New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-08-31
CAPITOL THEATER
HAS GALA Opening
New Playhouse Charms Capacity
Audience on Opening Night
(By Herald RevieMarl.

Contaras Bros. q Perakos are to be
congratulated for giving to New
Britain the beautiful, modern and up-
to-date Capitol theater on West Main
street and presenting on the opening
night a gala performance of big time
vaudeville. which, without a doubt,
was the best ever seen in this city.
The theater, which is entirely reno
waited, including lighting effects,
scenery, new lobby and marquee
bordering on the street, presents an
attractive appearance. Beautiful
bouquets and Baskets of flowers were
in place in the lobby, in the theater
proper and on the stage last evening
as tokens of appreciation of the work
of the owners and managers from
many businessmen and intimate
friends. Mayor and Mrs. Angelo M.
Paonessa occupied box with other
city officials, while on the opposite
side city court officials and represen-
tatives in the legislature with repre-
sentatives of the press were seated.
Considerable credit should be given
the theater orchestra which, under
the direction of David Mathewson,
presented an excellent musical score
to the feature picture, 1.-THE Bright
Shawl" and for each of the seven
vaudeville acts. The music was a
treat and a big asset in the success of
the opening performance of the new
playhouse.
The vaudeville, booked through the
b. +. Keith office in New York, was
the best bill ever seen in New Britain
and hardly person left the theater
until the curtain rang down on the
last act at 1925 o'clock this morning.
Rose Selden & Bro. opened the bill
with novelty act of hoop throwing,
balancing and juggling. Miss Selden
was pretty and worked in harmony
with her brother. Her balancing
with her right hand upon her
brothers head was a difficult feat
which brought forth rounds of ap-
plause. The act took three curtains
and two bows.
Miss Bobby Folsom and Jack Denny
with their. Metropolitan orchestra in
modern music and songs, with the
assistance Of little Traps at the
drums, was the feature act of the
lHC pOyS tHC
indeed know how to handle their in
struments and 1t seemed as though
they couldn't give the audience
enough of what it wanted--music
Miss Folsom appeared as a soloist |
Mr.. Denny was leader of the orchestra |
Ind played with them in most of their
,umbers on one Of the two pianos on
he stage. Although 1t has been seen
N stages in larger cities it is the first
ine that the novelty of two players,
alking to each other by means of
heir instruments, was seen in New
Britain. This act took several en-
ores and curtains At the last en-
ore Traps" who has been seen here
,efore, made his appearance. AL
hough the boy is said to be but five
ears old, he is marvel with the
runs.
Dotson, the dancer, who has also
zen seen in New Britain at a pre-
ious time, scored heavily with his
ancing bits Another turn to receive
he hearty approval of the first night
RS was Murray and Alan in testers
( Three Thousand Years Ago" This
air possesses good voices and be-
ause of their comedy antics in song
nd jest they were obliged to respond
} three encores
Mabel Harper & Co., although
econd on the bill were one of the
iggest hits of the evening. Her
arious limitations and characterize
ons of bashful, country and then
ty girls, were refreshing and de-
ght to the tired mind.
william Mason, billed as Smiling
illy Mason, the movie star who has
cen seen here in Christy and Key
one comedies, made his first stage
opearance in New Britain. He was
SISTED by Miss Alice Forrest at the
ano and presented a singing, talking
i'd piano turn which was well re-
lived.
The vaudeville was concluded by
d, Janis & Co., assisted by Carmen
ecker. Rita Jarvis, Alice Van Allen /.
I'd Peggy White. Mr.. Janis is
nicer of repute on the vaudeville =
age and he added to his reputation
rough his difficult feats last night.
Is limitations of the late George
.imrose and James Barton, now
airing in "Ded-Drop Inn" on Broad
Nv. we're decided hits. The girls In
q company not only display grace
d form but are good dancers. An
ai,,,dusl Epyptian number was well