Behind-the-scenes expert made it all work on stage

Earl Roger Hull worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood -- from Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, to Judy Garland and the Three Tenors -- but he wasn't a stargazer. He didn't have time.

Mr. Hull was technical director for the Lyric Opera House in Chicago from 1969 to 1987. As a member of Theatrical Stage Employees Union Local 2, he also worked at other Chicago theaters, including the Civic and Auditorium theaters.

"Anyone that came through Chicago, over the last 50 years, we worked with," said his son, Don, of Arlington Heights.

Family members reflected this week on his long career in the theater industry. Mr. Hull died on Monday. The Arlington Heights resident was 77.

Working behind the scenes was a family legacy. Mr. Hull's grandfather, John Willard Hull, worked on vaudeville shows in Chicago beginning in the late 19th century. Mr. Hull's father, John Ralph Hull, worked behind the scenes for the Three Stooges. He went on to earn the role of technical director of the Lyric Opera when it opened in 1954.

Consequently, Mr. Hull grew up in the business. Both his father and grandfather had logged 50 years with the Theatrical Stage Employees Union. Mr. Hull himself also logged 50 years with that union. He was a charter member of Local 476, which handled the technical side of movies.

For the last 40 years, Mr. Hull has worked with both his sons, Don and Bob, in the industry.

"Whenever any stars came to town, my dad would do the sets and the lights," Don Hull said, "and I did the sound."

Their work together also extended to movies, including "The Blues Brothers," in which they worked to set up many of the famous chase scenes in the film.

"It wasn't special effects, but we set up everything so that when they ran it, it worked," Hull added.

Before taking on the administrative role at the Lyric Opera House, Mr. Hull traveled with presidential candidates during the 1960s -- including Barry Goldwater, Lyndon Johnson and Adlai Stevenson -- overseeing the lights, microphones and backdrops for stops along the campaign trail.

However, working behind the scenes of the opera was perhaps his most challenging job, his son said.

"It wasn't like we had just one show to stage," he said. "We'd set up for one show for rehearsals, then break it down for another show and rehearsal in the afternoon and then set up for a performance at night."

Mr. Hull liked the work and he enjoyed working with celebrities. As for his favorite, his son said simply, "He loved them all."

Besides his two sons, Mr. Hull is survived by his daughter Jean Fritz of Rolling Meadows as well as nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, and his son, Ron.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. today at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Hwy. in Arlington Heights.