One Female and One Male Figure.
This tableau represents Ike seated on the top of a pump in the front yard of his mother's cottage, while the old lady is seen in the background, peeping over the fence with looks of horror and astonishment. The person who represents Ike should be of medium height and youthful looking. Costume consists of an old military coat and hat, large sword attached to a belt about the waist, light pants with red stripe, and large boots. The old lady is dressed in a cheap calico dress and white cap. The pump can be made of wood, covered with light brown cambric, the handle painted black. A rough representation of a house should be painted on cloth, and placed at the rear of the stage. A few feet from the house, erect a low white slat fence, with a gate in the centre; a wheelbarrow, shovel, hoe, broom, and water bucket are scattered about the stage. Ike sits on the pump, and faces the audience. His head is drawn down within the coat collar, hands placed on his knees, and eyes rolled up into his head. Light the stage very little, and produce discordant sounds on a melodeon in the ante-room.
THE PEASANT FAMILY IN REPOSE.
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Let not Ambition mock their useful toil, Their homely joys, and destiny obscure, Nor Grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile, The short and simple annals of the poor. Gray. |
Two Female and Three Male Figures.
This scene represents a group of peasants resting on their journey. The party comprises an aged couple and three children. They are seated on a grassy mound at the side of the road. The children lie in the foreground of the mound in various positions, and are asleep. The old gentleman is seated on the back side of the mound, which is higher than the front, and in such a position that a side view is had of the body. His head rests on his left hand, the elbow resting on the knee; the right hand holds a cane; countenance calm. Costume consists of a long, loose blue frock, brown pants, black beaver hat, considerably worn and out of shape, white hair and beard. At the side of the old man, on the lower part of the mound, is seated the old lady. She faces the audience, and leans her head on her right hand, the elbow placed on the knee, eyes directed to the children, countenance expressing deep thought. Costume consists of a brown dress, white handkerchief tied about the neck, and a hood on the head. In front of these figures is a young girl, her back resting against the highest part of the mound, the head inclined to one side, one arm placed across the form of a boy at her side, her eyes closed. She is dressed in a white robe, blue apron, and stout shoes, head uncovered. A small boy reclines at her side, and rests his head on her lap. Costume consists of a red frock, trimmed with white. In front of these two figures is a large boy. He lies on the grass, and rests his head on his arm; his eyes are closed, countenance calm. He is costumed in a dark coat, light pants, white collar, thick boots, and felt hat. The mound on which the tableau is formed can be constructed of boxes, and covered with green bocking. It should be six feet in diameter, varying from one to two feet in height, and placed in the centre of the stage. The scene will require but a small quantity of light, which must come from the right side of the stage. Music soft and of a plaintive character.