Although many stars have appeared on stage at The Muny, one essential truth has remained about the nation's oldest and largest outdoor theatre; its story is the story of St. Louis - and of St. Louisans. It is about the countless individuals who have contributed their time, money, and talent to make this magical place a truly unique American experience.
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| Future site of The Muny (1916) |
The dream of St. Louisans for a permanent outdoor theatre in Forest Park probably dates back to the 1904 World's Fair. The realization of that dream began in 1916 with plans for an outdoor production of AS YOU LIKE IT by Margaret Anglin's Shakespearean troupe. And the dream became a reality in 1917 with the construction of the Municipal Theatre for six performances of AIDA, produced for the 13th Annual Convention of Advertising Clubs of the World.
1916
Parks Commissioner Nelson Cunliff, Miss Anglin and Civic League President John Gundlach selected a grassy area between two large oak trees for a June 1916 series of performances of Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT. Shrubs and small trees were cleared from the sloping hillside and a retaining wall built to level the performing area. AS YOU LIKE IT starred Miss Anglin, Robert Mantell and Sidney Greenstreet (yes, the MALTESE FALCON Sidney Greenstreet!). The out-of-town professionals were joined by nearly 1,000 St. Louis folk dancers and folk singers in observance of the 300th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Crowds averaged 8,000, reviews were good, and after an opening night rain-out, AS YOU LIKE IT moved into the history books as the first production at the site of today's Muny.
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| Construction of The Muny's seating area (1917) |
It took bold and decisive civic action in April of 1917 to give St. Louis and the world The Municipal Theatre. The Convention Board of the St. Louis Advertising Club decided to proceed with plans to host the 13th Annual Convention of Advertising Clubs of the World in June of 1917. At a time of recession and with war raging in Europe, that itself was a risky decision. But these promoters of St. Louis wanted to showcase our city to the 5,000 business people who would come from across the country and Europe.
The convention board provided $5,000 for the project. Mayor Henry Kiel endorsed the plan and obtained another $5,000 in city funds and construction of the theatre began on April 16th.
The Muny was built in 49 days, minus seven days lost to rain---from scratch. The massive stage was constructed, an orchestra pit built to hold up to 200 musicians, all the concrete was poured and dressing rooms built behind the stage for the principal performers. The theatre was completed on or about June 2nd. Verdi's AIDA would be the inaugural presentation.
The Opera Committee brought to St. Louis the opera world's finest: Manuel Salazar from the San Carlo Opera, known as Caruso's rival; The Met's Maria Rappold; the Boston National Grand Opera's Francesca Peralta; European contralto Margaret Jarman; and the Met's Cyrene Van Gordon. Young St. Louisan Elda Vettori would begin an illustrious grand opera career in AIDA in the Park.
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| Rehearsal for 1917 production of AIDA |
Some of the AIDA sets were shipped in from the Chicago Opera Company, and some sets were built here. Costumes came from New York.
Sunday, June 3, 1917
Full dress rehearsal with costumes and orchestra was held. The Ad Convention opened at Washington University's Francis Field.
Monday, June 4, 1917
The convention and parade, including 5,000 marchers, 40 floats and 20 bands were held downtown.
Tuesday, June 5, 1917
12,000 visitors and St. Louisans filled The Municipal Theatre in Forest Park for its inaugural performance and were thrilled by "glorious grand opera." Rain shortened the opening night.
Wednesday-Saturday, June 6-9, 1917
10,000 attended on Wednesday night. Large crowds turned out throughout the week.
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| Mayor Henry Kiel |
After the first three weeks of The Muny's inaugural season, the fledgling theatre had a short fall nearing $60,000. It seemed that The Muny was in danger of a permanent curtain call!
Mayor Kiel called an emergency meeting. This was the core of what would prove to be a self-appointed "Save The Muny Committee." Headed by Mayor Kiel, a door-to-door campaign was initiated, with the Mayor himself selling blocks of tickets to local merchants.
The plight of The Muny captured the public's attention, and soon the local papers, clubs, organizations and just plain folk got behind the effort. Before long, The Muny was on a much more substantial financial footing, and...the rest is history!
The Incorporation & First Season
In November of 1918, Mayor Kiel and other prominent St. Louisans met to discuss the future of the crudely-constructed open-air theatre which had been erected for the Ad Club's presentation of AIDA. Realizing the city's love of theatre and music, the group came to a decision that changed the cultural course of St. Louis...they decided to incorporate the endeavor and The Muny was born!
In March, plans were made to present six operas, with the season to begin on June 16, just a bit over four months away. In April, St. Louisans voted on the repertory, and from those ballots the season was chosen.
Things began to move quickly; Stars were engaged from New York, musicians were auditioned and choruses were assembled.
Ticket prices were set at 25 cents to a top price of one dollar, and 1,620 of the 9,000 seats were set aside as free, a tradition that continues to this day.
The theatre was treated to a face-lift, and on June 10, 1919, the Municipal Theatre Association gained official status with a pro forma decree of incorporation.
Six days later the curtain rose on ROBIN HOOD, with a full house and Mayor Kiel himself proudly appearing in the production as King Richard!
