Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-01-25
Stage Costumes.

! Many suppose that all the costumes worn
| upon the stage are tinsel, cotton-velvet and
cheap satin and silk. In great many cases,
yes. But, with good productions, no.
Where the designs are elaborate and artistic,
procured only at great expense, and can only
be executed by costumers who are artists and
at the head OF their profession, it must be
apparent to any one that it would be folly to
MAKE them OF sham material. As an Illus
trstion of the best class, we give below q par
tial description of the costumes worn in "A
Midnight Marriage which will be presented
at Blacks Opera House Monday night.
Each dress was especially designed and the
drawings, in colors, put in the hands of the
best costumer that could be found. These
designs were produced after much study, BY
the celebrated Parisian artist, NJ. Raci-
net; and the original paintings and
engravings from which the drawings
weie taken are still to be seen at the Louvre
and the other historic palaces of Paris. Every
detail has been followed faithfully, and the
personages in the play give US the best pic
ture OF the rich dressing of the sixteenth CEN
tury that has been presented to the public tor
years. In that gay, chivalrous age, colols
were as freely worn by the lords of creation
as by the gentler sex; and colors that now
would be deemed etfeminate were worn BY
men who were ready to face danger and run
the risk of death on the slightest provoca-
ton.
The toilets of the ladies in this piece are
especially fine; Mrs. Barry, in the character
OF Hortepse, wearing three robes OF the most
artistic character. The first is made of rich
maroon velvet, the skirt of which is grace
fully draped on the left side, showing hand
some shade of old gold satin underneath, the
front of the garment being covered with
beautifully worked flowers and leaves of |
unique design in gold.
In the third act an effective and harmon |
ious combination of dark brown in rich |
soft material and russell leather is used, dress
is tght-htting, with train; a belt, a unique
Chatelain pocket, and gauntlets Of the leather
contrast handsomely against the dark color
Of the garment; added TO which are short
cape and graceful hood of the same colors
and material, making charming foil to the
light hair, fine complexion, and classic
features of the lady. The last dress, which
IS worn in the execution scene is beautiful
rom its very simplicity, being pure white
,obe, with graceful flowing sleeves, disclosing
he entire arm; its only trimming or orna-
being swan-down at the throat
md around the edge of the sleeves and bot
ON of the dress. Its effect against the dark,
ombre stone-work of the scene is startling,
ret pleasing TO the eye. \
The robe OF the Duchess D'Augouleme, the ,
Regent OF France, is marvel of
ichness and color The front of the gaI-
nent is OF brocade silk, with pale gold flow
rs on ground of white, interviewer with
liver. The neck is cut low and square, with
high standing collar of white lace and gold,
Tery much OF the same style as worn during
be reign of Queen Bess. The long train,
tartiag from the shoulders, is of a rich GRIM
on velvet, trimmed with gold lace. Long
auntlets. of light tsn-eolor reaching nearly
} the elbow, are worn, and the ducal crown