Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:10:09 -0500
From: Susan VandeWeghe <vanpuppet-AT-citcom.net>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Bill Fosser-Opera in Focus Bill Fosser


What sad news.  It was always a joy to visit Opers in Focus and spend time
talking with Bill after the show.

He will be missed.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "steve abrams" <sapuppets-AT-ucwphilly.rr.com>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 6:03 PM
Subject: [Puptcrit] Bill Fosser-Opera in Focus Bill Fosser


> Sad News
>
> William Fosser 1930-2006
>
> Bill Fosser received the Puppeteers of America President's Award at the
festival in St Paul this summer.
>
> I heard the news of his passing from a reporter for the Chicago Tribune,
who called, asking for a quote.
>
> Here is the write up from the Award Presentation:
>
>  William B. Fosser's Puppet Production Opera in Focus presents fully
staged scenes from operas by Verdi, Puccini, Bizet, Wagner and Gershwin
Although the puppet opera takes place on a stage only five feet wide and two
feet deep, the illusion of live musical theater prevails. The rod puppets
manipulate by puppeteers who are seated below the intricately slotted stage
floor... The remarkable sets are designed, built and painted by Mr. Fosser.
Paul Guerra conceives and executes all of the beautiful and intricate
costumes. Scenes from Aida and Phantom of the Opera and many other classics
capture the imagination of a wide range of audiences. Miniature opera with
puppets has been a Chicago tradition since 1936. Developed by Ernest Wolf
and produced by Frederick Chramer, the first Kungsholm Miniature Opera
Theater opened in 1941. Bill Fosser began working at the 208 seat Kungsholm
theater at the age of 14 in 1943 and he returned in the 50s and again from
1963-1966 to serve as the dir
>  ector. K
>  ungsholm closed in 1971 but Bill Fosser never gave up on the vision of
opera with puppets. Bill's Opera in Focus was first presented in 1958 while
pursuing his career as a motion picture art director and set decorator.
Since 1993 Opera in Focus has presented regular seasons at the Rolling
Meadows Park District building charming audiences - from the lover of opera
to the adult or child simply fascinated by the fine art of puppetry.
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