Article on the Construction of the New French Theatre

     “The French Theatre, now in course of erection on Fourteenth street near Sixth Avenue, on the site of the Cremorne Gardens, is progressing very slowly. We visited the place last week and found very few workmen employed; the roof was not on, although it was to have been commenced on Jan. 31st. The Architect is Mr. Szeltzer, the same gentleman who built the Academy of Music; Jas. T. Stafford is the master carpenter and R. Randall machinist. From what we saw, we gathered the following:—There are three circles and a parquet, with seven private boxes each side of the stage. The first circle will be divided into forty palcos [sic], or private boxes, and the whole house will seat about 1200 persons. The parquet will be a very large one, and extends under the first circle. The stage is very roomy, 40 feet deep and 71 wide. The width between the proscenium is 39 feet. From fly floor to stage floor is 23 feet, and from the tie-beam to the stage is 53 feet. On the right of the stage are four dressing rooms, and in the rear of the stage is a separate building for dressing rooms, property rooms, etc.  The auditorium will be of Grecian architecture. The building fronts on Fourteenth street, is three stories high, and of pressed brick. Is 115 feet 7 inches deep and 75 wide [sic].  It is expected to be ready for occupancy about the middle of April.”