The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1908-06-03
SUPERB OPERA HOUSE
Mexico to Have the Finest II
the World.
GREAT NATIONAL INSTITUTION

Government Is Furnishing $6yooo,ooo
to Build Magnificent Structure at
the capitaI-Grand Ballroom In the
eui'dins-To Be Strictly Fireproof.
"Mexico is to have the finest opera
house in the world. It will cost $6,OOO,-
900 and will be magnificent architec-
turally, as to its furnishings and in ev-
cry other way"
This was the statement recently made
by WIN J. Davis, manager of the ILL
nois theater, who had just returned
from a tour Of the land Of Diaz, says
the Chicago Post. He was the guest
Of Arthur Stillwell, president Of the
Kansas City, Mexico and Orient rail-
way, and Of General Manager Dickin-
son Of the same line. Nearly three
weeks were occupied in inspecting the
new railway and visiting the most
important cities and towns on the
route, including a stop of several days
in Mexico City.
1.-THE opera house, which Is we'll IN
der way" continued Mr.. Davis, " is a
national affair, the Mexican govern.
ment furnishing the money for the
purpose. It will stand in the center Of
a square, facing one of the most beau
tiful plazas in the city. The building
+ will lie 200 feet wide and $50 feet
deep.
1.-The architect is Adamo Boari. He Is
an Italian and was for some time asso-
ciated with Burnham & Root Of Chi.
cago when that firm was planning and
experimenting the erection Of the
Worlds fair buildings in Chicago.
| Mr.. Boari showed me all Of his plans
and models and then escorted me
through such parts of the structure as
It was possible to inspect.
I'm his working room he has two
complete models Of the building and
grounds made in plaster Of paris, and
he also has a plaster Of paris model Of
one-half Of the opera house, with little
plaster figures of men and women
occupying every seat, giving an idea as
to sight lines and appearance Of the
auditorium when filled.
Another model, made Of hard wood,
represents the other side of the build
ing, auditorium and stage, also looking
toward the proscenium, which Is of
magnificent design and capable Of the
highest order Of ornamentation. Models
of the decorations, both in design and
color, were shown to me, and they are
very beautiful.
"Mr. Boari told me that, while he
was deferr1ng in many respects to the
wishes Of the people in Mexico City,
who are mostly in favor Of European
models In architectural art, he was in
clined himself to subscribe to the mod
ern style In theatrical building as illus.
trated In leading American theaters.
"When I tell you that, n~otwithstand.
ing the great size of the house, he has
planned for something like 1000 seats
only, you will understand that he is
largely complying with modern ideas
which are designed to bring an audi
enee as close to the stage as possible.
although the stage will be one Of
the largest In the world, the prosceni'
um opening will be only forty-two fee1
square. Thus it will be possible tt
stage light operas and even comedy as
we'll as the most pretentious produc
tons.
1.-THE auditorium proper consists Of
parQuet floor which IS truly American
In its proportions. The circles ar
patterned more after the European
, style and consist first Of a mezzanin'
floor, which Is composed of boxes alto
: gether, the presidents being directl.
in the center and much larger than tn
\ others. There will be a c%apacious re
ception room directly of the presi
dents box for his exclusive use Othe
retiring rooms are back of the boxe
all around the mezzanine floor. A bal
$ cony and gallery complete the seatin;
accommodations Of the house.
1.-The spacious front interior of tn
structure will consist first of a gran
state ballroom and then a series G
promenades, one for each floor Of til
auditorium, all stretching around
square court which extends from th
ground to the roof. In the center {
this court will be a fountain, aroun
: which at all times of the year will |
q profusion Of tropical flowers an
plants.
= 1.-THE front exterior Of the buildin
and, in fact, both sides Of It are hig'
y ~ ornamental enthusiastically. A ma
, nifcent flight Of steps semicircular
form lead up to the front and straigh
le away flights on either side. Two Sc
70 Of capacious elevators will convey p
% irons to any desired floor. Cafes al
restaurants are provided for; also rea
Ing, smoking and retiring rooms.
1.-THE opera house is being constru<
ed entirely Of steel, stone and GENE
1t and will be strictly 6reproof. II