For three decades the Kungsholm Miniature Grand Opera was a cultural gem in Chicago. After dinner at Frederick Chramer’s famous Scandinavian restaurant, patrons adjourned across the lobby to the plush 210 seat opera house to enjoy miniature but elaborate productions of such operas as La Bohème, Aida, La Traviata, and Madama Butterfly.
In 1967, Gary Jones joined the exclusive group of puppeteers who operated the unique rod puppets from beneath the slotted stage floor. He was the first, and only black puppeteer at the Miniature Grand Opera but his artistic talents were quickly recognized when he was invited to create the scenery for the opera’s new productions.
Here is his account of his adventures, the performers who worked “understage”, and the abrupt finale of the Kungsholm Miniature Grand Opera in 1971."a brilliant revelation of what life is like as a working puppeteer."John Bell, Puppetry InternationalAuthor: Gary JonesTotal Pages: 138ISBN: 978-0-921845-49-2
With his unique rod puppets and memorable productions, Dick Myers was a highly respected puppeteer in the 1960s to 1980s. This full color book includes his biography, a detailed explanation of his mechanical designs, and the author’s adventures in restoring the puppets and faithfully remounting of two the original productions. Include all of the Myers' scripts: "Dick Whittington", "Cinderella", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Simple Simon.""Every aspect of Seth Shaffer's meticulous research is documented in this handsomely crafted book..."Puppetry JournalAuthor: Seth ShafferTotal Pages: 212ISBN: 978-0-921845-45-4