Class J\^.J1L£. Rnnk . (0(!^<^ L 3 NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. »^ 5AMER'5 Edition 5r PLAY5 The Ladies of Cranford Copyright, ^vm rv waltcp m saksa a ao 4 iA. W. PINERO'S PLAYS I I t (US t w Uniformly Bound in Stiff Paper Covers, Price, 50 cents each. The publication of the plays of this popular author, made feasible by the new Copyright Act, under which his valuable stage rights can be fully protected, enables us to offer to amateur actors a series of modern pieces of the highest class, all of which have met with distinguished success in the leading English and American theatres, and most of which are singularly well adapted for ama- teur performance. This publication was originally intended for the benefit of readers only, but the increasing demand for the plays for acting purposes has far outran their merely literary success. With the idea of pliicing this excel- lent series within the reach of the largest possible number of amateur clubs, we have obtained authority to offer them for acting purposes at an author's roy- alty of Ten Dollars for Each Performance. This rate does not apply to prof essionai performances, for which terms will be made known on application. THE AMAZONS. A Farcical Romance in Three Acts. By Arthur \y. PiXERO. Seven male and five female char- acters. Costumes, modern; scenery, an exterior and an interior, not at all difficult. This admirable farce is too well known through its recent performance by the Lyceum Theatre Company, NeAV York, to need description. It is especially recommended to young ladies' schools and colleges. (1895.) I I f T THE CABINET MINISTER. Costumes, modern society ; scenery. genious in construction, and brilliant in dialogue A Farce in Four Acts. By Arthur W. Pinero. Ten male and nine female characters. three interiors. A very amusing piece, in- (1892.) "nA"rJ"nV Dine 1 ^ Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. Pinero. Vi ■'^•"-'■^•*^ * i-'XV-irv.* I Seven male, four female characters. Costumes, mod- ' "" ' . ' ' ern ; scenery, two interiors. This very amusing piece was another success in the New York and Boston theatres, and has been ex- tensively played from manuscript by amateurs, for whom it is in every respect suited. It provides an unusual number of capital character parts, is very funny, and an excellent acting piece. Plays two hours and a half. (1893.) THE HOBBY HORSE. A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur W. Pinero. Ten male, five female char- — ^ — ' acters. Scenery, two interiors and an ex- terior ; costumes, modern. This piece is best known in this country through the admirable performance of Mr. John Hare, who produced it in all the principal cities. Its story presents a clever satire of false philanthropy, and is full of interest and humor. Well adapted for amateurs, by whom it has been success- fully acted. Plays two hours and a half. (1892.) LADY BOUNTIFUL. A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. Pinero. Eight male and seven female char- acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four interiors, not easy. A play of powerful sympathetic interest, a little sombre in key, but hot unrelieved by humorous touches. (1892.) The Ladies of Cranford 0"^ •■ 1899 A Sketch of English Village Life Fifty Years Ago In Three Acts By MARY BARNARD HORNE Author of " The Peak Sisters" " Prof. Baxter^ s Great Invention^ " The Book of Drills i' etc. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO 1S99 ^^.<\^ The Ladies of Cranford \^ CHARACTERS Miss Matilda Jknkyns, Miss Mary Smiih, Miss Jk.sie IJkovvn, Miss Tolk, Mrs, FoRRKsi er, Ml:,S BkTTY r.ARKER, 'I'liK H(»N. Mrs. Jamieson, Martha, Pecjoy, Mrs. Purkis, Little Susan, Jknnie, Little James, /■//(f Rector^ s daughter her visitor a tiew resident a J'rievd to Miss Jenkytis bortt a Tyrrell a retired milliner a leader in society maid to Miss Jenkyns maid to Miss Barker a country woman her daughter ■■ a country girl \ 3 a small boy Act L — Scene, Miss Matty's Parlor — Afternoon Tea. Act IL — Scene, Same — " Miss Matilda Jenkyns, licensed to sell tea." Act II L — Sci.NE, Miss barker's Parlor — A Card Parly. TiMK, AR 'UT 1840. • Copyright, 1S99, by Walter IL Raker & Co. xo COSTUMES. Costumes may be found in the edition of Cranfoid, illustrated by Hugh Thomson. They should be carefully reproduced, and tile bonnets made to look like illustrations. Miss Matty is a delicate little old lady, with a sweet face, and a\i undecided manner, as found in frontispiece, and in pages 62 and 73. Miss PoLi£ is tall and thin, with a stitf manner, and