Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1906-1908, 1907-07-12
IDEA THEATRE IS
BEING REMODELED
NAME WILL BE CHANGED TO
THE EMPIRE.
OrdenS & Pylet of Milwaukee. Open
early in August in High Class
Vdudeville-Pldy House is Be
ina RemOdeled and Will Have a
Metropolitan Appearance.

A visit to the Idea Theatre on First
street will convince any of our citizens
that the new management is in earnest
in the promise made some time ago
and published in The Leader, to give
the citizens of WatertoWn a frst-class
vaudeville theatre.
Joseph M. Ordens and Sam r. Pylet
of Milwaukee, as previously announc-
ed, have secur ed a lease for several
years of the theatre, having closed a
deal with Charles Horton of Fenni-
more, Wis, who purchased the prop
erty several months ago from Eugene
Wardwell of this city. That the new
managers of the play house mean bust
ness, is evidenced in the fact that
both will move to this city end become
permanent residents of Watertown.
They are experienced in the theatrical
business and have been connected with
the Empire theatre of Milwaukee. The
gentlemen have decided to change the
name from the Idea to the Empire
theatre.
There will be transformation scene
as far as the interior of the theatre
is concerned. The place will be
remodeled and decorated and gwen a
metropolitan appearance. The decora-
tive work will be in charge of Scheb-
lax & Herzog, who have entered into
contract with the new management
and have already entered upon the
work. The ceiling and walls are to
be sized and kalsomined and the wood
work is to be painted, all contribur-
ing to brighten up the place, which
has been an eyesore tor some tine,
owing to the untidy appearance uf the
place.
One of the noteworthy of the i'm
provements to be made Is the con-
struction of a stairway fire escape. it
appearing to be one of the aims of
Messrs. Ordens and Pylet to not only
make the place attractive to the pat
rons, but to offer ample protection
in case of fire or accident. Another
precaution they intend to take is : to
keep the moving picture machine away
from the entrance. The lighting of the
theatre will be one of the features
that will not be overlooked. The
building is being wired and changes
made for brighter lights and when
the place opens, it will be vertiable
Fairyland in comparison to what it has
been in the past. The lightning bug
lights on and around the stage are
being changed to the 16 candle power
incandescent lights. Still another
noticeable change Will be the addition
Of box seats on the lower floor and
the remodeling of the orchestra pit.
Pretty new draperies will adorn the
pit and boxes.
The entrance is also to receive a
good share of attention. The stairway
leading to the lobby will be carpeted
and the lobby will be beautlfied by the
laying of lenoium. The aisles of the
theatre are also to be carpeted.
1t is the intention of the manage
nent to cater to the best element in
the city by offering clean and whole
some vaudeville. The offerings will be
of character that will appeal to both
old and young, with nothing of the
Objectionable. The performances will
be such that any can witness without
the slightest offense. 10 illustrate the
moral tone of the management, the
gentlemen offer to turn the theatre
over twice a month for religious or
charitable purposes and will give the
proceeds as benefit for such purposes.
An effort will be made to open the
theatre to the amusement loving
people Of Watertown on the evening
of Saturday, August 3rd, although it
may not be possible to open till a
week later. However, announcement
of the opening will be made several
days ahead of the event in the press
of the city. Bookings will be made
direct from the Empire theatre at
Milwaukee. one of the most popular
vaudeville houses in the west. 1t is
the plan to give two performances a
night with Sunday afternoon matinee
and also on all holidays. There is to
be a complete change of program
every Monday and Thursday.
Arrangements are being made for
an electric arch to span First street
in front of the theatre, also for a
large electric sign: Empire. Neg
citations are also under way for the
engag ement of an orchestra to play
at all performances.
A vaudeville theatre in Watertown
rightly managed would be an excellent
thing, furnishing as it would a place
of innocent amusement. The Leader
believes from the appearance and con-
versatlon OF Messrs. Ordens and pylet
tht they are we'll fitted for the duties
they are about to assume In Watertuwn
and so long as they do as they agree,
they should receive the encourax ement
OF our citizens.
Here's hoping that they will fulfill
their promises and receive deserving
patronage.