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It had a way of drawing them near.. this massive structure.
It's facade of carved stone stretched a span of four stories high. Archways
that marked the massive entrance guarded by statues, stone angles with
hands outstretched the darkened heaven's, poised in various positions.
Expressions of lament forever captured upon stone countenance. But the
true irony caught one's eye above to where the spotlights trained in
yellowed light. Devilish creatures played upon the Theatre's dome, shadows
cast around their deep features. Mirthful daemons resembling crouched
human's with clawed wings expending from their hunched bodies. All their
craved eyes poised to stare downward as they groped at the edge, poised
to the eyes of their tortured rival's. The symbolism of evil's triumph
of good was perfected as the city grew with industrial power around
the Theatre. Originally it had been built in 1875, no renovations to
the exterior since then. The pollution over the course of the years
had stained the stone a murky color. It darkened every crevice. The
eyes of the angles wept tears of clung dirt. And so yet again the Theatre
won, deemed obsolete, it's contrast was completed.
Dare to step beyond the archways and you should find yourself under an overhand of stone. It's ceiling rose like a cavern. The massive double doors resembled those of a cathedral, cut of ancient wood, borders within borders, holding erraticate designs craved deep within the grain. The iron handles set towards the middle, their blackened metal forever chilled no matter what the weather. Heavy, these doors creak upon their rusted hinges as they are pressed open, an ominous sound that automatically echoes within the marbled lobby. Here one finds a massive gold chandelier hanging centered within the rectangular room. The lights glow so dimly it's nearly impossible to see the elaborate designs woven within the ruby carpet. Small doors line each end of the lobby, a booth built not to far from the door, perhaps where one would have bought tickets up until 1989. The year the Theatre was officially closed for business. Never mind these smaller doors which certainly lead to service corridors or perhaps a balcony. Set directly centered beyond the golden chandelier and it's dim lights lay another arched double door similar to the entrance. These swung open, held by unknown force. Stepping over the threshold one would surely feel their breath robbed. For here, here is auditorium. The air is chilled almost uncomfortably, far from stale or musty as one might of expected. Ruby carpets manifested from the lobby down the aisles between velvet seats. Rows upon rows spread downward towards the rail of the orchestra pit. The stage itself made of high polished wood, stained a darkened maple. Heavy crimson velvet serves as the backdrop curtain, edged with blackened candelabras housing burning candles. Although above lay a line of dormant spotlights, deep in a slumber, yearling to bathe that stage once more in their colored light. Now.. midway down the center aisle, one can look up each side of the massive walls and find balconies of private box seats. Each equipped with velvet curtains similar to the one on stage, some drawn open elegantly upon soft ropes. Each railing is hand carved of oak, patterns overlaid and overlaid in a spiraling manner, these railings alone must have took years to complete. Turning around, the main balcony would be noticed as it overhangs the back of the Theatre creating a pool of shadow. Here the railing is simply metal, the rungs resembling snakes as they intertwine together in an endless dance. The Theatre could definatly seat 2100+ people. Above, the dome painted religiously to look like a slightly warped version of heaven.. Cherubs are frozen in a dance amid clouds. So realistic is the artwork that you can almost feel it. In the background a palace lies colored in bone white. But again that irony repeats itself as one of clouds painted above this godly palace seems a little darker than the rest. Only those who stare upward at this painting long enough with the risk of getting a kink in their necks will see that.. it is truly not a cloud that taints the palace. But a mass of withering bodies hued in soft grays. The main balcony and box seats can be reached via the separate doors off the lobby. Private hallways line the auditorium unseen, staircases here spiraled to lead the majority of guest to the balcony, or if you prefer an elevator was built a decade before the closing of this Theatre. Fortunately, provided with power, the elevator works. Unfortunately. it is not very safe. Now, back to the main floor itself, a more private stairwell set
on the back wall of the Theatre lead's guest to the main balcony as
well. But attention will now be focused to the stage, and what is
rarely seen by the normal patron. Assume you've chosen to venture
beyond the orchestra pit, up to the very stage itself. Further beyond
the velvet curtains that seem even heavier to part than the doors.
Here is the backstage area. A massive holding area for props. What
remains back here are a few trunks, empty racks of clothes holding
only wooden hangers. To one side is a small staircase. It winds up
to a room built level with the curtains, side. Here one finds the
controls for the lights above the stage, controls to open the curtains,
and controls for a sound system that stretches from lobby to auditorium
should no orchestra be present. The room holds a small desk and chair,
and tinted window overlooks the Theatre and stage, built so it may
go undetected from the outside. |