Our uniquely articulated rod puppets, the only ones of their kind, are the invention of William B. Fosser, who began work on their design in the late 1930's. Because of their great cost, the puppets would not be built until 1956. Their first performance stage would be built the following year. In September of 1958 OPERA IN FOCUS was first presented in a rented store on Chicago's north side.
Mr. Fosser had already begun a career as a motion picture art director and set decorator, as well as frequently designing for the live theater. His free time was devoted to improving the puppets, settings and stage. Because of his work, regularly scheduled public performances were frequent, except in 1962-63 and again in 1978-79. The invitation to install OPERA IN FOCUS here in Rolling Meadows prompted his decision to retire from film and stage design and devote all his time to his life long dream.
For many of the OPERA IN FOCUS audiences, our performances bring back memories of the old KUNGSHOLM, where Mr. Fosser worked - first when he was 14 years old in 1943. The Kungsholm Miniature Opera was just two years old at the time. He returned for a few years in 1950 and then later as Artistic Director in 1963.
The miniature grand opera that would eventually find its way to the KUNGSHOLM was begun in the early 1930's by an avid operatic recording collector, Ernest Wolf, who had built a rather complete miniature opera theatre in the basement of his home. His mother Esther and a family friend Fred Stouffer devised puppets that would move on the tiny stage in slots and be operated from below by wires. Their efforts were greatly refined under the sponsorship of the Victor Recording Company for presentation in the Gas Pavilion at the Worlds Fair in 1938-39. After the close of the Fair their puppet opera began a tour of the Midwestern United States. The last stop on this tour was Chicago, where it was seen by Fredrick Chramer, who had purchased one of the McCormick mansions, located at Rush and Ontario streets, and converted it into a very successful restaurant called the KUNGSHOLM.
Mr. Chramer negotiated an agreement with the Wolfs to install their puppet opera in the fourth floor ballroom of the one-time mansion. In the meantime, hostilities in Europe had begun - and Ernest Wolf was serving in the U.S. Navy. In November of 1941 Fredrick Chramer along vhth Mrs. Wolf opened what was to become world famous as the Kungsholm Miniature Grand Opera. Tragically, in February of 1947, fire destroyed the Kungsholm Puppet Opera. Mr. Chramer began plans at once to re-build the puppet opera on the street level in the space once occupied by the mansion's carriage house. Later that year Ernest Wolf was discharged from the Navy and decided to re-build his own puppet opera, which he called the TIVOLI THEATRE. His mother once again joined him in his efforts having parted company with Chramer and his Kungsholm in a dispute - shortly after the opening in 1941. Mr. Fosser was available and worked with the Wolf s on this project which ultimately was not successful.
In the meantime Fredrick Chramer rebuilt the Kungsholm Puppet Opera creating an exquisite 208 seat theatre with a mezzanine and box seats. Mr. Fosser returned for the opening in January of 1950 and would remain for three years.
Mr. Chramer's health began to fail in 1957 and the Kungsholm was leased to the Fred Harvey Group. After Mr. Chramer's death, Mr. Fosser was asked to return to the Kungsholm as its artistic director - a post he held for another three years.
In 1971 the Kungsholm closed. Some of the puppets and their scenery found their way to the Museum of Science and Industry and are on permanent exhibit today.
When the title of our production OPERA IN FOCUS was selected, the idea of a stage opening m the shape of a camera lens was chosen. Over the years, tins design has been modified to a semi-circular opening set behind a traditional, ornate Italian style proscenium arch.
When Mr. Fosser was Artistic Director of the Kungshohn,
he met the puppeteer Paul Guerra with whom he has since created
and performed a number of puppet opera productions. Mr. Guerra is
also a very talented designer and conceives and executes all of the beautiful
and intricate costumes in our productions. The remarkable stage settings
are designed, built and painted by Mr. Fosser.
OPERA IN FOCUS is the expression of a lifetime of involvement with puppets and opera. The format of presenting several scenes from well known operas in a performance of about an hour was developed to appeal to audiences of young people as well as adults who might not otherwise experience a music drama.
If you enjoy our performance - please tell your friends and any groups you belong to about us. We do not have a budget to advertise and appreciate your goodwill
Enclosed you will find your copy of the 1999 OPERA IN FOCUS
[Schedule] . We're very pleased
with the mixture of popular and operatic selections chosen for your enjoyment,
and hope you will make plans to attend some of our performances in the
near future. Today would be an excellent time to make plans and reservations
for your next visit. Reservations are always recommended. Please
call 847-818-3220. Mary Ann will be happy to make your reservations
and answer any questions you may have. Visa and Master Card are accepted
for your convenience.
PERFORMANCES ARE WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY AT 1:30 AND SATURDAY EVENINGS AT 8:00. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance and seating is always on a first come - first served basis.
Groups of 30 or more may arrange for a special performance at any time
they choose in the afternoon or evening. Naturally, parties of one, two
or more may attend any regularly scheduled performance. Groups may arrange
to have a catered luncheon or dinner in our lovely banquet hall - along
with their special performance. It's a wonderful way to get together and
enjoy good food and great music.
Since our opening in 1993 we have received some generous and deeply
appreciated gifts to aid in various OPERA
IN FOCUS projects. We sincerely thank the donors for their
generosity and will be installing a Plaque Of Appreciation in our theater
lobby to honor these contributions. Each donor receives an acknowledgement
for tax purposes, along with a description of how the gift has been used.
Since admission fees and a grant from THE ILLINOIS ARTS COUNCIL, are our
only source of income, donations help us realize many of our production
plans.
our ADDRESS is:
We are located on the lower level of the Rolling Meadows Park District headquarters and the facilities are completely handicapped accessible.OPERA IN FOCUS
3000 Central Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.(847) 818-3200
FAX(847) 818-3207
LUNCHEONS, DINNERS, WEDDINGS,
GRADUATIONS, SHOWERS, RETIREMENTS
BIRTHDAYS, AND MORE!
Park Central features a large, newly decorated banquet hall with a maximum capacity of 128 people. Three French doors lead to a lovely, walled courtyard, complete with fountain, that can be enjoyed during yourspecial occasion.
3000 Central Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 818-3200
FAX(847) 818-3207