Evening star., 1905-08-20

Theater is IN prospect for Washington, ana
unless present plans miscarry a ten-ceht
house. such as has been made popular and
profitable in a number of cities, VIII De con-
Quoted in the national capital In the near
future 1t is understood that Mr.. +. ~
stair has leased the old Empire Theater TO
Mr. P P. Craft and another gentleman
who propose to remodel the Empire sur
ture so as TO meet the requirements OF the
local building department and conduct IL
as a continuous performance vaudeville
house The parties interested in the scheme
have already leased a theater In Baltimore
and will operate 1t on the continuous per
formance plan. The house In that city ana
the proposed theater here will probably form
part Of the same circuit. the same ettrac-
tions being used in the two playhouses The
projectors of the scheme have made no
definite announcement concerning their
plans as yet but 1t is stated that the En-
pire has been leased to the parties by Mr..
Stair MIR. Craft is q former resident of
Washington. He has been identified with
theatrical enterprises for a number or
years.
The alteration and redecora ton of the in
terror of the New National Theater have
been practically completed and the play
house Is In readiness for the opening per-
formance Of the season August %, when
Hall Gaines The Prodgal Som will be
given its premier The many improve
ments that have been made In the audlto-
rum are not only gratifying to the eye,
but will also make for the greater comfort
and convenience of the patrons. one OF
the most important features of the I'M
provements has been the removal Of the
rail which formerly separated the orchestra
from what was known as the orchestra
circle This has given the whole main floor
of the house a uniform grade, and permits
a better view Of the stage from all points.
The boxes have all been lowered and made
more attractive and comfortable.
Back of the seats there has been more
marked change. as the wall at the back or
the theater has been set back toward the
street on line with the main columns IN
the lobby, making on the floor a good sized
foyer. where 1t will be possible to walk be-
tween the acts without going out into the
lobby and rendering the arrangements
altogether more comfortable than formerly.
The house has been redecorated inside,
but the tone Of the color scheme has been
kept subdued in order not to detract from
the brillianCy of the stage Around the
proscenium arch, which forms the frame
OF the stage picture. a good deal of gold
leaf has been used, but the general scheme
of interior decoration is mild green and
brown. reStful TO the eye and at the same
time pleasing and artistic. The seats have
been changed. and new leather and ma
hogany chairs have been substituted. The
lobby mas also. been redecorated. and the
general exit scheme remains unCha nged.
there being sufficient room to comply with
the law and provide for the safety of the
playgoers. The only change that has been
made In this direction is the substitution of
an ornamental iron box. containing the
word Exit" In Illuminated red glass above
each of the doors for the old arrangement
OF plain red light. The free system of
checking hats and wraps is small matter
but one which Will add materially 10 the
comfort OF the patrons of the house. and
ab andant provision has been made for this
department.