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The Paramount Theater closed last year and opened again in May 2013. The new people running it are a company called Red House Entertainment. Two students from a PHS Twilight Academy class interviewed Ms. Abigail Adams, director of communications for the Paramount. She said she was one of four people on the management team. Assistant Principal Ms. Daniels and Twilight Academy teacher Ms. Prentice were also there.

Ojetta Jones: What appealed to you about the Paramount and this job?

Ms. Adams: I’ve always worked in theater and there is nothing sadder than a darkened theater. Every city needs an active live theater. I was thrilled to be part of the group that is bringing the Paramount back to life. We are not the owners, the City of Peekskill owns the theater. We are bringing events and movies here.

Neorck Brown: How are the events and movies you are planning different from the old management’s?

Ms. Adams: We are focusing on a pattern of live music on Saturday nights, adding movies and comedy. I am bringing Shakespeare here in the spring, we hope Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Neorck Brown: Do you sell this place out?

Ms. Adams: Sometimes we hope we will more often. There are 1,094 seats.

Ojetta Jones: Will you be successful in your goals in the future?

Ms. Adams: Yes, we will. Peekskill is a great city with some amazing talent here. We know it takes a while to build back up after being closed and it will probably take a year to get back up to speed but we will get there. The success of the Paramount will help us, and also restaurants, shops, and the community.

Brandi Overby: What about programs for Spanish speaking people?

Ms. Adams: We are planning a Latin Festival. We want to have programming for the whole community, we really think we will have something for everyone. We have a premiere of a movie of a Rolling Stones concert this Saturday, it has never been shown before.

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After the interview, Ms. Adams showed the students around including an upstairs gallery of local artists.

To see the the Paramount’s programs, go to www.paramounthudsonvalley.com, or like them on Facebook.