From: Angusson-AT-aol.com
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 19:37:31 -0500
Subject: Re: Remembrances Discussion



In a message dated 11/18/96 12:50:47 AM, Steven Widerman wrote:

>Sounds interesting. I have a particularly vivid memory of Burr Tillstrom
>performing at the Eugene O'Neill Center at a P of A Festival (don't know the
>year offhand). It is the only time I ever saw him live. The performance was
>outdoors and it was quite cold. Kukla came out and the first thing he said
>was "Sure is cold out here!" That little remark warmed the crowd up in a
>hurry.
>Let's discuss.
>
>     -Steven->

The year was 1976. The O'Neill Theater Barn had been renamed the Rufus and
Margo Rose Theater Barn and the dedication took place during the festivities.
(Rufus had died May 29, 1975.)

It was the first time I saw Burr live. What a gentle man.
Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso was there as were many other dignitaries.
Including Beula Witch!  I remember that she addressed the "Gov" as "ELLA". As
if they were old friends. I recall Mrs. Grasso got a big kick out of it. I
think they had quite a "chat". THAT was a night! The ceremonies took place
outside in the amphitheater and although it was June, it WAS cold. (O'Neill
is right on Long Island Sound and open to the sea breezes.)

Burr had a sense of the importance of the moment but wouldn't let it get
maudlin. All of the Roses were there as were many of their friends and
associates. So many things going through my mind. I recall the wonderful New
England Clambake provided earlier in the day for fest goers and the
performances in the barn later in the evening which I mentioned in an earlier
post. It was if nothing else an historical occassion. 

Margo and I put together a retrospective of the Rufus Rose Marionettes which
I mounted at Connecticut College. I couldn't afford to attend so Archie
Elliot "hired" me to assist him. Boy, did I learn a lot. He said the success
of a fest was in the little details. 
The Rose home at 24 Avery Lane was headquarters for the fest and Gayle
Schluter, Olga Stevens, Archie and Sylvia Elliot and Steve Schutt worked
feverishly to put the fest packets together. Frank Ballard was PofA
president. I recall hearing about this new "wunderkindt",  Bruce Schwartz and
with so many others waited with great anticipation to see him perform.

Margo's home was also the repository for puppets to be used in the Puppetry
Exhibit which was mounted by Janibeth Johnson and crew. Margo felt a great
responsibility for these puppets and had locks installed on the windows. Up
until 1976, there had been no locks except on the doors. 
Times has changed!

Fred Thompson



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