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
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