Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1908-05-01
SUPERB OPERA HOUSE
Mexico to Have the Finest In
the World.
GREAT NATIONAL RESTITUTION
Government Is Furnishing $4,000 900
to Build Magnificent Structure at
the Capital-Grsnd Ballroom In the
suiIding-To Be Strictly Fireproof


house in the world 1t will cost $1,000
900 aud will be magnificent architec-
turally. as TO its Furnishings and in ev.
cry other way"
This was the statement recently made
by VIII j. Davis, manager OF the Hi
nois theater, who had just returned
from a tour of the land of Diaz. says
the Chicago Post. He was the guest
of Arthur StilIwell, president of the
Kansas city, Mexico aud Orient rail-
way, ana 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 Il stop of several days
in Mexico City
The opera house. which is well un-
der way" continued Mr.. Davis. is a
national affair. the Mexican govern
ment furnishing the money for the
purpose. 1t will stand in the center OF
square, facing one of the most beau
tiful plaZas in the city. The building
will he 220 feet wide and $50 feet
deep.
THE architect Is Adamo Roari. 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.
in his working rooms he has two
complete models of the building and
grounds made in plaster of paris, and
he also has 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, We're shown to me. and they are
very beautiful
Mr.. Boar told me that, while he
was deferring 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 | tell you that, notwithstand-
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
ence 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 feet
square. Thus it will be possible to
stage light operas and even comedy as
we'll as the most pretentious produc-
tions.
THE auditorium proper consists of a
parquet floor which is truly American
in its proportions. The circles are
patterned more after the European
style and consist first of a mezzanine
floor, which is composed of boxes alto
gether, the presidents being directly
in the center and much larger than the
others. There will be a capacious re-
ception room directly off the presi-
dents box for his exclusive use.' Other
retiring rooms are back Of the boxes
all around the meZZanine floor. A bal
cony and gallery complete the seating
accommodation of the house.
The spacious front interior of the
structure will consist first of grand
state ballroom and then series of
promenades, one for each floor of the
auditorium, all stretching around a
square court which extends from the
ground to the roof. In the center of
| this court will be a fountain, around
which at all times of the year will be
profusion of tropical flowers and
plants.
''The front exterior of the building
and, in fact, both sides of it are high.
ly ornamental architecturally. A mag
nifcent fight of steps semicircular In
form lead up to the front and straight.
away flights on either side. Two sets
of capacious elevators will convey pa.
irons to any desired floor. Cafes and
restaurants are provided for; also read
} ing, smoking and retiring rooms.
THE opera house is being construct.
ed entirely of steel, stone and cement
and will be strictly fireproof The
very latest electric lighting appliances
will be installed, and modern conven'
bences generally will be used through
out the building.
"The immense width of the stage
will give every facility for ample dress
ing rooms as well as scene packs and
carpenter and property rooms. The
height over all on the stage will be
100 feet and something over 100 feet
clear to the rigging loft. Underneath
the stage there will be ample room fol-
the working of most gigantic spectacu
lar and mechanical effects.
MIR. Boari Informed me that it was
not thought possible to have the build
ing ready for opening before Septem
Der. 1910. 1t is understood that the
Mexican government will subsidize the
opera house in such liberal manner as
will provide for the very best character
Of grand opera entertainment"