The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-04-03
WILL BUILD A NEW THEATER
George Rhodius Talks of Erecting the
Finest Playhouse in the State.
1t Will Be in the Famous Harris Circular
rangements About Completed-It Will Cost
in the NeighborhoOd of $4,000.

There is a very strong probability that
before another theatrical season rolls
around Indianapolis Will see a handsome
new theater reared in the growing part of
the city, q monument to the enterprise and
wealth of one of its citizens. The nego-
tiatIons are now pending. and although the
final papers have not been signed, there is
not a particle of doubt but that the deal
will be c~onsummated. The gentleman in
terested in this city is Mr.. George j.
Rhodius, who, owns the Circle Park Hotel
and other valuable property in the city.
Mr.. Rhodiu has long realized the excellent
advantages for q new theater in Indiansp-
oils. and has quietly gone ahead and laid
his plans for the ultimate erection of o
temple of amusement that will be
q credit to the city and the hand
soonest institution of its kind in
the State of Indiana. With the great hold
that Dickson IL Talbot have on the the
atrlcal profession. as lar as securing at
fractions is concerned. and the keen fore
sight that it would be extremely hazard
Gus for any person or company to under
take to start n new theater here single
handed, Mr.. RhOdius has succeeded in con-
Meeting his proposed new house with
Messrs. Harris, Britton IL Deans circuit of
q w 10 IL CaaAhh ltlOo
of the country. This company is one of
the best aud most favorably known theat-
rical firms In America, and has theaters in
Baltimore, Washington, Pittsburg, Clncin-
natl. Louisville and Chicago. Its theater
In Baltimore, the Academy of Music. Is. by
many theatrical people. considered the
best house in the country. The company
plays only the best attractions on its cir
cult, and, of course. this city would get
the same as the others.
Mr.. RhOdius does not care To give the
locations in view for the site of the theater,
but says there are two over which he Is de-
batting. and each is very central and
convenient to the people and easily reached
by all car lines.
The cost will be in the n%eighbOrhood of
S150. 000. and Mr.. Rhodius promises that the
theater will be a beauty i'll every respect.
The interior Will be replete with modern
theatrical furnishings and devices of every
kind, and while 1t Will be lavish and rich
the decorations will not be gaudy or flashy.
but selected will an eye to their simple
elegance and good taste. The seating ca
paclty will be about two thousand. with
the balcony and gallery. The boxes will be
of modern design and patterned after the
new Garden and Broadway theaters In
New York city.
Mr.. r. l.. Britton. one of the above men.
toned firm. returned to this city from Bal
timore with MIR. Rhodius two weeks ago,
and after spending several days in the city
looking over the field he left enthusiastic
over the prospects and urged Mr.. Rhodius
to 60 ahead and build the theater, assuring
him that he would be only too glad to an
mex it to the Harris circuit" The new
house will be called THE Harris as are
all the others with the exception of the
academy in Baltimore.
Mr.. RhOdius is in constant cOmmunica-
tion with Harris, Britton x Dean. and it is
only a matter of a week OF so un til the pa
pers are closed and the negotiations for the
site are vigorously begun. 1t Is hoped to
have the work begin by midsummer.