The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-09-23
THE REPUBLIC THEATRE.
Oscar Hammerstsins Eighth and yery Hand
some Dramatic House.

some DThnhtiC "ouso'
The much that Oscar Hammerstein has done
for New York IN tho way Of theatre building
win be greater by one achievement when his
latest playhouse. tho Republic, IL opened
This viii be the eighth building Of the sort that
hs has given 10 the metropolis, and at least
one-hal Of them figure among the handsomess
dramatic structures. Mr.. Hammersteln was
architect and builder OF the Republic, as he
wNs Of his seven other theatres the Victoria
The Criterion. the New York, the Harlem Opera
House, Roster 4 Bial's. Proctor's l75th Street
and Hurtis 4 Seamon's. He calls his latest
house "a drawing room Of the drama and
that aptly describes It 1t Is unlike anything
here or abroad. II one could picture a oombina-
ton OF two such utterly dLssimilar Interiors
as that OF the Lyceum and the New York he
would gain some idea OF the Republics audi
torium. Yet II IL unlike both. The seating
capacity Is only 1900. although we're the chairs
less spacious and comfortably far apart It
might hold hundreds more, There Is only ono
stage box on q side In each tier, but some pc
culiar cubbyhole boxes are along the walls
on the ground floor. There are two balconies.
and the place for the orchestra Il on a level
with the second. as II used 10 be at the Madison
Square. Mr.. Hammerstein says Of the music
that he will have a small symphony orchestra
Vi Nv ~ u Al0Nss tANflA AA Nh' ~ Ga - blflb llN
performances, when this number will be in
creased TO tNenty lone. uudet the direction
Of John 5. Hitler. who, rom his pcloh directly
over the prOsCenlum arch. viii be able 10 sec
everything that happens on the stage, though
concealrd from tho audience. lac arch -
thirty-0Ve feet high and deliberately decorated
with all gOriCal figures and classic designs Ia
relief. Above the arch two liie-sihe figures,
representing Harmony. and Melody. support
between them n golden Tyre. In the musicians
balcony Is All organ.
The decorations throughout the auditorium
harmonic with those OF the arch and boxes.
The color scheme i green. old sod and ivorJ
with figures and HrdheSdues IN relief. and panels
Of red brOcade. one OF the striking points OF
the interior 10 u great. gold dome lighted In
red aud green. Ii l. something OF a copy Of
the one In the national Capitol at " ashirgtou
end hence the theatres name. the Republic.
The mechanical CoItrlvdnCeS Of the stage are
Of the latest and most approved design. The
dressing rooms are comfortable and COM
modious. Mr.. Hammer~telu says: "Hot and
cold air, ds required. can be circulated 10 all
parts OF the auditorium through duct, running
In the asphAt hoor>, There are no disiiguring
radiators or cracking st",m pipes within sight,
sound or smell" The building l. OF iron, brown
stone and brick with stone stairways, artificial
stone flooring, wire net lHthing and plaster. In
short, the house Is ~ ~nreproof ~ II furnished
theatre could be. TIE front Is mainly or
nanonted with a great tD.Nlr stoop leading
70 the second hAcory. .... Inain lobby Il
under this and l. a ltt" oruIufyd and low, In
fact the least attractive part OF a very beautiful
building.