The Exhibitor (October 15, 1920)

22 'THE EXHIBITOR,” OCTOBER 15, 1920 The Capitol , Wilkes-Barre, Last Word in Theatre Construction Every Improvement Known to Building Construction Included in Sumptuous Amusement Edifice The Capitol occupies a site facing on the north side of Public Square adjoining the Fort Durkee Hotel, long a rendezvous for film men and others engaged in the theatrical profession. Located in the heart of the city, which in turn is the heart of the anthracite coal fields, and also the county seat of Luzerne County, the Capitol will undoubtly prove the popular playhouse for the thousands of Wyoming Valley residents who frequent Wilkes-Barre, not only for business purposes, but for amusement as well. The easy access to the theatre is an asset that cannot be discounted — few up-state theatres in their respective towns enjoying such an ideal location has been selected for this vast amusement temple. Handsome Lobby Permits of Conspicuous Displays The entrance is so arranged as to allow a diversified display of stills, photos and other advertising accessories which are sure to be enriched by the costly backgrounds provided. The lobby is finished in marble and ceramic tile, this finish continuing up the spacious stairway leading to the first mezzanine. To give tone to this inviting appearance, the decorations, including the soundingboard, dome and other portions of interior artistry, are in subdued color schemes, the prevailing shades being soft gray, rose and blue. The walls are enriched by a gorgeous panel design tapestried in harmony with the entire interior. The silver-gray finish of the doors, casings and individual sets are in keeping with the blend of decorations. Many Comforts and Conveniences Provided The first mezzanine is noteworthy for :.ts numerous conveniences. Retiringrooms, telephone booths, rest alcoves and other accommodations will provide for those seeking rest or relaxation from any indisposition which may overtake them while attending the theatre. The spacious quarters provided on this floor will also serve another purpose, that of caring for any overflow that might occur when the 2600 seats are occupied before the finale of any of the earlier performances. From the first mezzanine a stairway graces the way to the second mezzanine, where the handsomely furnished offices of the management are situated. Commodious in every respect, natural light is enjoyed in this unique department of the mammoth structure. The Auditorium and Stage The entire auditorium in front of the balcony lighted by a new effect that will lend its rays from the balcony front where concealed reflectors send forth a gusher of rays. This eliminates any glare or reflection which often affects those seated in the rear of a theatre beyond the balcony edge. This new system of lighting illuminates the proscenium arch, private boxes, sounding board, etc., thus adding a lustre to the handsome mural decorations that arrest the eye. The balcony arrangement is quite as distinctive as many of the other new features characterizing the house. Spacious aisles, divided by a series of handsome brass railings, are so arranged as to care for any private parties wishing to occupy the loges. The seats throughout the hou ;e are large, comfortable and are so arranged as to assure the utmost comfort even to the most critical. The stage, said to be one of the most perfectly arranged in the country, is lighted by the X-ray illumination, an innovation in the Wilkes-Barre region, and all other appliances are equally as modern in their design, thus assuring complete satisfaction from the very important functions that the stage is called upon to provide. Novel Lighting Effects The lighting of the theatre has been carefully planned. Indirect lights will cast their rays in various color schemes from the dome, ceiling, cove and balcony and are so arranged that a dimmer effect can be applied from the brightest glare to a glowing graduation to meet the requirements of any stage-setting, fadeouts, etc. The heating and ventilating system is thoroughly modern, being that of the Webster vacuum type and was installed at a great expense. The hot blast arrangement for use in the cold season will supply thirty cubic feet of warm, fresh air to each occupant every minute, and in the summer season the chilled fresh air will be supplied in the same proportion by a huge fan installed under the auditorium and supplied by an air duct from the roof of the building thus assuring purity. The ducts that will carry the warm and cold air throughout the theatre are so arranged to kill any possible chance of a draught on the audiences. Exits that lead the way in easy access back to the heart of the city are so arranged to meet any emergency and their construction gives every evidence of being planned under the same scrutiny that prevailed even to the most delicate part of the theatre. The floor-coverings, tapestries, and other material interior decorations have been selected with a care that denotes delicacy of thought and no regard as to expense. The site of the theatre proper is on a plot enclosed by Public Square and East Market Street and is diagonally across from the Savoy and sets side-to side with the Strand, although facing in an entirely different direction, the older and smaller house being fronting on East Market Street. Policy of the Capitol Special Music a Feature The management lays particular stress on the musical programs to be rendered each day. In addition to the eighteenpiece orchestra, a very modern and specially constructed Kimball organ will furnish the accompaniment to the programs and overtures. Continuous Shows Daily The policy of the house as announced for the opening is motion pictures, vaudeville and concert attractions. Openingeach day at 1 P. M., the program will run continuously until 11. The opening day, however, the first performance was commenced at 7 o’clock P. M. Popular Prices Prevail The scale of prices is in popular accord with the masses from which the Capitol will draw its audiences. Matinees will be scheduled as follows: Balcony, 20 cents; orchestra, 30 cents. Evenings, balcony, 30 cents; orchestra, 50 cents. Opening Attractions That the picture is the chief attraction nowadays in houses of a mixed program policy, was evident in the opening programs arranged for the Capitol. Norma Talmadge, in her recent First National release “Yes Or No?”, was the offering for the first three days, with a Paramount-Mack Sennett comedy, “It’s A Boy,” as a supplemented film feature. The bill rounded out with the followingvaudeville: Grace Adamas, prima donna, operatic star; Emery Quintette, musicians; Primrose Revue, black-face minstraly. The second half of the week featured Douglas Fairbanks in his latest United Artists release, “The Mollycoddle,” and “Metro’s first Buster Keaton comedy, “One Week,” together with the followingvaudeville: Adams & Long, dancers; Four Damons, singers; Thornton Flynn & Co., novelty act. If your audience likes thrills — book “THE INVISIBLE RAY”