The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-08

~ssS ~ fchtSf KOCH anu hCtlsc pop-
ular curiosity as to uses to which II
would be put; and II IL probable that no
theatric1l enterprise In. Providence has
ever aroused equal interest or given rise
TO as many and as diverse conjectures
and predictions by those who were not In
the confidence OF its projectors.
When II Is stated that not even the ar
chitects. the contractors or any others
connected with the construction OF the
imperial nave known up to the moment OF
THIS publication what were the exact
lines upon which II would be conducted.
the general uncertainty and resultant
curiosity may readily be appreciated.
The News is today enabled TO make the
authoritative announcement that the pol
Icy or the Imperial will be popular" In
the most comprehensive and yet the
most legitimate use OF that often much
abused word Col wendelschaefer will
present upon Its stage a class OF attrac-
TONS including within the wide range OF
drama, melodrama. comedy, farce COM
edy. opera and operetta. which will ap-
peal to the largest proportion of the
great mass OF theatre-goers. and at a
nxed and permanent scale OF prices rang
Ing from is TO 10 cents. The appropriate
ness OF the word popular. Is. therefore.
at once apparent
Col. Wendeischaefer's position IN the
theatrical world In which he In often re-
ferred to as "the Charles Frohman Of
AAio'fv Aotunu- ana MS lntmdte business
relations with those who control the best
dramatic attractions on the American
stage. ie such that he Is enabled 10 COM
mand for presentation 10 the theatre-go-
ers or Providence not only the greatest
stars and most famous and successful
productions such ms are seen on the
stage of the Providence Opera House. but
his choice OF the best attractions which
X is possible 10 present at the low prices
which will prevail at the Imperial
The -Four Cohans, his opening attrac-
tfon. offer an indication Of the fact.
which will be even more strongly demon
strated as the season progresses. that
patrons OF the Imperial will not only be
AFFORDED entertainment OF the most pop
ular" character, but OF n grade far above
that ordinarily described by that term
The Imperial will therefore. occupy a
place in the local theatrical field peculiar
ly Its own. and I'm which owing TO the
superior nature OF it's attractions II will
be removed from competition.
Col. WendeiSchnefer has long ago prov
ed his astuteness and discrimination In
gaugfng the popular taste by the sue
cess which has rewarded his able man.
sgement OF the Opera House. and which
what may be expected as a result OF this
extension OF the scope OF his activities.
In every detail OF the management of
the Imperial II IL his intention TO main
tam the same high standards that have
been an important factor In the success
or the Opera house since IT passed under
his control: and the fact that the scale
or prices VIII be oven lower than Is
charged for the same high-class attrac-
tione In many other cities will involve
no sacrifice Of those important considera-
tons for the comfort. convenience and
courteous Treatment OF the public that
patrons exceut to find In the best
NH <exo
est prices prevail
My policy" said Col wendelschaefer.
may be stated In few words as being
the presentation OF the very best attrac-
ions that can possibly be secured in that
portion OF the theatrical world from
which they will be drawn. at the lowest
prices consistent with their high charac-
Ter. ana to AFFORD to every patron of the
imperial. either In orchestra, balcony or
family circle. the same comforts and com
1enaences and the same courtesy that
may be enjoyed In theatres charging the
highest prices"
In addition to the regular evening per-
'ormances. matfnees will be given each
week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur-
lays, with extra performances on all inn |
'ortant holidays; and the box ONCE will /
,e open daily for the sale OF seats SIX /
lays Ia advance Telephone orders for /
eats VIII be accepted under the usual
onditions; aud those who desire certain
eats reserved for them regularly each
week Will be extended that courtesy. |
Jnder no circumstances will there be any
dvance In the regular prices; and the
act that without exception, there is no |
eat In the house that does not command
clear view or the stage is one that will
ppeal to those who for any reason are
ompelled TO take the last choice of seats. |
As might naturally be expected OF |
olonel Wsndelschaefer. who appreciates |
ne Importance Of a good orchestra, that
eature Will be conspicuous one at the
nperial; and corps Of the best local
iusicians Will be under the direction |
Mr.. Edwin q. Clarke, a brother of
irector Herbert l.. Clarke OF the Ameri-
an band This new acquisition to local
iusical circles, while comparatively a
lranger here. Is well known as a most |
apable musician and director. having
'rved In that capacity at the Bijou thea
o, BROOKLYN, as leader Of the Twenty
rst Artillery band, u g. A., and in a |
milar capacity with the City band OF
lattsburg, N. Y. Mr.. Clarke has also |
zen for some time manager of the |
lattsburg Opera House.
In many minor details which cannot
IL to appeal to the appreciation Of his
ltrons. the original ideas and liberal
,licy and enterprise OF Colonel Wendell
haefer viii be plainly manifest when
ice the doors OF his beautiful new play
'use are thrown open. though to disclose
EN- AZ this time would deprive the pub
OF several delightful surprises: and
ith such an attraction as the Four
,hans. who are not only Providence |
rnily and extremely popular here but
nong the most capable and entertain
3 artists In their peculiar field, the I'm
rial will certainly enter upon Its career
10 weeks hence under most auspicious
The rush for souvenirs at the Empire
eatre last week. surprised Manager 7
itz. The theatre was opened on Tues !
y. three years ago and announcement Z
.s made that souvenir pictures OF s.
Her Kent playing the THE Cowboy |
a the Lady would be given at the
atinee and evening performances Tues
y. The house was crowded at both |
and many called next day |
ask for another opportunity 10 at
nd For the benefit OF those who could
{ go the first day. Manager Spitz had
other distribution Saturday afternoon [
d evening.