The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-09-14

The opening OF the regular season at
the Providence Opera House this even
ing. with the ever -populer Bostopians as
the attraction. promises 10 be an event
OF much more than ordinary interest,
which Will certainly attract not only ali
the Monday night regulars" but very
large ane fashionable gathering beside.
Not only is the attraction itself a pecu-
iiarly strong one, but public curiosity
Is naturally keen 10 see the results OF the
long weeks of work that have been put
IN by the big force OF decorators and
mechanics who have been carrying out
the comprehensive scheme OF improve
ments planned by Col. Wendelschaefer.
The audience Is certain TO be as de-
lighted as II surely will be surprised ;
and Col wendelschaefer cannot fail TO
be tho recipient of many hearty con-
gratulations upon the refined and ar
tistic taste and the appreciation of the
material and aesthetic requirements
which he has shown in the rejuvenation
OF the entire house.
He has not sought TO alter the general
appearance OF the theatre that its regu-
lar patrons would no longer feel Eat
home" but would partake somewhat OF
the sentiments OF the proverbial cat in
strange garrett.'-a feeling not conducive
TO the full enjoyment OF theatrical per-
formance
goers become attached TO surroundings
with which they are familiar and do not
always welcome their being entirely
swept aside and replaced by new ones.
even though the latter might be I'm every
respect superior. Accordingly II has been
his endeavor TO retain so much OF the IA
miliar outlines and color effect as would
NJ w 10 ~
feel III at ease or 10 be overwhelmed by
sudden and sweeping changes; and with
rare judgment and artistic taste he has
combined the new with the old so clever
ly that the result will be as delightful 10
theatregoers as II certainly will be CRATE
ful 10 every sense.
Entering the lobby, theatregoers will
be struck with the prevailing atmosphere
OF freshness and brightness which lib
eral use Of the paint and gold leaf affodrs.
and this Is applicable 10 the entire build
ing. The general color scheme which in
the past has proved so restful and easy
TO the eyes has been wisely retained;
but IL pleasing effect has been greatly en-
HANGED by the work OF the decorators.
whose labors have been performed under
the personal supervision and suggestions
OF Col. Wendelschaefer himself
The soft cream tint OF the woodwork
the rich maroon OF the side walls have
been retained while the rocco work on
the front OF the boxes and malconies has
been set out in strong relief with deli
cate Nile green tint and gold leaf: and a
more artistic and pleasing combination
could hardly be secured.
The entire floor has been recarpeted
with rich Wilton OF peculiar dull
| shade OF red difficult to describe, but
bordering very closely upon n carrnine,
and which In combination with the pre-
vailing tints of the side walls and cell
ing most artistically enhances the gen.
eral warm. bright and cheerful effect. .
The iron seat frames throughout the
auditorium have all been covered with
pet and the green seats on the orchestra
floor and the green covering OF the or
chestra rail-. together with the new red
SILK velour covering OF the box and bal
cony rails, offers contrasts that are strik-
Ing without and sacrifice OF artistic
BEAUTIFUL ACT DROP.
The audience will note also that the
former open space beneath the stage
"apron" I'm front OF the musicians has
been closed and covered with beautiful
silk drapery OF red velours. while drap-
cries OF the same hue adorn the boxes.
The most conspicuous feature OF the
whole new plan Of decoration, however.
will not be seen until after the familiar
asbestos curtain is raised after the o"er.
ture.
This will disclose Immediately behind
20 long has done duty, new act drop
thats has been pronounced by theatrical
people who have been permitted to see IT
during the past week one OF the most
Beautiful act drops TO be seen in any
theatre in the country.
IL Is OF silk velours OF rich ruby shade.
and hangs in heavy folds which. under
the electric lights. produce a marvellous
combination OF lights and shadows
whose beauty would be as impossible to
describe as for the most skillful artist
ree1rO6fCp al
liant yet soft: and, while the eye is star
led az first by the rich wealth OF color,
% the not re 5s sbeen before "
The valance Is OF the same material.
bordered with heavy gold bullion fringe.
Just above which runs a tasteful Ivy vine
vertical pipings in gold relieve the sur
mense tassels OF gold bullion.
The ornamentati ton Is further height
ened by a handsome shield in the centre.
With a sky blue ground on which Is the
familiar anchor OF the coat OF arms OF
Rhode Island, while the bottom OF the
curtain is adorned with gold embroidery
bnd bullion trimmings TO correspond with
hose OF the valance
Colonel Wendelschaefer certainly mas
ust cause for pride In the possession
BIZ such n magnificent addition to his more
han ever beautiful playhouse and Will
bs De sSs upon the seeeon
II material and color and In the general
esign.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS.
AS before intimated the plan. of inn
brovement has not been limited to the
auditorium. for new rubber carpetngs
ave been laid on all the stairways and
the all the Hobbies. while the painters
nd decorators brushes and new carpets
nd furnishings have made all the retiring
nd toilet rooms quite as attractive as
he auditorium itself: and everywhere
re noted evidences OF thoughtful pro-
ison for even the minutest detail OF the
omfort and convenience OF patrons.
A most important innovation in this
ne Is the installation OF new ventilat-
ng plant OF the most modern and ap-
roved character.
system OF ducts connects with all
ortions OF the auditorium. both upstairs
nd down through which the entire volume
air in the theatre may be entirely ex-
nusted and renewed In less than three