THE SCRANTON REPUBLICAN,  Saturday, Aug, 31, 1907,  pg. 3

BEAUTIES OF THE POLI

Finishing Touches Completed, Party of Newspaper Men Were Taken on Tour of Inspection.  Had Luncheon Later.

With the finishing touches completed, Poll's quarter million dollar theater was subjected to the wondrous gaze of press representatives last night, and although the grandeur of the newly finished amusement house was displayed almost in song, those who went through the theater last night were bewildered at the perfect embellishment of art and beauty, of vivid decoration, of rich coloring, and above all, of the comfort that is suggested in the very air itself.

Mr. S. Z. Poli, who built the theater; Mr. Docking, the manager, and Mr. Frank Ricca, who did the building, were present and displayed great satisfaction in the perfection of every detail.  The newspaper men who were taken through the theater admitted that a theater would have to be going some to beat the new Poll.

Mr. Poli now owns a chain of ten theaters through the New England states and said last night that the Scranton play house gives him the most satisfaction, and that it is the most beautiful one of the entire circuit.

The decorations are in the style of Louis XIV and Louis XV, with hand paintings as the central figures. Artists Pastore and Comineili of this city and Mr. Poli value the paintings at thousands of dollars. The decorations were selected by Mr. Poll himself, who is a painter and sculptor.

On either side of the entrance to the lobby are figures in tile, representing Music and Art.  Overhead, just inside the door, is a reproduction of Michael Angelo's famous painting, "Triumph." The doors are of solid oak finished in cherry, with emblems on either side representing theatrical art.

The lobby is surrounded on all sides by immense plate glass mirrors that make a gorgeous effect. On the ceiling is an oil painting representing "Festivity," the original of which is found in the palace Pitti in Florence. The original painting was done by Raphael.

Leading from the lobby, or grand foyer, on either side are stairways which are the entrance to the balcony, while directly ahead is the entrance to the orchestra floor.

Rich and vivid coloring done in Louis XIV style, is enhanced by the effect created by subdued lights. Ornaments and allegorical figures done in Louis XIV style are in profusion, but not too frequent to mar the exquisite effect. Beautiful tableaus, rich oil paintings that seem to stand out in relief are on the side walls. On the right wall is the painting, "Tragedy,” and on the left "Music." The originals are found in the leading theater In Paris.

Directly over the edge of the stage is a huge sounding board upon which is the painting of the nine muses. The figures are excellently grouped and the effect is really a remarkable piece of work.

An elaborate mass of art, the center piece being groups of cupids representing Mirth, Music, Art and Triumph. Beautified with a most attractive chandelier, fitted up with a bevy of subdued lights, the painting required several months' work by the artists.

Ornamental relief, scroll work, cupids and floral pieces decorate the balcony and gallery ceiling. The color scheme is light vermilion, the tinting being rich and glowing. Architect Albert E. Westover, of Philadelphia, the man who designed the million dollar Keith Theater there, drew the plans for the Poll. Frank Ricca was the general contractor and he is well satisfied with the work.

Williams & McAnulty had the contract for the draperies, and the gorgeous effect created in the whole owes not a little to the rich color scheme of the draperies themselves. The curtains enhance the beauty throughout.

Gunster Brothers were awarded the contract for the steam fitting and the plumbing of the building, and it is the opinion of the owner that the plumbing work could not have been better executed. The scenery was painted by Gates & Marion, New York, and are works of art. Speigel, of this city, did the papier mache work.

The journey through the maze of beauty was the occasion for many utterances of amazement and satisfaction. After the distinct treat to the aesthetic sense, Mr. Poli acted as host at a luncheon served at Rlcca's Rathskeller and he entertained right royally.

New Academy Theater
(Photo taken in April 1924) 

The New Academy Theater, originally called the Academy of Music, was located at 237-39 Wyoming Ave in Scranton, opposite St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The attractive, state-of-the-art theater opened in 1877, seating up to 1,500 for productions featuring many prominent stage figures, including, Joseph Jefferson, Maude Adams, John Drew and Julia Marlowe. In 1911, the name was changed to the New Academy Theater, where an audience could watch either a silent movie (“photo play”), usually with piano or organ accompaniment, or a live stage production, depending on what the house booked that week.

The Poli Theatre, located at 220 Wyoming Ave., was built by Sylvester Z. Poli in 1907. The Poli was known for “high-class” vaudeville, minstrel shows and comedy acts. The Poli Players, their summer stock company, staged comedy, romance, drama, mystery and Western-themed shows.  In 1914, Mr. Poli, who had been leasing the Academy of Music for several years, made needed improvements to the stage, lighting, orchestra pit, gallery and seating.  In newspaper ads, the theater was called “Poli’s New Academy.” In that same year,  Mr. Poli decided to move all Poli Players’ shows across the street to the New Academy Theater.

This photo of the New Academy Theater was taken in April 1924 when the comedy-drama, “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” was staged there. The rustic old theater, a Scranton entertainment landmark for over five decades, closed its doors in 1930.
 - Tom Costello

Additional information about the photo:

Loftus’s Drug Store was located to the left of the theater on the first floor (note the “soda water” sign), with Ferdun’s Photography Studio directly above. The striped awning of the Grand Union Store can be seen at right, overhanging a window sign promoting “bulk soap flakes - 2 for $.35.”

In front of the theater, three large poster boards promote the current stage play, “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch,” a comic melodrama that was based on a popular 1902 novel.  Paramount released a silent film version in 1919.  The 1934 “talkie” was considered to be the best version due to a stellar cast with Pauline Lord, a renowned Broadway actress, and W. C. Fields, the popular comic actor.