The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-15

oooies' WIN green leather backs and
seats. They are the widest In any thea
tire In Providence, and the width of the
spaces between the rows OF chairs Is such
that probably no theatre In New England
can seat Its patrons more comfortably.
Every seat I'm the house commands a
perfect view OF the stage and Is I'm that
respect equally desirable. The very
broad aisles are another most important
feature for the comfort and safety OF pa
irons.
The space reserved for the members of
the orchestra is very much wider than
Is customary and affords opportunity.
when necessary. for placing extra chairs
for patrons inside the handsome brass
railing without in the least cramping the
orchestra. Another innovation which is
In accordance with the latest ideas i'm
theatre construction. Is the absence OF
the customary apron" or curving front,
OF the stage. the front line OF which In
the Imperial is straight. and the height
from the orchestra pit to the stage level
In materially less than is found in the
majority OF theatres. an Improvement
that cannot fail TO be appreciated equal
ly by those who occupy the orchestra
seats and by the musicians.
AS SEEN FROM THE STAGE.
Viewed from the stage. the ceiling over
the auditorium is one OF the most pleas
and decorative scheme. II is divided by
heavy beams into eleven panels OF vary
ing sizes and shapes. with n large venu-
lator I'm the centre. above which. in the
roof is an immense Sturtevant blower, OF
suction fan. which is capable OF exhaust
ing the entire volume of air In the thea
ire In less than two minutes. and which.
In conjunction with other elaborate ap-
pliances for supplying fresh air and fore
Ing out that which has been vitiated. Is
believed TO ensure for the Imperial the
best ventilation 10 be found In any thea
tire In New England
To those qualified 10 Judge OF architec
tural beauty. the great proscenium arch
VIII appeal as the most striking feature
OF the auditorium. while its suggestion Of
solidity and dignity without loss OF grace
or delicacy will be generally appreciated.
The elliptical tympanum OF the great
arch is adorned with beautiful allegori-
cal painting Of spring with garlands Of
flowers at each side. the prevailing col
ors being OF notably soft and delicate
tints and the figure drawing OF the six
maidens exceedingly graceful.
The procenium opening Is nearly
square. being 33 feet In width and 80 feet
I'm height. II suggests a huge frame for
the stage pictures that will be seen be-
hind II. and consists Of a double roll
frame ornamented with laurel In relief
and finished in gold bronze. shield In
the centre breaks the severity Of the
straight line at the top, and conclave
border OF blue-gray surrounding the
frame separates II very prettily from the
arch and columns.
The draperies OF the boxes are OF
heavy green velours. gold damask ap-
plique bordering and lined with yellow
silk.
PLUMBING AND VENTILATION.
from both the balcony and the family cir
Gle: and the plumbing throughout the
building is OF the latest sanitary patterns
and in accordance with the most approved
modern ideas, while In every part of the
entire structure only the best materials
have been employed In It's construction.
The auditorium is divided from the stage
by thick fire wall which is supplement-
ed by an asbestos fire curtain cutting off
the proscenium opening. the theatre prop
er is separated from the bachelor apart
ments In front by heavy fire doors, and
similar provisions are noted not only be-
tween the boxes and the stage but be-
tween all the various divisions of the cell
lar. which Is high studded and affords
ample room for the storage of scenery
and properties. bill room. music room and
every possible requirement OF the most
complete modern theatre Here are locat-
ed two 50-horse-power boilers. which sup
ply steam IOr neatlnk the tntlre x,
and a supplementary water heater. The
cellar floors are all OF hard. smooth-fn-
ish cement. the ventilation Is excellent
and the atmosphere is free from damp
ness CT other suggestion of subterranean
location.
SPACIOUS STAGE.
The stage is one of the best constructed
and equipped 10 be found I'm any theatre
in New England. 1t is 40 feet In depth
floor to the "gridiorn' being 20 feet. The
floor OF the stage is constructed in ac-
cordance with the most advanced ideas,
and consists OF nothing but traps, so that
IL may be taken up any time, either
whole or In sections of almost any shape.
More than eight miles OF the best rope
have been used In supplying the various
Tines" used In hanging and operating the
scenery: and, with what is said to be
without exception the most elaborate and
skilfully devised electrical switchboard
In any theatre In New England-a verita-
BILE marvel In itself-it will be possible 20
present upon the stage OF the Imperial
any production with precisely the same
effects and upon precisely the same scale
as In any OF tie larger cities. OF the four
teen dressing rooms, two star" rooms
are on the stage level, while the remain
ing twelve are below. All are large. light
and airy, and are equipped with the la
test sanitary plumplng, not ana cold
water, ire brightly lighted and In every
respect will be source OF delight 10
players accustomed 20 the Inferior accom-
modations provided by many OF the lead
ing theatres In other cities.
The drop curtain is a most conspicuous
to the general artistic er-
feet. IL represents n scene I'm Venice. or
the most picturesque character. showing
one Of the principal canals and some OF
the prettiest structures in that beautiful
city. and with the figures OF peasants is
full OF life.
Colonel Wendelschaefer and Mr. Dillen- |
back VIII have their private office in the
front portion OF the building on the first !
balcony floor. IL is large aud airy
apartment. commodious and finely light
Ell. and. with a beautiful Persian rug
handsome electroliers and quartered oak
II is reached from wcnt-
minister street by the easterly corridor |
and elevator. and In the way OF telephone |
and all other equipments Is y
probably the finest appointed and most 1
managerial office in the city.
BY WHOM THE WORK WAS DONE.