Paramount Theatre

195 Market Street,
Newark, NJ 07102

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Paramount-Publix

Architects: Thomas White Lamb

Styles: Adam, Art Deco

Previous Names: H.C. Miner's Newark Theatre, Newark Theatre

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Paramount Theater

Opened on October 11, 1886 as H.C. Miner’s Newark Theatre. It was originally a vaudeville house managed by Hyde & Behman Amusement Co., a Brooklyn based theatre management company. After H.C. Miner’s death in 1900, his surviving relatives retained ownership of the theatre for several years until its sale in 1916 to Edward Speigel, the owner of the nearby Strand Theatre. It was at this time that the theatre was equipped with a Hutchings 3 manual organ. Speigel also purchased the building next to the theatre with intent to use the space to expand the theatre. To accomplish this he hired famed theatre architect Thomas W. Lamb to do the alterations. In 1917, Thomas Lamb remodeled the theatre in an Adam style. In 1917 it was equipped with an Austin 2 manual 13 ranks organ. This was enlarged in 1923 to an Austin 2 manual 18 ranks organ.

The former Paramount Theatre still boasts the vertical ‘Paramount’ sign, as well as the ‘Newark’ marquee. The Paramount Theatre was closed on April 1, 1986.

Although a retail store operated out of the former lobby until around April 2011, a store employee confirmed that behind the drop ceilings and walls remains much of the old theatre, complete with stage area and balcony seating intact. Suring the winter of 2020/2021 part of the auditorium roof collapsed due to the weight of snow.

Contributed by Marty Nartinez

Recent comments (view all 85 comments)

markp
markp on October 16, 2019 at 2:43 pm

DaveM, no they actually welded a T on for the filming, then replaced it. I was working at the arena last year when they were filming.

Greenpoint
Greenpoint on January 19, 2020 at 9:49 am

I loved seeing the Marquis prominently displayed in Joker.

Comfortably Cool
Comfortably Cool on January 19, 2020 at 10:42 am

Don’t you mean “marquee?”

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on February 1, 2020 at 7:52 pm

Article about “Joker” with screen shots of the “Newart”.

https://mubi.com/notebook/posts/movie-poster-of-the-week-the-posters-in-joker?fbclid=IwAR272uX2clL7gbBrmAVGVasKNapa44d1-r9Xd8wETK3yh0nf5kq1KpRiLpI

EsseXploreR
EsseXploreR on March 31, 2021 at 3:34 am

As of 2021, half of the theater’s roof has collapsed. The weight of all the snow and ice we got was just too much for the old girl to withstand. I have not heard any updates on the redevelopment of the property since.

markp
markp on April 2, 2021 at 3:49 am

EsseXploreR, I knew that was coming. When I worked at the Arena on the next block, I could see the sag in the roof the past few years. I knew it was just a matter of time that this would happen. So sad.

Ssc48
Ssc48 on February 25, 2023 at 9:06 am

Was there ever an organ in this theatre?

Ssc48
Ssc48 on February 25, 2023 at 9:06 am

It appears that the organ parts were abandoned with the theatre. Looking at the organ changers you can see rotted wooden pipes that are still there. What type of organ would have been ehre

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on February 25, 2023 at 9:32 am

Ssc48: I have added the organ details into the overview above.

DavidAE
DavidAE on February 25, 2023 at 9:40 am

Yes, It had an organ 100 years ago. Austin OrganNewark TheatreOpus 682 Size 2/18 Date of additions 1927 Cost $7,000; Additions: 5 ranks and traps Austin OrganNewark TheatreOpus 682 Size 2/13 Date of installation 1917 Blower Serial #7825Horsepower 5Cost $4,400

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