New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-31

The lofty and commodious balconr
which contains half the seating canoc.
ity Of the National, offers the singular
effect of an upward-sloping ceiling To
those in the parquet or orchestra
Instead of the downward, awning-l;ks
effect produced by the balcony slons
in all other modern theaters, the cell
/ ing under the balcony slopes at p
goodly angle toward the peak of the
proscenium, the result being an en-
iarged radius of vision, with an added
sense of spaciousness and freedom 10
those seated under the balcony nro.
lection.
! Happy Innovations
/ In Construction
An idea may De had of the results
of this novel architectural device when
it is explained that from any seat IN
the last row of the orchestra, or par-
quet, complete up-and-down and
side-to-side view # the stage opening
can be had Considerable width ha.
been preferred to unusual depth, and
the result is that Intimacy" which
hitherto has been possible only in
bijou houses of improbable dimen-
sions.
The orchestra pit, large enough to
accommodate an operate band, is so
arranged that it permits the front line
OF chairs to coma very close to the
footlights, and yet submerges the mu-
sicians without cloaking The acoustics.
This pit is itself constructed with a
scientific adherence to acoustic aims,
the spaces under the concrete floor
above which the orchestra sits being
packed with fragments and shards of
glass, contrivance Of German origin
and one which gives superior accuracy
and response to the acoustic devices
of the best theaters in Europe.
The interior is done in FURNISHED
italian walnut wood, with gold delinea-
lions re2icently applied The style is
early Renaissance, and the carven fig
ures are of lyric and epic subjects.
unobtrusive but attractive, and emerg-
ing in the half-round from the wood
like Flemish carvings. The effect is
friendly and inspiring and restful
rather than challenging to the eye.
The entire interior structure is of
concrete, without any STONY yisibil-
ity." Thus the woodwork effect is
obtained by skiilful oak granting of all
the interior facades and balustrades,
the Carvings" being carried out only
IN the lintels and sills, where original
polished hard wood of Italian walnut
is used.
The lighting plant for the audi
forum is developed by eighteen roof
lights, from which Operated by the
stage switchboard) the entire house
can be flooded with amber, white, green,
blue, yellow or rose colored radiance.
Everything for
.. Eye and Ear
The thought of simple and restful
harmony for the eye in the new Ma
tional has held its own with the neces-
slty for good acoustics and physical
comfort. All of the textiles used,
whether for draperies, rugs or aisle
strips, are of the hues Of mulberry or
mauye, gently contributory to the
color comeliness and easy beauty Of
the woodwork OF the entire interior.
The stage opening is full forty feet,
with a stage width Of eighty-sM feet in
moor to gridiron-a stage that could
easily accommodate shows of unusual
size or scope The dressing rooms, with
their baths, outdoor windows, case
ments to the street and perfect equip
ments and Injuries, indicate considera-
ton for the players.
The last word in utility AMI luxury
has also been applied to the withdraw
ing rooms for men and wonen-for
women especially. The beauty of the
smoking rooms and lavatories, the cloak
booths and lounges are fully in keep
ing with the ornate and utilitarian
features of the entire theater.
The whole structure is of steel and
concrete, with minimum of combus-
tibie material, even in its woodwork
and draperies. The theater Is further
safeguarded with elaborate and scien-
tito equipment of automatic stage sky
nights, water tanks and hydraulic
pumps for the prevention of fire. To
enhance the absolute safety Of the au-
olences there are special street exits
from all the boxes and steel stairways
at the back, front and sides leading
from the balcony as we'll as from all the
dressing rooms.
The National Theater covers front
age of ITO feet in Forty-srst Street
and is to be conducted as regular
legitimate house for first class d4a-
matte and musical productions. al
though motion picture booth has Baea
installed. aIT
The offices Of the theater are ON the
second floor under the balconyh,%fth
direct stairway to Forty-irst Street.