Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

THEATRE EQUIPMENT Spanish Architecture Faithfully Reproduced in Orpheum Theatre Newest Wichita, Kas., Playhouse Embraces Many Distinctive Features of Design and Furnishing The Orpheum, newest of Wichita, Kansas, theatres, which, in connection with the large office building of which it is a part was erected at a cost of $800,000, is a strikingly fine example of Spanish architecture. Colorful and picturesque Spanish design prevails throughout, distinctive and breathing of realism, yet striking a happy medium that makes it neither obtrusive nor overdone. It has been declared among the most beautiful and cleverly artistic playhouses of its kind. The result is the achievement of Architect John Eberson, Chicago, after exhaustive research and the aid of famous artists of Spain and Italy. The Orpheum is leased by Central States Amusement Company, and was officially opened on September 4. The building is situated at the corner of First and Lawrence. Six pairs of large doors, protected by an ornamental metal marquise, greet the observer at the entrance. The ceiling of the lobby is carried in elaborate Spanish faience in vivid colors of burnt orange, green, blue, old rose and gray. It is illuminated with clusters of electric lights in polychrome colors and unique design. The wall of the room is mottled gray. The radiators are concealed in recesses hidden behind rusty iron grills, over which are small niches where are to be found the posters of attractions. There are polychrome light brackets on either side of these niches with a fixture of Spanish design suspended from the center of each niche. Lobby Floor in Designs The floor of the lobby is tile of elaborate design in exceptional colors. On the north side of the lobby are the box offices with castiron grills in polychrome colors and art glass windows. On each side of the pilasters are ornamental light fixtures with colored lights. Five pairs of doors to the east give entrance into the vesti bule, the walls of which are ornamental with full length mirrors in ornamental frames, treated in orange and green. On the north side of the vestibule art marble stairs lead to the mezzanine floor and on the east, three pairs of metal doors lead to the foyer. The floor of the foyer is carpeted in old rose which harmonizes perfectly with the decorations of the walls and ceiling. On the south wall between the four exit doors are rich seats upholstered in old rose, which conceal the radiators and over which are mirrors with ornamental plaster frames. On the mezzanine floor are to be a ladies' retiring room, nursery, men's smoking room, the offices of the management of the theatre and a large niche which adds materially to the beauty of the room. Walls Match Furniture The walls of the men's smoking room are of Tiffany decoration in stippled leather design to match the leather upholstery of the furniture, the wood portions of which are in dusty walnut. In this room, as in the other rooms on this floor, is a heavy ornamental plaster cornice, done in burnt orange, old ivory and black. The tiled floor of the smoking room is old ivory and deep red with black View showing sky and Spanish housetops. Note tile roof. borders. The room is mechanically ventilated. The walls of the ladies' retiring room are carried in stippled old ivory and deep yellow, matching the furniture which is upholstered in similar colors, stripped in yellow and black. Opening off the room are marble toilets and lavatories. Nursery a Feature In the nursery adjoining the ladies' retiring room are cribs for the smaller children with toys and amusement devices for the older ones. When a child is left with the maid in this room, the mother is given a check for it and in turn the maid notes the number of the mother's seat so she may be called without unnecessary disturbance, in the event that her presence in the nursery is necessary. To the north of the mezzanine is the niche, with recesses in which are electrical floor lamps. The niche is fitted up with artistic lounging furniture in dusty walnut, upholstered in old rose, black and gold. The ceiling of the mezzanine is paneled in blue, burnt orange and yellow. At either end of the mezzanine floor art marble stairs lead to the rear of the balcony and on either side of the niche marble stairs lead to the mezzanine floor of the balcony. The doors and transoms of the mezzanine floor are profusely treated in art glass in deep red, yellow and old ivory with coats of arms. High backed old rose upholstered chairs surmounted by lighting fixtures render less severe the four columns at the north of the mezzanine. The foyer is sepa r a t e d from the main auditorium by a balustrade treated in dusty walnut, blue, green and old rose. Villa Effect Is Unique On each side of t h e balcony is a Spanish house, with two pairs of doors. Apparently they are entrances to the houses, but in reality they are emergency exits from the