The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-08-31
keith's Opera House.

keith's Opera House.
In the usual modest manner whic
characterlzes affairs at the Keith theaters
the announcement is made that Keith's
Opera House, Providence, will open sep.
tember 8, for the season of 1896, with
superb production of the big Boston
Iheater triumph, 1.-THE Black Crook. -
This gorgeous spectac ular success playtd
10 enormous business at Keith's last sea-
son, and there appeared TO be an impera-
tive demand for its reproduction as the
opening attraction for the coming season.
The box office will be opened Monday,
september 2, for the advance sale OF
seats. This evening the I olt lobby of
heltn's VIII be thrown open for inspec
tlon. lt has been the privilege OF THE
NEWS TO Become acquainted with the
changes and improvements shat have been
made al this charming and popular play
mouse during the summer months, and it
must be said that there isn't brighter,
cosier or more attractive theater in south
ern New England than Keith's Opera
House in Providence II will be crafty
ing news TO learn that brand new cur
tain has been especially painted by M.
komlosy. the artist of the new Keith's
theater i'm Boston. Ii represents a scene
from the French in the days OF Louis
XIV, and il called s'The Courtiers' Gar
den OF Love" The picture is one OF
great animation and of high degree of
art. IL Is painted in the green tints OF
Natures sward, overhung with opalescent
Clouds with the shadings of blue red
and pink in the costumes OF the figures.
A profusion OF gold leaf has been util-
lied In developing the effect Of a rich gilt
frame, and, altogether, IL is one of the
finest drop curtains in New England. The
proscenium arch has been redecorated in
the latest style of rocooo painting TO
harmonic Win the mangnificent new cur
tain The prevailing tints are buff, laven-
der and colonial red, with profusion of
gold and cream. The walls OF the orches-
ira and balcony are done In oil in the lat
est shade known as colonial red. All the
posts are gilded, and with the deli
balcony effect is very harmo-
NOUS. The dainty ladies' reception room
and the cosy foyer at the back of the or
chestra seats have felt the touch OF the
artists brush, and they will have a more
inviting and comfortable aspect than
ever. The fine collection of vases and
bric-a-brac, the exquisite lamps and cosy
chairs ana ufvHns will be added to this
season and in that respect the Keith
house here will strongly resemble some
parts of the palatisl new theater in Bos-
ton. In the outer lobby from Westmin-
ster street, new shade of lavender
adorns the walls, and ii Is artistlcally
decorated in soft tints, the prevailing be-
ing cream and gold. Manager Fynes'
Office, Just inside the main entrance, has
been considerably improved, and Is
now bright and attractive with marine
blue and cloud effects on the ceiling, and
tasty, rich steel blue cartridge paper on
the walls. The dado has been softened
into deep buff color. The Westminster
facade of Keith's has been entirely re-
painted and regilded The boxes present
delightful effect, the walls being treated
In the same rich crimson hue, which,
seen through the gauzy lace curtai ms, is
very soft. New carpets have been laid in
the balcony aisles and a specially-made
linoleum carpet has been laid in the main
lobby. Behind the scenes the greatest
Improvement is found in the reconstruc-
tion OF the electrical plant The Nara
gansett Electric Lighting Company has
co-operated with Mr.. Keith and no thea
ter IN the country will have any finer IL
Illuminating plant than Keith's Opera
House. Vaults have been especially con-
structed for the accommodation of con-
verts and an entirely new system of wir-
ing has been introduced. Every light in
the house is operated from q switchboard
near the prompter's box on the stage
This is an elaborate affair, built specially
TO order, and constructed of marble, with
the switches OF pUffshgd nickel. There
are - switches in all, each operating
different circuit, and they are mounted
on heavy marble stand. The electrician,
by the simple turning of a single lever,
thu iONtf OF fdlS6 or eXtl1Gulsn any or
all lights in the entire theater. There
have been two new DINNERS or rheostats
OF the Masury type installed, and they are
guaranteed OF the latest design, and are
guaranteed TO give the most perfect effect
OF any rheostat invented. In spectacular
productions, where lights affect figure
most materially, these DINNERS will
greatly enhance the beauty of the stage
pictures.
The coming season is sure TO be most
attractive one as far as Keith's Is con-
cerned, and the com mbination and stars
that have been engaged are admittedly the
best that have ever been booked here.
keith's Opera House made an astonsh-
ing record OF prosperity last year which
was one OF the very worst seasons I'm gem
eral Tor many years. Because of It's fine
record for money making there have been
aplications for time received from the very
highest class attractions on the road.
The result viii be seen I'm n succession OF
the strongest companies ever presented
in any popular priced theater in the coun-
try. A few OF the bookings are: Tim
Murphy in "a Texas Steer" Robert b.
Mantell the emf nent melodramatic and
romantic actor, I'm "Monbarsp aud the
"CorsIcan Bros" his first appearance in
eAy popular priced theater. Mr.. Mantel
has invariably appeared at the higher
priced OF tl.50 houses. Charles II. Yale's
spectacular productions are also booked
twentieth Century Girl Joseph Hart
An a"Gay Old Boy, James j. Corbett.
Charles Frohman's "a Fatal Card. [" and
also 'shenandosh, and "The Girl
Left Behind Me;" Peter f. Daley In John
J: McNaliy,s greatest success, "'rhe Night
Clerk "The White Rat. - "The Cotton
King" Humanity" and others of a
similar degree OF superiority. This il
evidence enough that there will be no
open time next season At Keith's Opera
House for any combinations except those
Of recognized merit and substantially.