Art Chowder September | October, Issue 23 | Page 37

An abstract theme, evocative of the Spokane River which flows past the campus, defines the public areas. The lobby’s carpet of rippling blues and blacks adds a restful sophistication to this complex. Floor colors yield to blues and grays inside the 759-seat Fr. Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J. Theater (named for the beloved, longest-running president of Gonzaga University, 1974-1996); geometric decorative elements resembling tree branches span the side walls. The comfortable gold-and-teal upholstered seating inside this main performance hall allows ample leg room. In addition to the balcony at the back of the auditorium there are ten boxes in descending tiers. A booth above the balcony at the back of the theater houses lighting, recording, and projection equipment. There is a screen large enough to fill the entire stage, but from above the proscenium a decorative ribbon can also drop down as an extra projection screen for smaller images or text. A view of the western wall of the Coughlin Theater showing the tiered balcony and the abstract tree motif. As a surprise at the end of the Pines of Rome performance, Conductor Hekmatpanah placed horns at the bottom tier on both sides, creating a frankly thrilling true surround sound. photo: Courtesy of Gonzaga University A scene from the Grand Opening Gala performance: “ A New Season: A Celebration of Artistry, Place and Potential ” on April 25, 2019. The company traveled to Florence in May to perform the program at the historic Pergola Theater, built in 1656! photo: Gonzaga University, Amanda Ford September | October 2019 37