Putnam patriot., 1927-11-23
VINTON FREEDLEY
 STAGES A BIG HIT
. unny Face" Latest Produc- ton of Pomfret Manager,
 Success of Season
Also Opens Their Alvin Theatre
 Astaircs Stars
Special Correspondence To Tn,
 Putnam Patrio0

tSpeeiAl correspondence to Ihe
 Putnam Patrioo
 New York City. Nov. 23. 1927.
 A. their new Alvin Theatre m West Fifty Second Street Iast night. Messrs. Aafans X Freedley presented be- fore most enthusiastic audience their new musical comedy. Funny Face. . starring Fred and Adele Astaire. re gently popular in london and New York in Lady, h Good The new piece which was received with pro langed applause promises to become an even more popular success than any Ut the previous plays which this firm Of young producers has yet of fered 10 the metropolitan public The music, composed hy George Gershwin on Rhapsody in RIne' fame posses sed two numbers which will he whis- tied and danced To for the rest of the winter Many of the Pemfrct friends of Mir. Freedley were m the audience
 Beautiful New Theatre
 Newspaper comments this morning on the play were most enthusiastic. Fred Astaire, who has hitherto played somewhat in the shadow of his sister. received almost an ovation for his dancing. Mr. Gershwins music was pronounced by most of the critics as great" Victor Moore and Allen kearns as the two comedians were nd judged about the hest in town at the moment. High praise was given to an excellent male chorus. In short the play was pronounced sure-fire hit 2
 Much attention was attracted to the new theatre which k the property Of Messrs Aarons < FrcedleS its name heinz made up from the flst svllabIes of their Christian names.
 The facade k in Colonial desiea and is nf marble and terra edtta# presenting an appearance in kerp= ing with the dignity of it's neighh0r. the Guild Theatre which is situated directly tcross the street lnside the portals one discovers genrr 6us size lobby in black marble. and an inner lobby from which the single balcony k approached by T wide stairway This arrangement. which permits patrons of the upper tier to reach the auditorium through the same doors as the lower iiooi spectators. nevertheless eliminates the disturbance usually arising when late balcony patrons ascend to their seats via the rear of the orchestra level.
 The interior is Adams, and com. bines the delicate shades of blue ivory. gray and old gold, with mul berry hangings adorning the walls There are TOP seats on the lower floor and 67I in the balcony, with accommodation for four additional persons in each of the three boxes that grace either side of the pro scenium arch, overhanging Hhe orchestra in a manner that affords the occupant an excellent view of the stage.
 Many Innovations
 Throughout the Alvin the first nighter noticed innovations in ar. ranpements for the comfort of spec tators. Not the least of these is q large and cheerful old English lounge measuring 35Xl00, and which provides accommodations for large number of persons.
 The Alvin stage is of capacious proportions. being 35 feet deep and 100 feet wide The proscenium open. ing measures 10 feet wide and the distance to the Rridiron is 68 feet The orchestra pit Is arranged Co seat forty musicians eeHtortable with out the cellist being compelled to puneture the ribs of the flute player
 Dressing rooms to the number Of twenty provide for a maximum of l5O persons, and there are two chorus rest rooms and large rehearsal hall. Plans for the Alvin were drawn by Herbert J. Krapp.