From the Program of the Nixon Theater, "Final Performances, Week of April 24, 1950."

During this week of the final performances which will bring to a close a colorful span of nearly fifty years in Pittsburgh, it seems especially fitting to recall the brilliant opening and enthusiastic reception accorded the Nixon Theatre when it was first revealed to the public on December 7, 1903. With this thought in mind, we have reproduced on the cover of this final week's program the identical cover of the program for the first performance to take place at the Nixon - appropriately corrected to bring it up to date. It was an elaborate affair covered in white leather and tied with a leather thong. But it was quite in keeping with the glamourous bow of the theatre itself, which was described most vividly by the Pittsburgh Bulletin of December 12, 1903 in the following manner:

"The opening of 'The Nixon,' Pittsburgh's splendid new theatre last Monday night was an event of such brilliance, keen enjoyment and congratulatory speeches that it can never be forgotten by any one who was privileged to see and hear it. The event was a most significant one, and the most sanguine expectations were surpassed by the splendor of the realization, as the arrangements for the luxurious comfort and well being, the careful catering to the most fastidious and refined needs of a wealthy and fashionable audience, became evident to the most casual observer. It was indeed a dual tribute to the enterprise and art that was offered by the initial audience at the Nixon—and has given no hint of lessening in fervor during the week. In the $1,200,000 theatre, no city in this country possesses a playhouse that can equal the magnificent structure. It opened its doors to a characteristic Pittsburgh audience, which patiently sat for three hours to watch Francis Wilson's old time capers as the Cockney thief. Owing to the enormous press of work that had been forced into the last few days, the doors did not open until after 8 o'clock., but three-quarters of an hour before that time the outer lobby was filled to suffocation and along Sixth Avenue to Smithfield Street almost to Grant, the good natured crowd was massed in ever increasing numbers until at last they were able to enter. Once within the doors the view that met the eye was a veritable transformation scene of luxurious beauty; indeed the house seemed more charming before the footlights than behind them. The blaze of gold and scarlet hangings, the brilliant yet subdued glow of a myriad of lights, the dainty and harmonious French Scheme of the interior decorations, combined with charming effect with the Parawazzo marble columns, which gleamed white against the soft tones of green, the lavish use of draperies of silk and plush, the gay gowns and gleaming jewels of the women, contrasted with the conventional black and white of the men, all lent a degree of splendor to the scene that it would be difficult to surpass or equal. Surely the wand of a wizard had been requisitioned to account for all this gorgeous and dazzling effect, for it seemed scarcely probable that it could be the work of the artist and decorator in toto. At the end of the second act Francis Wilson was called before the curtain, and after congratulating his hearers on their possession of the finest playhouse in the country, he introduced Mr. Nixon and the partners in the firm, and also Mr. Benjamin H. Marshall, the architect, all of whom made neat and appropriate speeches. Congratulatory telegrams were received from business men and theatrical managers in all parts of the land, felicitating Mr. Nixon on the crowning triumph of his career. As regards the Nixon's acoustics, only one word describes them accurately—they are perfection. The soft blending of the inviting red and green and gold is delicious and from the elegant drop curtain to the boxoffice everything is artistic and suitable."

Last updated: 16 March 1999.