Derby History QuizSterling Opera HouseThe Opening Performance - "Drifting Apart" - Really!
Not everyone was thrilled with the building of the Sterling Opera House. Many in the Borough of Ansonia saw no need to build such a structure since they already had a perfectly good theatre (Ansonia Opera House) on Main Street in the Borough of Ansonia. Many in the borough felt that the city fathers in Derby often neglected their Ansonia constituents, and the building of the Sterling was just one more - and final - affront. They petitioned the state and by 1893, Ansonia and Derby were incorporated as separate cities. Getting back to that first performance, the play by James A. Herne was one of many that he penned. Mr. Herne had some success in creating plays that would be "serious, thoughtful and true". However this particular play was a financial failure for him. Correct answers were received from: Ann Searles, Joseph DiRienzo, Mary Seuss, Mildred Fatterusso, Nick from Terryville, Michael J. Regan, Allan Brozek, Jack Vagnini, L. A. Cwanek, Jack Sheehy, Fred Grant, Marc J. Garofalo, Stephanie Anne D'Onofrio, Dave DeRosa, Bonnie Berman, Kimberley Shelton, Jim Norris, Jean Graboski Malone, and Rich DiCarlo. To see our earlier quizzes and learn more about Derby's unique history, click here. |