The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-06-03
A BEAUTIFUL THEATRE.
Every Detail, aud Drop Curtain Work
Art.

Every Detail, and Drop Curtain a Work
Art.
Descriptions have been given from time
to time of the artistic finish and general
appointment of the Gem theatre, but all
fall far short of conveying an accurate
idea of its beauty as seen under the glare
of almost countless electric lights.
Yesterday afternoon the button was
pressed and dome and stage with all their
accessories in the shape of anchor. wheels
and many other ingenious nautical de-
vices shone in blaze of dazzling and be-
wildering light.
The electrical arrangements put in by
the Consolidated Electric company, and
under the personal supervision OF Mr..
Chandler, seem to be perfect in their de-
tails.
Over the entrance is the large electric
sign "Gem," while on the ceiling Of the
portico are seen three clustetr of lights.
Passing to the interior are clusters on
all sides. One cluster lights up the foyer,
others are stretched beneath the balcony,
and circle the stage, boxes, etc., while
every niche of the va st auditorium has
it's distinctive colored lights.
Over the boxes are green lights which
harmonic with the prevailing nautical
colors and the blade of one of the
crossed oars over the gentleman's waiting
room is decorated with red, while the
other has green light. The lighted
wheel over the ladies' waiting room is
fianked by red port and green starhoard
lights.
Sixty incandssoent jets illuminate the
large anchor placed on the wall and the
large dome is studded with lights to the
! number of two hundred and foty-two.
Over the handsome drop curtain is
placed ships steering wheel whose
spokes and hub are brilliantly illuminated
and four hundred lights ars in use for
stage purposes, two being placed in each
dressing room.
The switch board specially designed
by MIR. Ohandley Is complete one and
| while seemingly complicated is after all
quite simple in it's mechanism and work
ings. Different switches are being arranged
for the auditorium as we'll as for the stage
lights. Th,rty-two switches touch
the various lights and control the
several sections throughout the struc-
ture. All the circuits terminate at this
board and everything can be m anipulated
with ease, and repairs, when necessary,
can be easily made by the electrician in
charge. All the lights are frosted to tone
down the glare.
The drop curtain is worthy of special
mention. The central piece is marine
view showing a bit of rocks and an ex-
panse of sea with schooner under full
sail. The frame is q large hawser; the
drapery and accessories are composed OF
nets gracefully draped with large anchor
in the lower left corner, with oars, boat
hooks, etc ; a capstan is in the centre be-
meath, piece of seine is seen on the left
and below all is painted large chain.
The curtain Is finely executG and as to
design perfectly in harmony with it's sur.
roundings.
In addition to the large stock of scenery
originally purchased there have recently
been painted by W. B. Hamilton Of the
Columbia in Boston, a full oak, rocoocc
p1rlor and colonial sets all of which are
intended for the opening night and from
time to time further additions will be
made by the scenic artist as occasion de.
mands.
Another notable feature Is the passage.
way through the portico to the foyer. 1t
is finished like the saloon of large
steamboat and on either side are placed
rope jardinieres which are filled with
ferns. palms, rubber plants, etc. The
rope work which is quite artistic is the
handicraft of Martin Sargent of the Cascc
Bay Steamboat com pany.
Rehearsals by che Byron Douglass com.
pany are had daily, and little more re-
mains to be done before the ringing up Of
the curtain on the opening night, June 6.