New Britain herald., 1917-02-15
SILVER JUBILEE AT
 LYCEUM NEXT WEEK
'DiplomaCy," to Be Revived at
 Local Theater

It was on the tWenty-firs day of February, 1892, that the Russwin Ly- ceum formally opened its doors to the theatergoers of New Britain. Next Thursday, the day before Washington's
 birth anniversary, will mark the
 twenty-ffth year of theatricals at the
 Lyceum. The Walter Naylor players
 who have succeeded in establishing
 themselves in the hearts of local lov- CTS of the drama will have part in the greatest celebration that has been wit messed at the Lyceum snce that day twenty-five years ago when Manager Lynch greeted the first audience that ever Wended it's way past the box of flee. For twenty-five years MT. Lynch has stood by the Lyceum. He was present when the company was formed to mt the idea into actual existence He has never since missed a season. Some of the most prominent people who ever lived in New Britain were ! present on the night of the Lyceum's opening. Some of these are still 1 among the living,-all of these will be invited to attend the anniversary eel 1 ebration which will last over period of one entire week, with special mat /! inee on George Washington's birthday ] The play which opened at the Lyceum ] twenty-five years ago was the foremost 1 dramatic production of it's day. ! "Diplomacy" That also will be the ] play which the Naylor players will stage there next week. After strenu- l ous efforts MT. Naylor has succeeded 1 in getting the identical script used by 1 William Gillette for the all star re- l vival of Diplomacy" in the Empire 1 theater two years ago. This is some 1 thing unusualI as MT. Gillette never , lets the manuscript of his plays get in 1 to the possession of others. On account 1 of his many pleasant associations in New Britain, however and the regard
 he holds for MT. Naylor, the distin- guished American actor has broken a rule this once. More than that. the
 managerial offices of MT. Gillette have
 presented MT. Naylor with a copy of
 the original program which shows the
 cast that originally put on "Diplom-
 acy', one of the greatest dramatic or ganizations of the past century. Fur ther than this, Manager Lynch. has
 preserved one of the first programs
 printed for the local theater and the
 names of the cast are thereon printed. This roster will be reproduced on the
 souvenir program which the Naylor
 players intend to get out for the Occa-
 sion.
 No pains will be spared by the Wal ter Naylor players to make next week one worthy the event which is to be celebrated. the Silver Jubilee of the Lyceum. Manager Lynch is co-operat- ing with the players. The house will
 be tastefully decorated. An augment
 ed orchestra will play at all perfor-
 mances, and other special attractions
 are contemplated. Because of the in
 terest which will be manifested in this
 the greatest of all weeks at the Lyce-
 um, special arrangements will be made
 at the Lyceum and at Crowells Drug
 store to take care of the great advance
 sale of seats expected. Mayor Quigley
 who will return to this city on Monday
 after an extended trip southward. will
 probably ofiiciate at appropriate pre-
 liminary festivities. Special box par
 ties have been suggested by those who witnessed tfe first performance twen- tv-five years ago and care will be taken to see that the regular patrons are first served.