New Britain herald., 1928-02-21
.RUSSWIN LYCEUM IS $ YEARS OLD
Opened by Rose Coashm on
 February &, 1898

The Russwin Lyceum theater, where nearly all of the prominent actors and attractions were seen in former days, was formally opened to the public 35 years ago today. Rose Coghlan appeared in Sardou's Dip lomacy'' on that eventful night of February 2l, 1883. and one of the most fashionable audiences which ever attended a theatrical perform ance in this city witnessed her pro- duction and pronounced 1t the best which had been seen here in num- Der of years.
 Until the opening of this play house the old Opera House of the late w. W. Hanna, which is now the Palace theater, was the only theater in the city, and many a notable pro- duction had been staged there, but
 the house was falling upon evil days and burlesque shows were becoming
 more numerous than any other type
 of show. Consequently the opening
 of the Russwin Lyceum was a
 long g-heralded and much-anticipated
 event. AS the Herald of the follow
 ing evening said, Tt is . pretty
 house and a more fashionable audi
 ence never sat under the roof of a
 New Britain theater. Ladies hand
 somely gowned occupied the boxes
 with their escorts and in the audi torium and first balcony were seated many of the most prominent people in town"
 In describing the theater, the Herald stated, ITO look at the ex- terior of the Russwin Lyceum one would never think of the beauty and exquisite finish of the interior. The outside walls are very plain but as you open one of the three large doors in front you step into the vesti- Lule with its matted floor and beau- tifully painted ceiling. To the right and left you sec the massive stair ways covered with carpet. Go up and you find them brilliantly lighted and on the first landing Is a prom brass poles are suspended from which hang in graceful folds drap- ings of valour (sic.) Draw them aside and you see several rows of seats many of which are upholster- ed. The entrance to the second bal cony is from the outside. The stairs are covered with mating and the landing with linoleum.
 But let us step down into the au- ditorium. The cloak room is to the
 left of the entrance and the box of 1 fee to the right. Open the doors from the vestibule and you see the prettiest part of the house. The seats are separated from the rear wall by plush mounted railing. There are three aisles leading through the lower part of the house, all covered with moquette carpet. as is the floor of the orchestra circle. The seats are all upholstered. There The floors are also carpeted and the draperies are of two shades of bro- caded plush, and the railings are of solid brass. The portieres at the fire escape are also draped with flax valour, which hangs from solid brass poles.
 Looking up at the ceiling you see beautiful painting of Aurora and the Muses" just above the stage. The walls are decorated in very soft tints of salmon and cream color and are very pleasing to the eye. The orchestra have a pretty place inside railing and are below the level of the auditorium. Faust (By q curious coincidence the attraction at the Opera House the same night was s burlesque of Faust and a wretch ed one at that) The stage is large and is well furnished with beauti- tul scenery. A large Byzantine rug, 12 by IS feet, occupied the middle of the stage last night and was sur rounded with several smaller ones. The stage carpet is of two colors- green and russet. to match the chairs. The theater is lighted by several chandeliers and 1t would be hard to find a prettter place."