This tableau represents an oval shield richly ornamented with gold, on which are fastened engine pipes, colored lanterns, trumpets, axes, fire hooks, buckets, hats, &c. These radiate from the centre, and are surrounded by a wreath of gold stars, five inches in diameter. It rests on a pedestal, and is supported on each side by female figures. The shield is seven feet high and four feet wide, the surface covered with blue cambric, with a border of crimson five inches wide, shaded with a band of gold one inch in width. The pedestal is six feet long, one foot high, and three feet wide, the surface covered with crimson cloth, with a black and gold border six inches wide, and an appropriate motto on the front in letters of gold. The young ladies who support the shield must be of equal height, good figure and features. Their costume consists of a white robe cut low in the neck, skirt made to trail on the pedestal, red or black velvet waist, ornamented with gilt buttons and lace, and fireman's hat on the head. Their position is at the sides of the shield, facing the audience; one arm is laid at full length on the top of the oval, the other hangs at the side, the hand grasping a small wreath of myrtle. The head should be slightly turned towards the shield, eyes looking forward, countenance calm. The light for the tableau must be of medium brilliancy, and come from the front of the stage. Music soft.
THE SOLDIER'S FAREWELL.
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I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honor more. Sir Richard Lovelace. |
Three Female and Three Male Figures.
A representation of a young recruit, about to leave his country home for the first time to join the army. In the background is to be seen a cottage, with trellised vines running over the door. The young soldier is standing in front of the cottage, bidding farewell to his young bride, who stands at his side. They both face the audience. She has her right arm around his neck, and is looking into his face. The soldier rests his left arm on her shoulder, and points to the side of the stage with the right hand. His eyes are fixed on the face of his bride. Near the doorstep stands a gray-haired old man, the father of the soldier; he faces the audience, and is holding a musket, the lock of which he is examining. At the left of the soldier stands a young maiden, in a position that exhibits a side view of the body. She is looking to the two figures in front of her, and holds a sword and belt. In the doorway is seen the mother of the soldier, holding a handkerchief to her eyes. A little boy stands at the right of the door, with a tin sword fastened about his waist, a paper cap on his head, and is engaged in blowing on a tin trumpet. The cottage can be framed of wood, covered with cloth, and painted in showy colors; body of the house light brown, frames, cornice, and door green, roof red, and window panes black. The cottage stands in the centre of the stage, with the space on the sides filled up with a small white fence and two spruce trees. The vines over the door can be painted on the house, or made of evergreens and flowers, and tacked to the frame. The soldier's costume consists of a continental uniform—blue coat, faced with buff, buff vest and breeches, white hose, knee and shoe buckles, low shoes, white breast belts, and chapeau. The wife is costumed in a blue dress, cut very short, and high at the top, white apron, white hose, small handkerchief tied about the neck, hair arranged to suit the taste of the performer. The young lady should be costumed in a white dress, green apron, and straw hat, hair hanging in curls, and ornamented with red ribbons. The old gentleman's costume consists of a long gray or drab coat, light vest and breeches, black hose, knee and shoe buckles, low shoes, ruffled bosom, and chapeau. The aged matron is costumed in a light brown dress, calico apron, white cap, black collar. The boy can be attired in any costume that has a variety of colors. Cover the floor of the stage with green bocking, and light the tableau from the left side. A tenor drum should be beaten in the ante-room while the curtain is raised.
IKE PARTINGTON'S GHOST.
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Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damned, Bringing with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell, Be thy intents wicked or charitable? Thou com'st in such a questionable shape That I will speak to thee. Shakspeare. |