THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1823, 24 December 1879, Page 3

THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

As considerable alterations have been made in tho building once known as the Gaiety Theatre, but which has new been called the Academy of Music, perhaps a slight sketch of what has been done may prove interesting to playgoers. Mr Ogdon has made out of, perhaps as ugly a building, inside and out, as could well be conceived, a really elegant bijou theatre, one which for completeness of decoration and comfort cannot be equalled in New Zealand. The old gallery has been entirely swept away, and in its place is a handsome dress circle with horse shoe sweep, fitted with boxes on a plan entirely now here, but very popular in America. These are what may be called dwarf boxes, inasmuch as tho partition between them does not reach to the ceiling as in the ordinary boxes but only some three feet from the floor. At tho back of these boxes, of which there are e'oven, in the circle, runs a promenade, the backs being high, so us to enable any one who may wish to converse with the occupants to do so. These boxes are sure to become popular for parties. The centre of tho horseshoe part of the circle is reserved for chairs, and behind this again, on tier platforms, are placed rows of chairs up to the back. Two large proscenium boxes, elegantly furnished and fitted, occupy the corners of the circle on either side. Entrance to tho dress circle is from Cathedral square by a short staircase, the ticket office being at the entrance, and totally distinct from the other portions of the house. On the opposite side, near the Theatre Royal side, is another staircase, which can be uied, when occasion requires, for ingress to or egress from tho dress circle. At the foot of this is a nicely fitted ladies’ retiring room, Ths decorations of the circle are very tasteful; the upholstery being of crimson damask. The unsightly rafters have been hidden by a handsome panelled ceiling, which not only adds greatly to the elegance of the theatre, but also acts as a great improvement to its acoustic properties. The stalls are enclosed by a curved partition from the pit, and will be seated with new chairs. Outside a covered way has been built from the front of the building to the stalls door, so that the inconvenience of draughts will be removed. The pit has been seated very comfortably, ample room being given to all, and foot rests provided. Throughout no expanse or trouble hss been spared to render tho Academy of Music a very comfortable place of amusement. It will be opened on Friday evening with tho burlesque of “ Galatea ” and a pantomime. For the former Mr Towle has arranged some exceedingly pretty music, and Mr Nicholson’s scenery for the latter, particularly the transformation scene, ought to receive duo appreciation. The architect under whose supervision the alterations have been carried out is Mr J. W. Drewett; tha contractor, Mr T. J. Gee ; and the decorative artist, Mr R. Atkinson,