Few communities the size of Southbridge and not many much larger in population can boast as commodious, comfortable and completely appointed a house of amusement as the new Strand Theatre on Elm Street which is to be opened to the public tomorrow evening. In beauty of design and finish, size of stage and completeness of its equipment, as well as its contribution to the comfort of its patrons, the theatre is unsurpassed in this section of the state.
Locally Owned
The Strand Theatre has been constructed and equipped by the Blanchard Brothers Co. of this town who for nearly fifteen years have contributed so largely to the entertainment and social enjoyment of the people of Southbridge and its environs. It is a purely local institution owned and operated by native sons of the community whose efforts to contribute to the social and educational side of community life are deserving of the patronage and cooperation of the public.
The new theatre is located on Elm Street in the rear of the Blanchard block in the spacious building formerly known as the Hippodrome, which was erected by the Blanchard Brothers more than ten years ago and which was the largest public hall in Southern Worcester County. So complete has been the transformation, however, from the hall to the modern theatre, that none who enter will recognize the once-popular dance hall and place of indoor athletic amusement. Everything possible has been done for the convenience and comfort of the theatre-going public and the enjoyment as well as comfort of the people has been kept in mind throughout the conversion of the Hippodrome into the Strand.
Spacious Lobby
The main approach to the theatre is through a covered lobby more than 125 feet in length leading from the sidewalk on Elm Street to the entrance of the Main building. The lobby is constructed of cement and is sixteen feet in height and sixteen feet in width. Its interior walls are finished in gray and the ceiling is in blue to represent the sky with white cloud effects tastefully matching the interior of the main theatre. The lobby is divided into three sections by ornamental French doors and at the farther end, near the main entrance to the theatre, are the ticket offices and service rooms, which insure the prompt and orderly handling of the large crowds desiring to purchase tickets. The floor of the lobby is of cement and terra cotta and was the work of Frank Nichols of this town. An ornamental and brilliantly lighted marquise is to be erected over the entrance to the lobby and the sidewalk, which will materially add to the ornamental appearance and attractiveness of the entrance.
As one enters the main structure, on the right are restrooms, toilets and lavatories for both men and women and above these the projection booth from which the motion pictures will be thrown upon the screen. The booth and its equipment are of the most modern type and are not excelled by any similar equipment in any theatre.
Beautiful Interior
But it is the theatre property, which is certain to attract the greatest
attention. The beauty of design and architecture is certain to prove a
pleasant surprise and source of wonder to all who have not yet been privileged
to look upon it. The transformation of the inornate Hippodrome into a theatre
of brilliant lights, tastefully blended colors and gorgeous hangings, is
almost beyond belief. The roof of the theatre is arched and is finished
in blue with white cloud effects, giving one the idea of being out under
the open sky. The walls are finished in gray with occasional sands of blue
in keeping with the ceiling, and the effect of the whole is restful and
agreeable. High up in the vaulted roof are huge clusters of powerful electric
lights, which when in full brilliance, light the entire theatre to its
farthest corner. Candelabra are set in panels along the walls at regular
distances and there are occasional green lights in the large chandeliers
which can be kept burning when the main lights are extinguished, thereby
shedding a dim and soft light throughout the theatre when semi-darkness
is desired.
Seating Capacity 1800
The theatre has a seating capacity of nearly 1800, the seats being arranged so that each commands a full and unobstructed view of the stage. Care was exercised in the selection of the type of seats, the comfort of patrons being kept in mind and, as a result, few theatres offer more comfort than this. The seats are finished in dark brown. The aisles are broad and covered with linoleum and the entire theatre presents an appearance of roominess.
At the base of the columns supporting the overarching roof are figures of the Muses and other mythological characters, which are in keeping with the frescoes on walls and cornices. On both sides of the stage and projecting well out into the auditorium but not to obscure the view from its seats, are double tier loges each loge containing twenty chairs. These loges are especially attractive, being hung with heavy damask draperies richly carpeted, resplendent with brass railings and containing period furniture.
The Stage
The stage is not only a marvel of design and equipment, but sufficiently
large to accommodate the presentation of the most elaborate productions
of the metropolitan theatres. It has a proscenium opening of forty feet
and the segment is twenty-five feet high at its loftiest point. The pilasters
on either side of the stage are rich in gilt overlaying with graceful curve.
The stage is eight-six feet wide and forty feet deep and is equipped with
complete and modern scenery.