The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-06-10
JOHN HEADFORD,
MASTER WORKMAN, X. OF l..
"Greater love hath no man than
this, that n man lay down his life
for his friends.
Behind the Scenes.
Il is the first night of the season

1t is the first night of the season.
All Is In readiness for an opening night s
representation. The company's members
answer to we'll known names upon the
stock lists. They have been engaged
with much care and due consideration of
properly supporting the eminent and world
renowned actress who gives her name TO the
company.
Upon the stage, the first scene is set,
every rope, every slide is in place. The
carpenter has ceased his hammering and
the paint-pots are ut rest. There must be
no waits on this first night. Faint and soft
from beyond the heavy curtain may be
heard the orchestra playing the opening
overture. There is a subdued palpitation
in the atmosphere which indicates nervous
anticipation and restrained excitement.
The ladies and gentlemen have patiently
submitted, during the last month. to
multitudinous rehearsals, eagerly availed
themselves of all new business" the
efficient stage manager has suggested,
and tonight it, as we'll as them
selves, is TO be put to the test, and they
can not tell how they will do until it is
done. The oldest veteran loses confidence.
In the dressing rooms above the stage,
on level with the flies, all is hustle The
stars room is sacred from intrusion, but in
the ladies' general room the gas jets glare
and flash within their globes of wire,
rouge pots, powder boxes, pencils, wigs.
etc, litter every available spot. The "old
woman" is padding OFT her young, slim
hips; the leading lady" is drawing in her
rather matronly waist, and the maid IN
waiting" is asserting some stage jewelry.
A knock at the door, and ii is unceremo-
niously pushed ajar by the first walking
ryan MI hn in
formation that if they will "put small
round dash of black just below the lower
lid at the outside corner of each eve. it will
make them look as large as saucers."
1t is received with disdain, and he is per-
emptorily ordered out, vowing he will nerer
give them another point. A bell sounds,
the curtain rises, and all is quiet around the
stage as the play proceeds. Shortly upon
the narrow stairs leading from the dress
ing rooms, the "old man" buttonholes q
young reporter and is giving him "copy."
II have appeared in all the principal
cities, supported the most noted stars, you
can hear him say, his voice raising as he
proceeds.
II am letter-proof in Iago and Claude
Melnotte; and" assuming a heroic, tragical
tone of voice-"if l can not play Othello
better than Mr.. Bustup, you may take this
-ldpplnB Ills lOIeneuu lBnllN lTOIn lnlS,
mt the same time throwing out his broad
chest and loudly slapping himself in the
region of his heart.
The reporter disappears, apparently in a
state of collapse caused by the bare idea
of such possibility, no one can tell which
possibility.
The play moves on, n door opens and
closes above, light steps sound neal
| the stairs. IL is the "soubrette," q
pretty, modest, young girl. She has had
some experience in slightly abbreviated
skirts, but this is her first appearance in
tights. Tonight she takes the part of 9
page.
She has made her toilet with elaborat,
care. There is not a wrinkle in the fin,
silk webbing that encases her round
straight limbs. Every ribbon is in place
The plume in her little cap waves grace
fully erect.
Reaching the steps, she hesitates, thei