a rather strong-minded appearance— but she succumbs to ruffles at the party — and wears seven brooches, which should be obvious. See page 135. Mrs. F(JKKKSter is a tiny old lady— very shabby and quite poor — rather deaf but of exceedingly good f.imily. Miss Harkkr -overdressed and has the ai)pearance of using up her stock in trade, in the way of ribbons and laces. Mrs, Jamikson— a large florid woman — very languid — speaks with a drawl. See last illustration in book. Mary Smith and Jessie Brown should be pretty young girls — one dark and the other light. Mary — pages 232 and 242. jEssii-:— page 38. Martha — a large awkward servant — who blunders about and makes much business of keeping on paper paths and of her devo- tion to Miss Matty. See pages 78, 163, 242, 250. Pkggy — a tidy little maid — like illustration, page 183. Mrs. Purkis— common country woman, in shawl and bonnet. Children and customers dressed like those on pages 266 and 284. PROPERTIES. Old-fashioned furniture, stiff-backed chairs, an old square piano, or i)Ossil)lv a mclodeon or parlor organ would do. Can- delabras and old-fashioned candlesticks, cards for preference— a card-table, tray, with pretty china, tea chests, tumblers and jnrs for candy, scales, etc., for store — see frontispiece to Cranford. Brown paper sewed together in long strips to make the paper paths — newspapers can be placed in other places on floor. The Ladies of Cranford, ACT I. SCENE. — Miss Matilda Jenkyns' parlor. Tea-iahle r. c. Spinnet L. Sofa R. F. Fireplace and mantel R. Candles on mantel. Door l. b. Door R. Chairs scattered about. Roo7n arranged in prim manner, but tastefully, with signs of past elegance. Newspapers spread over carpet, here and there. A path of brown paper leads from door l. b. , to tea-table. Mary Smith and Jessie Brown discovered sitting together on sofa — talking confidentially. Mary has plain sezving; Jessie with knitting-work. Bright-colored wools heaped about. As curtain rises girls return to work, as if they had just embraced. Mary. There, noiu we will attend to the knitting. {Showing Jessie.) No, no, put your thread (77'^r— that's right. Now go on. (Jessie knits, Mary sews.) I never do fancy work when I visit in Cranford. It is such a good opportunity to make my father's shirts. Jessie. Don't you find it exceedingly tiresome ? Mary. What, making shirts or visiting in Cranford? Jessie. O, both. Cranford is so dull. Mary. Jessie you don't half know the place yet, or you would never call it dull. Now — knit back — plain. Jessie. But it is dull, nevertheless. Nothing ever happens here. Such a dead monotony. No births, no marriages, no deaths, even. Mary [laughing). How can there be births or marriages in a community of widows and maiden ladies, and not a nian in the place ? And as for deaths, people can only die of old age, here, it is so healthy. Jessie. Then why, Mary, do you find Cranford so interesting? Mary. I cannot tell you. There is a quaint charm about it, that suits my fancy. I have made visits here ever since 1 was a little girl in pinafores — and — well— there is nothing like it— not even in London. Jessie. I should think not. Mary, The dear old ladies are so irresistible. Put your thread over — take up two stitches, and seam. That's right. 5 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. ( Mary jumps up, moves a newspaper to another place on tht carpet and resumes seat on sofa. ) Jessie. Now, what did you do thatioxl Mary. I — why Jessie — I was practicing elegant economy a la Cranford. Those pjipers are to preserve Miss Matty's new carpet from the rays of the sun, and 1 was chasing a sunbeam. Jessie. O [knitting,] shall I seam back? Mary. Yes, dear. Now, do you see that paper path from the door to the table? That is for Martha to walk upon, when she brings the tea — to save the carpet. Jessie. O, how droll ! Mary. Do people make paper paths in London? Jessie. Hardly. But is there need of such economy ? Mary. Many people in Cranford appear to be in straitened circumstances. But they do not acknowledge it. O, my, no! Jessie. Well, we are downright poor. Mary. Sh ! Don't whisper it in Cranford. Jessie. Why, that is the reason for our coming here. Mary. Well, there is no need of shocking the elite of Cran- ford by mentioning it. Now, seam back. Jessie. Who are the elite, Mary ? Mary. Can you ask ? First and foremost— the Hon. Mrs. Jamieson — and then — the rest of us. Jessie. There, Mary. I have learned the stitch and I must go. I promised to teach it to Miss Pole as soon as ever I got it. Mary. But you will stop on