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[edit] Story behind the design
Can we put in the part about how the architect for the Opera House built it like a chair with its back to New York either because (a) he'd been turned down in New York, or (b) his daughter, an aspiring opera singer, had been turned down in New York. I'm not sure of the origin of the story, or even which one is correct or even if it's a true story, but maybe someone else out there does? 67.162.126.159 01:16, 23 July 2006 (UTC)
- Doesn't seem to hold any value for me; it's just fluff, regardless of whether it can be authenticated or not. WHO THE HELL CARES???? This is an encylopedia of FACT, not trivial nonsense.
- Vivaverdi 02:35, 23 July 2006 (UTC)
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- Wow, it was a simple question, no need to get an attitude about it. Excuse me for asking a question. 67.162.126.159 04:22, 23 July 2006 (UTC)
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- For the record, this is one of the standard stories on all of the tours of Chicago. "Insull's Throne," the building was nicknamed when it was built. The reference is to Insull, Samuel, who was not the architect but the benefactor who funded the thing (he was a utility magnate). The story apparently is that Insull's wife was shunned by _Chicago_ society, and therefore Insull wanted the building to turn its back on Chicago. However, this story was always an unsubstantiated rumor. The truth, however, is that the building is shaped like an armchair because it's an opera house surrounded by an office building. Insull's novel idea was that if the opera house were able to rent out the office space to various businesses, it could be self-supporting. Nice idea, but he got the idea in 1929. By the time the building was finished, the Depression had hit, office space couldn't be rented for love or money, and the original opera company folded in short order. The opera is the "seat" of the armchair, while the back and arms are the offices. Because the lot abuts the river, the westward orientation of Insull's Throne was the only practical choice.
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- YES, this should be added in some way to the article. The parts that are FACTS should be stated as facts. Those that are only known as unsubstantiated stories should be stated as so. --Kalmia 12:10, 5 December 2006 (UTC)
A short explanation: As per both the program book, and my experience as an employee, the definite article ("the") is not used when referring to the company. "Welcome to the 52nd season of Lyric Opera of Chicago!", "In his 7th season as Lyric's music director, Sir Andrew Davis. . . ." You get the idea.
