The sun., 1896-10-08
4 FINE NEW THEATRE.
The Murray Hin Fiuish-d and Ready for
the Opening ON Oct, 10.

Tho new Murray Hill Theatre, " hich stands
on Lexington avenue. between Forty-first and
Forty second streets. is a handsome theatre
and the first to be built on the upper east side
with the object of presentiD" regular dra-
matte performances. But the most surprising
feature of tho building is that 1t is not only
finished by tho time 1t is needed. but two weeks
ahead of time. which Is an experience suf-
ticiently rare to attract attention.
The new building is owned by the Goelet es-
tate and will be conducted py Frank b. Murtha.
for many years the manager OF the Windsor
Theatre. The theatre is decorated throughout
In white ard gold, and the ceilings are decor
ated with four mednllonS painted on canvas,
and representing drama, comedy, poetry, and
mrth. Over the proscenium arch is q large oil
painting called THE Dance Of the Nymphs," :"
and this with other frescnes is the work OF an
Italian artist named Mora. The seats are large
each measures twenty-five inches across-and
comfortably made of dark wood and velvet.
The galleries are supplied with separate stairs.
The six boxes on each side of the stage are
square in design and upholstered with red
plush. The house is capable of seating 1.40o
such that view of the stage can readily be OBJ
tained from the rear of the orchestra seats.
The theatre has a double equipment OF gas
and electric light, and the entire building Is
devoted to only the purposes Of the theatre. 1t
has four entrances in the alleys Mt each side OF
the building as well the three broad en-
frances on the front OF thn building. and yestsr-
day Chief Bonner announced that the theatre
was exceptionally well supplied with exits II
10 hreprOof in addition, and the seht-l In the
orchestra are directly over the ground. which
has been paved with concrete. There no
cellars. There are to b. dressing rooms pro-
ed for the women in the audience and there
will be three maids in attendance who Will look
after the hats left in their care. The drop cur
tain In n copy by II. l.. Reid Of painting called
"A Merry Com mpany." The picture. in tho
centre of the curtain, II surrounded by heavy
bands OF plush painted on the canvas The
balcony and gallery rails as well as the boxes
are white. with muscai. ai.instrumeuts. scrolls. and
flowers in gilt applied.
Back of the curtain the new theatre Is very
complete. The stage ia 40 feet deep and 6S feet
wide. The scenery Is stored In q room made of
especially freproof brick, and the roof Is sup
piled with q set of sprinkers which would be
able to extinguish any FIRE that might arise.
There are sixteen dressing rooms for the actors.
and these are In an l. apd4t from the rest of tho
building. Every room. contrary TO the usual
custom. is supplied with electric light and hot
aud cold running water. The stage is largo
enough for the most elab, rate productions.
The new theatre will he known as Il com
binRtion " theatre. and the prices will be Of that
degree called popular" as though anv price OF
any size would ever attain popularity. II will
be open on Oct. 10. and Mayor Strong will mako
q speech from the stage that night.