The Colt Memorial Ballroom: –
In 1894 Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt was the
undisputed queen of Hartford's industrial, economic
and social elite.
Following the untimely death of her husband,
Samuel, Elizabeth found herself running a virtual empire. She
then tragically lost her only son, Caldwell. Mrs. Colt
undertook the creation of America's most exquisite
memorial. She began by hiring one Edward Tuckerman Potter.
Potter's works express a near architectural-geometric mysticism.
He was a geometric wizard known for making precise use of Phi -
the golden section, of an ancient ratio based on square sections
known as ad-quadratum, the Ivy, the pentalpha - nearly forgotten
geometric symbols woven into a tapestry of the larger building.
He undertook to ornately decorate this magnificent building with
nautical carvings - reflective of Caldwells love of sailing and
the sea.
Restored to pristine beauty in 1995, this building is
spectacular to behold. Seeing a quality musical in this location
is a true treat. One can easily spend an hour just observing
countless details of ornamentation. There are numerous 'finds';
carved figures, inscriptions, even quotes, paintings and tracts.
We are very fortunate to have this building and
to have a company running musicals in such a great location,
this is truly one of Connecticut's best finds.
The Warner Theatre, Torrington: –
One of the Grand 1930's Movie Palaces, the
Warner has recently been restored to pristine condition.
Running
great musical shows it is a treat to sit in such a spectacular
setting. Just entering this theatre is a pleasure. The theatre features rich mahogany, Art Deco murals and designs,
etched glass chandeliers. The Warner runs many
musicals throughout the season. These quality shows are enhanced
by great sound and a pristine 30's Deco Setting
Seating 1700, this is a nicely sized theatre. Acoustics are well
done - sound is routinely perfect. All seats afford good stage
views,
The Warner boasts one of the finest, if not The finest, Deco
Style restored settings in the nation. This is not a theatre to
miss.
The magnificence of the Deco era is profoundly felt in this
theatre. Fine detail is present all around. Seats are
comfortable. The theatre is new, clean and a treasure.
The Garde Theatre, New London: –
Built in 1926 and restored to pristine condition, the Garde is a
spectacular and rare Moroccan style theatre. With hand crafted
murals,
The Garde's original Moorish decor and palatial design of the
theatre and lobby was typical of "exotic" movie palaces of the
1920's that attempted to create a far-off land of mystery,
romance and glamour. The Egyptian, Oriental, and Aztec themes of
many movie palaces reflect the fascination of that time with
archaeological discoveries and lost worlds. The overall affect
was to treat ordinary citizens of the depression era like
royalty providing them a true Hollywood escape from their daily
lives. Audiences of that era came to see the theatre as much as
the movie.
Seating 1458, this theatre has good views all around. The
theatre is a pleasure to behold. There are few theatre
experiences that compare to the unique national treasure that is
the Garde.
Connecticut is fortunate to have this grand, beautiful and
meticulous theatre.
The Lobby features moorish decor, lavish plantings, and earthly
colors.
Even walking through the hall is a pleasure - there is no part
of the Garde that is
without spectacular beauty and splendor.
The Garde runs a Broadway Series which includes some of the best
traveling shows in the nation. The sound system is flawless,
seats are comfortable. Facilities are clean and well maintained.
The
Waterbury Palace
There is no grander Theater than the Palace. The Palace is,
simply, without equal. Designed by the Great Thomas Lamb, the
Palace is breath taking. The gilded Marble entrance foyer, the
white marble stairways, and numerous other touches, create a
grand Theatre that can stand with any in the world.
The Palace is impossible to describe - one must experience it.
Seeing a picture can barely capture the feel of the place. One
is transported into an era impossible to duplicate.
