UPDATE: The future of Aurora’s Paramount Theatre hangs in the balance as **Mayor John Laesch** proposes **dramatic cuts** to funding for the **Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA)**, which oversees the beloved venue. This urgent situation unfolds just as **Andrea Prestinario**, a prominent figure in the theater’s history, returns to star in the acclaimed production of **”Come From Away”**, running through **October 12, 2023**.
The Paramount has played a pivotal role in transforming downtown Aurora, drawing crowds and critical acclaim since its inaugural **Broadway Series** began in **2011**. Prestinario, who first captivated audiences as **Eliza Doolittle** in **”My Fair Lady,”** recalls the skepticism surrounding the theater’s potential. “Everyone thought it would be a bomb,” she stated, reflecting on the doubts from industry peers back then.
Now, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Prestinario, who has built a successful career in New York, credits the **Paramount** for her accomplishments. “We pulled ‘My Fair Lady off,’” she said, underscoring the theater’s profound impact on her life. The theater’s President, **Tim Rater**, acknowledges this, stating, “Andrea saved my career” with her remarkable performance.
Despite the success, concerns loom over the theater’s future. The proposed budget cuts have sparked fears about the viability of the Paramount, which has become the **number one subscription-based theater** in the United States. Rater emphasizes the need to maintain high-quality performances, stating, “People expect high-quality shows, and we will protect that branding at all costs.”
The city of Aurora has witnessed a renaissance since the Paramount’s rise. Prestinario notes the vibrant transformation, saying, “When I was here for ‘My Fair Lady,’ there were like two or three restaurants. Now there are so many.” Downtown Aurora has evolved into a bustling district, offering an array of dining and entertainment options, enhancing its appeal for residents and visitors alike.
Prestinario’s mother, **Pam Bohr Prestinario**, a lifelong Aurora resident, echoes her daughter’s sentiments. As a dedicated theatergoer with season tickets to multiple venues, she believes the Paramount has set a new standard for theatrical excellence. “What the Paramount did for downtown Aurora is phenomenal,” she remarked, highlighting the community’s collective enjoyment of theater and dining experiences.
As the community rallies behind the Paramount, Prestinario’s homecoming for **”Come From Away”** has been bittersweet yet uplifting. With friends and family, including her sixth-grade reading teacher, attending her performances, she feels the moment is critical not just for her but for Aurora as a whole.
This situation is urgent and evolving. As budget discussions intensify in the upcoming City Council meetings, the fate of the Paramount Theatre—and its vital role in Aurora’s cultural landscape—remains uncertain.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as community members and officials navigate the challenges ahead.
