The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-11-23
After the hanks
glivizaaz DiEnr1ef'-.WhatG21

In preparation for such an entertain
ment she must have a few stage settings
and costumes. A fireplace or mantel will
do for the background of most of the
pictures. A settle or two, some old
fashioned chairs. dishes and a spinning
wheel will also be useful. For costumes,
paper muslin or calico, in black. gray or
dun color, can be worked cheaply into the
Puritan costumes, together with white
kerchiefs and caps for the women. made
from t%arletan or tissue paper; and for the
men there must be broad-brimmed hats
with cone-shaped crowns, made from
black canvas, and white turnover collars.
Shoes with buckles and long, black hos
iery are worn by the men, with knicker-
bockers fulled in at the knees. The cloak
is round and stiff, and. indoors, q doublet
to match the knickerbockers is worn. The
dresses for the women nave no trimming
except a flchu.
II time is allowed for making the cos
tune. ana some member Of the family Is
deft at cutting and planning, a very re-
spectacle stage wardrobe can be produced
at the cost of a couple of dollars. If the
performance is given in double parlors,
folding doors may be used instead of cur
tains; and the effect of the living pc
lures will be heightened If on the side of
the door next to the actors Is stretched
theatrical gauze, which is not expensive,
and gives the effect of distance to the
tableauX.
Three sets of pictures may be presented
the first scene from the familiar story of
The Courtship of Miles Standish," the
second may be a scene from "Evangeline,"
and the third, particularly suited to a fam
lily gathering, should be The Hanging of
the Crane AS the later is laid rather on
the lines of dissolving views, a curtain of
dark stuff. which can be drawn and drop
ped again quickly. will add to the effect.
THESE living pictures may be separated by
music-a number of Longfellow's poems
have been set to melodies. The Bridge
The Arrow and the Song The Rainy
Day" Excelsior" and The Open Win
dow" can be found In the cheap collections
of old-fashioned songs.
The first scenes from 1.-The Courtship OF
Miles Standish" will be found under the
heading of Part I'LL, The Lovers En-
rand" and Part Will, THE Spinning
Wheel The setting for this should be
very simple. with Priscilla Alden seated al
the spinning wheel. Before the curtain
rises, some one who has been selected as
reader or %reciter, is heard back of tho
scenes starting with: Sc through the
Plymouth woods JOIN Alden went on his
GRAND" When he reaches the line, $50
he entered the house, the curtains rist
slowly and show John Alden in the door.
way. his hands filled with flowers. Th
actors do not speak, but as the reader tells
the story they act a pantomine the memor
able proposal by roxy, ending with tn,
famous expressions: Why don't 20,
speak for yourself. John?
While the curtain is down the readel
~recites the opening stanzas of 1.-The Spin
ming Wheel" and at these words $50 a!
she sat at her wheel" the curtain is RAISED
to show the second wooing of John Alden
and again the actors offer their pantomine
interrupted by the messenger. also ii
Puritan costume, who brings word o
Standish's death. The curtain fall on tn,
two lovers plighting their troth.
The picture from "Evangeline" is tn
famous betrothal scene Of Evangeline AM
Basil, starting. Indoors, warmed by TIL