Exhibitors Herald (1927)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 39 December 24, 1927 New Albee House Costing 4 Million Will Open Soon THE new $4,000,000 Albee theatre in Cincinnati is scheduled to open on December 24. The Albertina Rasch Girls will head the presentation bill with an elaborate dancing act and Will J. Ward, noted Broadway comedian, will be master of ceremonies. The theatre, one of the finest playhouses in the United States, is second to none in the matter of interior arrangement for comfort, convenience, beauty of furnishings and decorations and ultra-modern theatrical equipment. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 4,000 and although designed primarily as a first class motion picture house, the stage, equipped with all the very latest devices in lighting effects and electrical mechanism, is capable of accommodating a large theatrical production. A movable pit for the orchestra and pipe organ, so that players and instruments can be lowered out of sight or raised to stage level, is a feature. * * * Charm and good taste are in evidence from the moment one steps into the spacious lobby, with its walls of green-veined Vermont marble, its gorgeous crystal chandelier and its imposing double staircase leading to the balcony floor. The inner corridors are cozy lounges, with inviting chairs and couches, and numerous fine paintings and other objects of art, personally selected by E. F. Albee, placed at advantageous points. At the rear of the first floor is another double staircase in marble and bronze. The walls of the auditorium and foyers are of light gray, with huge panels of cerise-colored silk brocade, and the long, graceful draperies in the boxes are of the same shade. The panel borders and other decorations are in silver and gold tones, with crystal candelabra and hanging lamps adding a finishing touch of richness. Concealed lights in the balcony railing provide a mellow illumination. Over and above all is the gorgeous gold and silver dome, stretching like a star-studded canopy of ornate design. Rest rooms for men and women patrons partake of the richness of an exclusive club and the comfort of a private boudoir. The smoking rooms for men are paneled in dark woods and the furnishings are in keeping with the masculine ideals of perfect convenience. The women’s apartments are in bright and cherry designs, and in addition to adequate smoking accommodations, there are cosmetic rooms on the various floors, walled with mirrors and equipped with numerous individual dressing tables. Ample telephone facilities also are provided. * * * Backstage and basement regions are equally inviting. Dressing rooms for the players, in addition to dainty, well-lighted makeup tables and clean and adequate wardrobe space, contain pedestal washstands and shower closets. A billiard and reading room, a nursery for children of players, a kitchen and dinette for those wishing to get their own meals, laundry and pressing rooms and a passenger elevator from the stage to dressing-room levels are among other provisions for the performers. Welfare of all the other employes likewise has been carefully considered. An orchestra of 22 players skilled in both jazz and classic interpertations, under the direction of Harry Willsey, will provide the music, with Hy. C. Geis at the organ. SERVICE QUALITY SILENCE High standards of efficiency maintained by the modern theatre necessitate and demand Vallen Noiseless Curtain Controls and All-Steel Tracks The Strong Reflector Arc Lamp Manufactured by THE STRONG ELECTRIC CO. 2501 Lagrange Street Toledo, Ohio