Part 469: Myer’s Opera House
While researching Noxon & Strauss (later Noxon & Toomey), I came across mention about a drop curtain they painted for Hooley’s Theatre during 1872. Two theaters were mentioned in the article titled “Rebuilding and Real Estate” (Inter Ocean, Chicago, Illinois, 14 Sept. 1872, page 4). The article described the construction of Hooley’s and Myer’s. Interestingly, Noxon’s next business partner, Halley, would be painting the scenery for Myer’s while Noxon painted the scenery with Strauss for Hooley’s. At the time, Halley was partnered with Lou Malmsha. Malmsha became the scenic artist for McVicker’s and was well-known across the country (see past installments 123, 124, 165 and 198 for more information about Malmsha). Thomas G. Moses started his theater career as an assistant to Malmsha in 1874, just two years after this article was written. It provides a little insight into the fitting up of a theater during the 1870s.
Samuel Myers, formerly connected with McVickers Theatre, opened his opera house on September 23, 1872. It was a venue primarily devoted to minstrelsy. Here is the article:
“Myers Opera House
Work on Myer’s theater is being rapidly brought to a close, and Monday the 23rd. Is announced as the opening night. Located on Monroe street, just west of State, the establishment is easy to access from each of the more densely populated divisions of the city, and bids fair to gain its full share of theatrical patronage. Following is a brief description of the interior as it will appear on opening night:
The entrance from Monroe Street leads through a long hall, thirteen feet wide, finely frescoed and lighted by a number of large chandeliers, to the door of the auditorium. On the left of the hall, and just without the door is the stairway leading to the upper circles. The auditorium consists of a parquetted, dress circle, balcony circle and gallery. The extreme dimensions are 55 by 102 feet. The parquetted, and dress and balcony circles are furnished with black and walnut sofas, elegantly upholstered by Messrs. J. V. Farwell & co., forming an amphitheater. The walls and ceilings are handsomely frescoed in panels on a light buff ground, by Messrs. Schubert & Koenig, the firm that had charge of the decorations in Crosby’s Opera House before the fire. The center of the ceiling over the parquetted rises in a dome, from which hangs and elegant glass chandelier with 125 lights. The seating capacity is about 1,100. Three large doors can be thrown open in case of fire or accident.
The stage opening is 27 feet 4 inches wide, flanked on either side by a proscenium box, ornaments with satin damask curtains corresponding in color with the upholstery of the parquetted and balcony circles. The stage is thirty-five feet in depth and provided with “all modern improvements.” The scenery has been painted by Messrs. Malmasha and Hally, and is so extensive as to forbid more than a partial description here. The drop curtain fills the entire stage opening. At the top a false valance of amber and gold reaches down for several feet, below which hangs the drapery – red lined with white satin, bordered with purple and gold – parted in the center and revealing a medallion landscape; a view of a water mill with mountains in the distance. The drapery falls loosely on a platform with steps approaching the curtain in perspective. The first part set scene is also worthy of mention as something novel. Unlike the ordinary chamber scenes used on such occasions, it is ornamented purple and gold, and displays considerable knowledge of architecture in its design. A large, square opening at the back, looking out on a tropical landscape, will afford an opportunity for the presentation of panoramic views, should it be desired.
Altogether, the theater, while not expensive, is attractive and elegant. Messrs. Tilley & Longhurst claim credit as architects; Mr. Daly Moore as contractor for the brickwork; Messrs. Cowdery & Cleveland as carpenters, and the United States Reflector Company, of New York, and Mr. E. Baggott of this city for gas-fitters. The furnaces are furnished by Messrs. Bangs Bros.”
To be continued…
