Fred Scharmer was a truly remarkable man, who influenced actors and artists in Fairfield County for much of his 98 years.. He passed away last week after a fascinating and creative career, remaining active in the theater until taken ill just a few weeks ago. His funeral will be held today (Friday, Dec 2) at the Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT.
After serving as a First Sergeant in World War II he returned to his home in Darien, CT impressed by some of the English musical theater he had seen, and along with his wife Ida founded Troupers Light Opera Company, who have been performing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas each year ever since.
Fred led the building and painting of elaborate sets as well as singing at one time or another most of the leading baritone roles. While theatrical sets are usually built to last just a few weeks, some of his set pieces are built with such craftsmanship that they are still in regular use. The Captain’s wheel from HMS Pinafore is among them.
Even after he stopped singing regularly with Troupers, he continued to help build sets and provide props for various shows from his extensive collection.
In the G&S operetta Iolanthe, Gilbert included a tribute to inveterate first nighter Captain Shaw of the London Fire Department. For Troupers’ 2006 production of Iolanthe, a special verse was written honoring Fred, who was seated where a spotlight could pick him out when the Fairy Queen sang to him.
At the same time, he was also active with the Darien Players and built many of their sets single-handedly, was on the board of the Darien Arts Council, and was one of the original members of the Darien Choraliers. He also appeared in many Darien Players productions, including Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee.
He was also an accomplished artist, teaching a number of courses at the Silvermine Arts Guild. In addition, he was employed for many years by Conde Nast and the New Haven Register.
Fred last appeared with Troupers in their 2010 production of The Gondoliers, singing in the chorus. He never needed to consult the score, however, as he had that show and most of the rest of the G&S canon memorized years before. He was honored at that time by a special article on his contributions to Troupers and the Darien Arts Center in an article in the Stamford Advocate. His obituary appears there as well.
This coming season, Troupers will be presenting its 67th annual production, The Mikado, the first show ever without Fred’s influence. He will be greatly missed.
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