The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1882-05-26

cur lhII' hNNIi ~ thC nof, 40 MUM Al
ferent from most scenic and ornamental
work, is not compromised by so close an
inspection.
The
This curtain is q faithful copy from
the studio of Sossman 81 Lands OF Chi
cago, of the celebrated painting of the
Chariot Races by Gerome, AS one
might surmise from the title, the sub
ject is of the Roman games of the
ancients, and the picture represents the
"hnish," according to modern sporting
terms, of one Of those most exciting of
all the ancient sports, a hotly contested
chariot race. Every animal is straining
its every muscle to accomplish its ut
most speed, while the brilliant costumes
of the drivers stream in the wind on
which the dust is borne of in rising
clouds. Three needles tower above all,
within the arena, and opposite sits OF
his massive throne the mighty god of
the sports in a cold, stony dignity, un-
moved by the excitement which surges
the masses of spectators occupying the
circling seats about the ampitheater,
before a background of stately and
massive buildings of stone.
The treatment of the subject in this
large curtain is truly artistic. There
are hundreds of figures which in their
brilliant apparel stand out as clear and
distinct as life. There are numerous
horses, some in the heat of the contest,
and others curbed into impatient rest.
The excitement of one and impatience
of one other is skilfully handled on the
canvass. The excitement of the race
which is pictured oy the hard deter
mined lines in the racers finds a tumul-
tons unrestrained rush in the vast
throng Of spectators.
About the painting which appears on
the curtain in its frame, resting on an
approach of gray stone steps, hangs a
heavy drapery of red, with a deep fringe
and all ~irregularly Topped up on either
side, appearing most attractive in this
variation from the stereotyped SINH
larity. On either side in front Of the
gathered drapery Of the curtain stands
a large vase filed with flowers, all rs
clear cut as if in actual relief. Over
the approaching steps of stone is spread
a mating slightly disarranged and very
natural.
Above this elegant drop hangs a deer
rich border, snowy and attractive, but
not gaudy in the least, and making a
beautiful background for the circle OF
the arch above the stage, and harmon.
izing perfectly with the settings below.
This much for the curtain. And il
may be said consistently and without
exaggeration, that it is one Of the finest
painted drops in the countrg. There are
many which are larger, but there arr
very few few indeed Which show better
artistic work.
The stage, large and commodious, !!
well fitted up with the machinery nee
essary for proper presentation of almost
any play on the boards, including traps
working bridge, etc. 1t is fitted will
eleven full sets of scenery, and numer.
Gus extras, which makes possible any
number of combinations.
Among the full sets which the writer
has examined, besides such as appeared
in the setting Of last nights opera, is
fine interior with a center arch through
which may be seen the trees, shrubber.
and statuary of a beautiful garden. II
the center Of the chamber hangs NJ
elegant chandelier, which lights NJ
tastefully the finely decorated walls ant
rich furniture. This scene may be Sc
either as a box interior or with flies.
There is also a plain interior with tw'
entrances at the back, which is capabl
of being used in many ways. Whel
seen by the writer, it was very tasteful
ly shown with either door open, dis
closing a long line of buildings as tn
streets retreated in the distance.
The stage possesses a very fine gardel
scene, in which statues are discovere,
against a background of trees ant
shrubbery, beyond a stone terrace wit
turned railing, steps, etc. 1t is in 1t
self a beautiful picture, and is capabl
of many changes. The same may b
said of a dark wood, cottage, etc.
which, while artistic and pleasing, is
most useful setting. Two other scene
among the many others unmentioned
deserve special notice, and they are tn
horizon, a beautiful waterscape, ant
the rocky pass and set bridge, both o
which are examples of the very bes
scenic work. There are kitchen, prison
and other interior, street scenes, an
numerous extras, all necessary in til
machinery of q first class stage, beside
a fine reversible stage carpet made 70
this theater, are far from being tn
least useful of the articles behind til
drop. Footlights, border, and scent
lights are arranged to be of the utmos
utility in completing the deception G
the scenic artists work, and are a
under perfect control by an excellen
system Of plumbing
The fine appearance and convenienc
of the stage and the ~smoothness wit
which the stage machinery works, an
the scenes areset, are due to the excel
lent work of Chas. S. King, stage car
penter. who came from the east at til
suggestion of the management to insur
the results desired and obtained.