COSTUME: Use shiny black oilcloth to make the top hat described on [page 31]. Set at a jaunty angle and whip stitch to head. Stitch a white wing collar around the neck with just the suggestion of a tie (Figure 3). For greater realism add the upper part of a frock coat with wide lapels. Put a white carnation on the right lapel (Figure 4).
OTHER CIRCUS PUPPETS: By following the basic head patterns you can make other circus folk and animals. For features use the many suggestions for the Sock Animals and Sock Dolls. For example, for a talking elephant stitch a trunk right above the mouth, add tusks and big ears, a tasseled headpiece and so forth.
Phineas Rides Again
Reprinted from Pack-O-Fun Skit Book No. 1
The puppets are made from old socks with burlap, felt, cardboard, sponge, plastic lacing and buttons used for features, tentacles, and claws.
The operators sit on chairs on either side of a theatre made from a cardboard carton, with openings cut in each side. Stage directions for right and left are for a person ON STAGE, facing the audience. The direction from which each character enters must be considered in making the puppets.
(The ANNOUNCER appears in front of the curtain.)
Announcer: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! For years the action-filled western has reigned supreme as a favorite with adventure story lovers. Recently, however, its popularity has been challenged by a rush of interest in underwater drama. Tonight, we combine these trends and proudly present a production that will please everyone: A-Cowboy-Story-Under-The-Sea. Its title is “Phineas Rides Again” or “The Foam Ranger.”
The following exciting characters will appear: