The Charlotte News, Monday, March 7, 1927

The Carolina, Finest of State's Theaters, Will Open Monday Evening

With the presentation of a program of carefully selected features, the Carolina Theater, Charlotte's newest and finest playhouse and one of the most elaborately appointed in the South, will open Monday evening, at 7 o'clock.

Arrangements have been made by the Publix Corporation, operators of the new Carolina and of the Imperial and Alhambra Theaters, here to afford the very best entertainment possible on the opening night, it has been announced.

Furnished throughout in the style of the Spanish Renaissance, the interior of the new theater is fairly laden with the atmosphere of Spain. Many thousands of dollars have been invested in antiques, imported from Spain, Italy and other countries. Single pieces, valued at hundreds of dollars, are to be seen in the lounging rooms.

Built at a cost of $600,000 by the J. H. Cutter Company here, the new Publix Theater building has been enhanced in value by its equipment to some $750,000. It is one of the most modern of the 500 theaters operated by the Publix Corporation in larger cities throughout America. It is said to be the only theater between New York and Atlanta with a refrigerating cooling system. The seating capacity is 1,800 persons and construction is fireproof throughout.

Robert Berne, noted orchestra leader, formerly associated with Paul Whiteman and a number of large musical shows, will be guest conductor of the Carolina Orchestra over an indefinite period. The first unit of the premiere program will be an overture by this orchestra.

Other features on the program of the first evening will include "Songs of Southern States" by the Melody Series, synchronized by the Carolina Grande Orchestra; Song and dance number; organ solo; Ray Alvino and his Banjo Boys, and the feature motion picture, "A Kiss in a Taxi," starring Bebe Daniels.