Boxes

The boxes held the most expensive seats in the theatre. Seats in the upper boxes cost $1, and those in the lower boxes, $1.50 (while parterre seats cost 75¢ and gallery seats cost 25-50¢). Consquently, only very wealthy patrons sat in the boxes. A wealthy couple or small group could reserve an entire box for a semi-private experience in the theatre. Though these seats were expensive, they did not provide a very good view of the stage; a seat in the center of the parterre provided a much better viewing angle. Patrons sat in the boxes to socialize with one another and to be seen.

For further information, see box crown, molding and Victorian ornament.