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Pantages' New Theatre Opened to Public under Auspicious Conditions


Salt Lake Telegram, 21 November 1920, page 11

Salt Lake's newest theatre and Alexander Pantages' latest achievement, pronounced by critics one of the finest theatres in America, was opened last night.  A notable gathering of persons prominent in the social, business and official life of the state was there to view the beautiful edifice.  In the words of President Heber J. Grant of the L. D. S. church, who was one of the invited guests, the new theatre marks a distinct step in Salt Lake's artistic progress.

The new theatre was placed at the service of the Salt Lake public in a few words by the man who built it at a cost of more than half a million dollars.  In doing so he gave credit to the staff of builders he has assembled about him in the erection of many new houses.

“Salt Lake, through its liberal patronage of the theatre, has made this possible,” said Mr. Pantages, standing before the footlights.  “You gave it to me, and I now give it to you. I hope it will always stand for the best possible in vaudeville.”

Flattering Reception

The reception accorded Mr. Pantages was a flattering one.  Mrs. Pantages, who sat in a front box and who has worked side by side with her husband in the struggle to make Pantages vaudeville a leader, came in for a great deal of attention.

The house was bedecked with flowers.  They came from friends and acquaintances of Mr. and Mrs. Pantages both in Salt Lake and elsewhere, and many tributes were received for Architect B. Marcus Petrica, who designed the theatre, and J. E. Gilbert, who superintended the construction.  They filled the lobby and foyer.  They gave it a touch of beauty to a scene already lovely.

Several hundred guests, who included state, county and city officials, filled the boxes and the loges on invitation.  The remainder of the house was filled, while hundreds thronged the mezzanine balcony and crowded the lounging rooms.  Even after the house had been emptied for the second performance and filled again, there were still many left standing in the foyer.

Players Enthusiastic

Out in front there were expressions of wonderment at what modern theatre construction and decoration mean.  Back stage, the player folk were none the less enthusiastic.

“We were nervous at first,” they said, “because it is just like a first night.  The warmth of the greeting given us quickly dispelled this feeling, however, because we, too, realized that we were participating in a great event and an artistic triumph.”

It was back stage where the real heart of the theatre beats that the true meaning of the new theatre was most evident.

Martha Graham, the dancer, was outspoken in her praise.

“There is something warm and dear to me in this house,” she said.  “I sensed it the moment I stepped on the boards and I shall never forget it.  I think it is the finest theatre I have ever played in.  I am sure that it is a setting fit to bring forth the best of any player who visits it.”

Jan Rubini, violinist, was no less enthusiastic in his praise.

“It is an inspiration alone to play in this theatre,” he said.  “I thought when I faced the audience in the Los Angeles theatre that I was in a beautiful theatre that should call forth my best efforts.  I think this theatre is even more beautiful.”

Reception to Pantages

In the foyer, between shows and after the final curtain, a [laves?] was held with Mr. and Mrs. Pantages as the central figures.  Scores of messages came in from distant cities testifying to the fact that the vaudeville world of America knew that a real opening was taking place in Salt Lake.

Perhaps the message most highly prized was one from Lloyd Pantages, the 12-year-old son of the vaudeville king.  It said:

“Dear Father – Congratulations upon one of your most splendid achievements – the Salt Lake house.  The family have elected me as spokesman to extend congratulations.  Love and long success.”

Carmen Elrene and Rodney Alexander Pantages, the other two children, are with Lloyd in Los Angeles.

Among the other telegrams of congratulations received were the following:

From Marcus Loew

Marcus Loew of the Marcus Loew theatrical enterprises – “May success attend the opening of your new theatre.”

E. F. Albee, head of Keith & Procter circuit – “Please accept my congratulations and good wishes on the opening of your new theatre in Salt Lake.  The Western country has much to be thankful for in the way of amusement provided by your energy, money and your personal management.”

J. J. Murdock, general manager for the same concerns – “I sincerely regret my inability to be present at the opening of your new theatre.  I wish you, however, all the good luck and prosperity the world can extend.”

The Los Angeles chamber of commerce – “The Los Angeles chamber of commerce wishes to express to you its congratulations and well wishes on the opening of your thirty-first theatre in Salt Lake this evening.  We are proud that you are a citizen of Los Angeles and a member of our chamber of commerce and the fact that you have organized and built your theatre without the issuance of stocks and bonds.”

From the L. A. Times

The Los Angeles Times, through Harry Chandler, general manager – “Congratulations on the successful completion of the newest link in your chain of modern theatres, Los Angeles and your home and headquarters of your circuit is bound to take particular pride in each new link to the chain through your success in financing unaided such a splendid circuit of modern playhouses.  You have earned the confidence and cooperation of the people who do things throughout the whole territory where your theatres exist.”

Other wires were received from John C. Sweet, head of the Minneapolis house, and business associate of Mr. Pantages; Edward A. Dickson, editor of the Los Angeles Express; the Los Angeles Evening Herald, through Guy Price, dramatic editor; John M. Quinn, general manager of Vitagraph, New York; J. C. Flagg, business manager of the Los Angeles Record, and Ed Milne, wiring on behalf of the whole Pantages staff.