UPDATE: The upcoming January 2024 performance by comedian Jerry Seinfeld is not just a night of laughter; it has become a critical focal point in the ongoing funding crisis facing the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois. As budget cuts loom, the stakes are higher than ever for this community cornerstone.
Officials announced that the city’s proposed budget for 2026 contains no funding for the Paramount, shocking both theater leadership and supporters. The theater had been counting on a previously discussed allocation of $2.5 million, which was already a fraction of the $5.6 million requested. This cut follows a series of funding reductions that have led to layoffs and program cancellations, including the halt of the BOLD Series at Copley Theatre.
Tim Rater, President of the Paramount, expressed frustration, stating, “For every one act you get, there are 25 you don’t get.” With 630,000 patrons visiting in 2024 alone, the impact of this funding cut will be felt beyond just the theater. The majority of attendees, approximately 83%, come from outside Aurora, generating an estimated $23 million in local business revenue.
The situation escalated when the city announced it would replace five longstanding members of the Aurora Civic Center Authority, a move that was revealed through a Facebook post, prompting outrage among community leaders. Critics argue that Mayor John Laesch is not recognizing the vital role the Paramount plays in revitalizing the city’s image after years marred by violence.
“Balancing the budget is not hard. Determining what programming to eliminate to maintain the Paramount brand is what is difficult,” said Jonathan Hylton, Board President of the Aurora Civic Center Authority. “When you have a moving target, it makes it hard to determine our path forward.”
Despite the bleak outlook, the upcoming Seinfeld gala remains a beacon of hope. Tickets for the event are priced as high as $400, with a limited number available for a VIP gala reception at $800. As of now, nearly all of the 1,800 tickets have been sold, showcasing the community’s support.
Some members of the Aurora City Council, including Alderman Carl Franco, have expressed their commitment to securing funding for the Paramount, even questioning the mayor’s leadership style. “There’s a troubling level of partisan politics that rarely foster productivity or efficiency,” Franco stated in a recent letter to the editor.
While the city faces a budget shortfall that has already led to staff layoffs, including impacts on police and fire departments, the Paramount continues to champion its mission of cultural access and arts education. Rater remains optimistic, believing that with community support, the theater can navigate these turbulent waters. “There will be a world where we can celebrate our 100th anniversary with downtown Aurora recognized as an example of how a community can be revitalized,” he said.
As the Seinfeld event approaches, the urgency for action grows. The outcome of the city’s budget vote, which will be decided by the 12 City Council members, could determine the future of the Paramount Theatre and, by extension, the cultural landscape of Aurora.
Community members like Bruce and Linda Grider, who purchased sponsorship tickets, reflect a broader anxiety about losing the momentum built by the Paramount. “I hate to lose what has been built,” Linda Grider shared, emphasizing the emotional investment many have in the theater’s future.
As developments unfold, residents and supporters are urged to advocate for the arts, pushing back against cuts that threaten the heart of Aurora’s cultural identity. The Seinfeld gala is not just an event; it symbolizes the fight for the Paramount and the community’s future.
