For twenty or more females. Twelve speaking parts, one of which (Mephistopheles) may be taken by a gentleman.
Raised platform in centre of stage, covered with green. Rocks, stones, potted plants, etc., may be banked in front of this, if desired. Tripod on platform, with gypsy kettles large spoon in kettle. Back of stage should be hung with some dark color — large black shawls are effective — to show off bright costumes of the actors. Trailing vines could be arranged around upper part of background, with good effect.
Large iron spoon; kettle; armful of fashion-books for Madame Grundy; very large singing-book for Priscilla: crook for Shepherdess; letter for Dolly Madison; wooden shoe for Gertrude; colored fire to burn at sides of stage: daisies for Marguerite.
MEMORY. — Plain black gown, with long train; front of skirt covered with stars and crescents cut out of yellow paper or cambric; white kerchief around neck; pointed cap two or three feet high, made of paste-board and covered with black, or it may be made of black crinoline or buckram; long veil fastened to point of cap, and reaching nearly to ground; hair hanging loosely. Crimp it and then fluff it out. A tall brunette is best for this part.
MADAME GRUNDY. — Any extremely stylish costume, the gayer the better; but it must be very pretty and very correct. Powder the hair and do it up elaborately.
HELEN OF TROY. — This costume may be made with two sheets. Drape one around waist to form a scant skirt. Drape the other over shoulders to form a tunic; or make a skirt of white paper-cambric, and cut out a Greek waist by the pattern sold for that purpose. Do the hair in a Psyche knot, tied with bands of white ribbon, to imitate Greek fillet.
TENNYSON'S PRINCESS. — Long, trailing Princess robes, of brown cambric, fastened behind. Make it with a square neck, and white chemisette coming close up around throat. Flowing sleeves of brown, with undersleeves of white. Bind brown and white together to form a girdle; sew tassels on ends, and fasten loosely in front, a little to one side. Crimp the hair, and have it hanging loosely, fastened with string of beads, or ribbon fillet.
MARGUERITE. — Very full white muslin skirt, and chemisette, with full sleeves coming a little below elbow; black velvet bodice and little black cap with long strings untied. Hair in two braids down back. Bunch of daisies (artificial flowers will do). A blonde is best for this part.
MEPHISTOPHELES. — Red stockings and slippers (slippers may be covered with red cambric). Very short red skirt, red waist, short round red cape with standing collar. Do the hair up tightly, and cover it with a red cocked hat having a long red plume. Use burnt cork to make mustache and slanting eyebrows, and rouge the cheeks a little. (If a gentleman takes this part, costume is the same, except that tights and trunks take the place of the skirt.)
GERTRUDE. — Purple velvet cap, fitting close around face, with full crown of lavender; short-waisted bodice and long plain skirt of purple; tight sleeves of purple, with pulls of lavender at shoulders and elbows, with long cuffs almost covering hands. Square neck, with white chemisette, and frilled collar coming up to chin and edge of cap. Long white apron, heavily trimmed; bunch of keys hanging at side. If possible, she should carry a wooden shoe.
JOAN SHAKESPEARE. — Round hat (a Knox sailor is the right shape), with large bunch of feathers in front, pushed back a little on the head. Gown of pink, or any other bright color, with a full round skirt, tight waist, and very large leg-o'-mutton sleeves; cuffs of lace points; ripple cape of any desired color, with standing collar or very full ruff.
WATTEAU SHEPHERDESS. — Very large fancy hat, with pointed crown, and covered with flowers; polonaise with V point and elbow-sleeves, of gayly-figured goods, draped very full over short petticoat of any bright color; low shoes with high heels and buckles. Curl the hair, and tie in back of neck with large ribbon bow; shepherd's crook, gilded and tied with ribbons and flowers.
JOSEPHINE. — Empire dress; long mitts; large sash. Do the hair up high, and it may hang in a long curl on each side of the face.
PRISCILLA. — Plain tight-fitting gray gown, rather short-waisted; low shoes with large buckles: round Puritan cape; turn-down collar and cuffs; plain cap.
DOLLY MADISON. — Very large poke-bonnet, trimmed with feathers and flowers; 1830 gown, or an ordinary street-gown with flare skirt; large old-fashioned cashmere shawl; letter in hand.
POWERS OF MEMORY. — Six or eight little girls, who can march nicely and sing. Waist and pointed hood, short skirt and full sleeves, of bright green. (Remember that dark green does not show by gaslight.)
GLOOMY FOREBODINGS. — Any number of large girls, from one to five or six; long full gown of gray with flowing sleeves; long monk's hood of gray, hiding face.
THE DUMMY. — A burlesque costume; colors used must be very striking, no two of which harmonize. Greek tunic like Helen; tight gray sleeves with turn-down collar and cuffs, like Priscilla; skirt and apron like Gertrude; ripple cape like Joan Skakespeare; bonnet like Dolly Madison: if possible, get two long curls of a different color from her own hair, and fasten them in front, like Josephine's.
( Claps hands loudly. Enter POWERS OF MEMORY, in single file, singing. They may keep time with the following step, counting four: ONE, step forward with left foot . TWO, bring right foot to left; THREE, rise on toes; FOUR, come down again on heels. Then repeat, beginning with right foot, same as before. It is easier to learn at first, if you count "ONE, AND TWO, AND THREE, AND FOUR." March to front, across front to R., to rear, to L. ; then face audience, standing obliquely across L. rear .)
(GOBLIN SONG; tune , PATIENCE: " When I Go Out of Door ."