
December 6-22
Presented in the 216-seat Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., directly across from the Paramount
Tickets: $35
You’ve seen some of their brightest stars in TV and movies, and now the comedians of Chicago’s worldfamous Second City return to the intimate 216-seat Copley Theatre with their usual brand of brash and
irreverent humor—and a different sort of holiday cheer. This troupe will put grins on your face and
laughs in your belly with their whip-smart improvisation, hilarious and offbeat songs, and a willingness
to skewer any topic you can name. Last season's revue sold out nearly every show, so buy tickets now if
you don't want to be left out in the cold. Rated R. Sponsored by CBK Global Enterprises.
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A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Charles Jones
December 7-9
Saturday, December 7 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 8 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Monday, December 9 special daytime performances 9 a.m. and Noon
Tickets: $25 for children 12 and under, $35 for adults, $14 for Monday performances
The holiday tradition returns to life at the Paramount in a delightful and surprising new production,
featuring lively music, gorgeous dance, breathtaking costumes, and magical design that evoke the
wonder and spirit of Christmas. In Dickens’ classic tale, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the spirits
of Christmas Past, Present, and Future and given the chance to redeem himself and be better to his
fellow man. Featuring a host of iconic characters, this is A Christmas Carol that makes a perfect holiday
outing for the whole family. Supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded
by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. With
additional contributions from Illinois Arts Council and General Mills Foundation. Sponsored by Radio
Disney.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Monday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $1
Classic Movie Mondays continues with this timeless Christmas tradition, starring James Stewart, Donna
Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. Good-hearted, idealistic George Bailey is stricken with ruin and despair,
and contemplates that his loved ones would be better off if he’d never been born. A compassionate
angel grants him a look at such a world, and Bailey begins to understand how many lives he’s touched
and how many of those lives touched him back. Directed by Frank Capra. Rated PG. 130 minutes. 1946.
Sponsored by Waubonsee Community College.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Saturday, December 14 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets: $59 and $69
For over a quarter of a century the American Christmas season has included the musical arrangements
and uplifting harmonies of Mannheim Steamroller. With over 16 best-selling albums of classical
Christmas music to their credit, it’s easy to hear why they’re considered the premier choral interpreter
of Yuletide standards. This December, experience this beloved act live with your whole family, led by the
group’s founder Chip Davis. ‘Tis the season to be jolly—let Mannheim Steamroller get you in the holiday
mood. Sponsored by 95.9 The River.
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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Monday, December 16 7 p.m.
Tickets: $1
In the third installment of National Lampoon‘s uproarious series of Vacation films, the Griswold family
learns that even when they stay home for the holidays they can’t seem to avoid trouble. Clark’s attempt
to have a perfect Christmas is thwarted by sledding mishaps, home decorating misfires, and the quirks
of his extended family. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid. Directed by Jeremiah
S. Chechik. Rated PG-13. 97 minutes. 1989. Sponsored by Waubonsee Community College.
Christmas with the Celts
Wednesday, December 18 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30 and $35
Give yourself and the family an early Holiday gift. It’s high-energy, fast-dancing Christmas with music
from the green and rocky lands of Ireland and Scotland. For over 15 years, the Celts have traveled the
world playing the passionate songs of their homeland with a pop twist, including both fiery traditionals
and the hits of beloved contemporary artists like Van Morrison and The Chieftains. Now, they bring their
unparalleled talent and witty banter to Aurora for the holiday season. Reserve your seats now…but once
the music starts, don’t expect to stay in them!
Home Alone
Monday, December 23 7 p.m.
Tickets: $1
Young Kevin McCallister has been left at home alone when his family accidentally takes off for vacation
without him. While Kevin’s mother tries desperately to get home, Kevin gets into mischief and protects
his house against a pair of bumbling burglars. Starring McCauley Culkin, Joe Pesci, Catherine O’Hara and
Daniel Stern. Directed by Chris Columbus. Rated PG. 103 minutes. 1990. Sponsored by Waubonsee
Community College.
The Polar Express
Tuesday, December 24 11 a.m.
Tickets: $1
Kick off your Christmas Eve preparations for a trip to the Paramount for an 11 a.m. showing of The Polar
Express. Based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg and featuring a breakthrough style of
animation, The Polar Express is a delight in both story and visuals for the whole family. Featuring the
voices of Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, and Michael Jeter. Directed by Robert Zemeckis. Rated PG. 100 min.
2004. Sponsored by Waubonsee Community College.
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The Magic of Bill Blagg
Saturday, December 28 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets: $25 for children 12 and under, $35 for adults
Keep spending your holiday vacation at the Paramount, because even the most skeptical audience
member will have to think twice about believing what they see when they watch the magic of Bill Blagg.
A consummate entertainer and spellbinding stage magician, Blagg has been perfecting his art since he
was given his first kit of magic tricks at five-years-old. Since then, he has thrilled and flabbergasted
scores of people, all of whom want to know: “How did he do that?” Experience for yourself The Magic of
Bill Blagg and be sure to buy your tickets early…because if you blink, they’re going to vanish.
Piano Men: A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel
New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
10 p.m. performance includes champagne toast and party favors
Tickets: $55
It’s the ultimate tribute to two of the greatest singers/songwriters/performers of our time by two of the
best Elton & Billy tribute artists in the country. Each with an endless catalog of hits, you’ll spend the
night singing your heart out and dancing in the aisles as two amazing performers – Paramount favorite
Craig A. Meyer as Elton and Donnie Kehr in his Paramount debut as Billy – take the stage together with
their pianos. Sponsored by Hampton Inn Suites and Sikich.
About The Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is the center for performing arts, entertainment and arts education in Aurora,
the second largest city in Illinois. Named “One of Chicago’s Top 10 Attended Theaters” by the League of
Chicago Theaters, the 1,888-seat Paramount Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Aurora at 23 E.
Galena Boulevard, is nationally renowned for the quality and caliber of its presentations, superb
acoustics and historic, Art Deco beauty.
The Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance
of President and CEO Tim Rater, Artistic Director Jim Corti, a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted
staff of live theater professionals.
The 2013-14 Paramount Theatre season is sponsored by the Daily Herald. The 2013-14 Paramount
Broadway Season is sponsored by BMO Harris. This season is partially supported by a grant from the
Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information, visit the Paramount Theatre online at ParamountAurora.com.
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