Imagine you're listening to the radio — an opera. You wash the dishes and your mind wanders off to a distant land, or a grand theatre where the world you hear is alive. What does it look like? Imagine.
So did scenic designer James Maronek when he was in grade school. While his dishpan hands toiled in the suds, he daydreamed of the magic of theatre.
Suzanne Graff, Door Shakespeare producer, had been daydreaming, too — of a grand seating area in the gardens of Björklunden for Door Shakespeare audiences to make attending the shows a real event - and The Queen's Box was born.
In 2005, the idea took hold at Door Shakespeare and Maronek graciously and generously donated his time and visual dexterity into bringing form to Graff's ideas.
Maronek has been involved in design for the theatre since high school, when he discovered there was such as thing as a drama club and that scenery for productions was a real thing that needed to be envisioned and designed. He then went on to the Goodman School of Drama for undergraduate and graduate degrees, teaching and eventual professorship with DePaul University until he retired in 1990.
His work has included design for everything from opera, musical theatre and drama. When asked what his favorite project has been, he laughed and said, "Whatever I'm working on now." Immediately he admitted, "That's what I'm supposed to say, anyway.
"But I'd have to say Brecht — I really enjoyed working on Brecht. I used to say that there was a right way and a wrong way and the Brecht way. I liked the Brecht way."
He continued: "The Queen's Box was a labor that differed from scenic design because it is permanent. It would not be destroyed after 36 performances. The structure gives a visual identity to what's happening there in nature. It identifies the gardens as Door Shakespeare's.
"I wanted to create something rustic and festive. And the result is a thoroughly enjoyable place to sit and view the plays — a place of honor and a structure that creates an air of excitement and anticipation for the performance."
Graff said: "It's perfect! Just what I wanted to see! Thanks to Jim's generosity, we have been able to accomplish this landmark for the company, and it will set the tone for more structures in the garden. We still envision a box office, concessions building, facilities for patrons and an enhanced entry to the gardens. And Jim set us on track beautifully!"
Attributes of the Queens Box:
- Reserved seat in box
- Covered
- Wine service available
- Gourmet fare from the caterers at Town Hall Bakery available
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