your return, and have a cup of tea? ( Rolls up work. Enter Martha walking carefully on paper path. Stops abruptly at terminus. Jessie gathers up worsted and prepares for departure. ) Mary [standi^ig). O, Martha, is that you? Martha [sniffing). Yes, miss. Mary. Martha, what is the matter? Martha. Nothin*, miss. Mary. Then what do you want? Martha. Missus sent me to say, as she presents her compli- ments to Miss Brown, and will she remain to drink a cup o' tea. She is very sorry that she is at present engaged in the cu — cu Mary. Culinary department? Martha [meekly). Yes, miss. Jessie [having put on her bonnet, which she has taken from piano and gathered up her work). Please tell your mstress, that 1 shall be most happy to return in time for tea. [Kisses Mary. Exit, R. B.) Mary [returning froin l. b.). Martha, why do you look so un- happy. Don't you find your place comfortable ? Martha. Well, Ma-am — missus is very kind, and there's plenty to eat and drink, and no more work but what I can do easy, but — [Twisting the corner of her aprott.) THE LADIES Of CRANFORD. 7 Mary [seating her?.elf again and seiving). But what, Martha? Martha [sniffing). It seems so hard of missus, not to let me have any followers ; there's such lots of young fellows in the town ; and many a one has offered to keep company with me ; I may never get in such a likely place again, an' it's like wasting a good opportunity — it is miss. [Cries.) Mary. I wouldn't take it so to heart, Martha. Martha. Many a girl as I knows, would have 'em unbe- knownst to missus ; but I've given my word, an' I'll stick to it. Mary. That's right, Martha. Martha. An* such a capable kitchen for hidin' 'em. There's such good dark corners. I counted 'em up, last Sunday night, when I was cry in' because I had to shut the door in Jim Hearn's face. And him such a stiddy young man, fit for any girl. ( Cries. ) Mary. There, Martha, be a good girl and don't fret. I think I hear Miss Matty coming. [Exit Martha, l. b.) So there are two love affairs in Cranford, for I believe that I have dis- covered Jessie's secret. However, Martha doesn't count for she isn't in genteel society. Enter Miss Matty, r. Miss Matty. Where is Jessie ? I hope she hasn't gone. I really came just as soon as the cakes were out of the oven. Did Martha deliver the message? Mary. Certainly, Miss Matty, and Jessie is coming back. Miss M. [sitting l. ). I think, dear, that we may expect callers, because one day has elapsed since your arrival, and the ladies will feel that you have had ample time to rest. Mary [aside). I should think so. A journey of fifteen miles. Miss M. [rising). What did you say Mary ? Fifteen miles is a long distance to travel in one day. (Miss Matty moves papers during 7iext lines.) Mary. And I must return these calls? Miss M. On the third day. I dare say your mamma has told you, my dear, never to let more than three days elapse between receiving a call and returning it ; and also that you are never to stay longer than a quarter of an hour. [Sits after changing papers. ) Mary. But am I to look at my watch? How am I to find out when a quarter of an hour has passed ? Miss M. You must keep thinking about the time, my dear, and not allow yourself to forget it in conversation. [Rising. ) Now, my dear, lay aside your work, and we will retire to our rooms to make some slight preparations for company. This cap is hardly fit to receive in, although it was Deborah's best. Mary [folding her work). Miss Matty, I have discovered a secret. 8 THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. Miss M. And do you think, dear, that you ought to disclose it? Mary [rising). I don't know what I oug/it to do, but I am going to tell you, that Jessie Brown has a lover. [Lays work on table. ) Miss M. [sitting down abruptly on sofa R.). Dear — dear me ! A lover? Jessie Brown? ' Mary [standing by table). Yes, a lover. An officer in the army, and she refused to marry him, in order to nurse that poor sick sister. Miss M. My dear, it is quite — quite exciting. And where is he now ? The officer, I mean. Mary. O, I don't know that. It is quite hopeless, 1 imagine. Miss M. Dear — dear me. A love affair in Cranford. It takes me back to my youth, when — what arn I saying, my dear? Mary [coming over to Miss M.). You were going to tell me about your lover, Miss Matty. You must have had one, you know. Miss M. [embarrassed). O, no, dear, that is — no particular person. Of course I had lovers like all young girls. You see, dear, it wasn't so strange, because I was qiiite nice looking, when I was young. I had very pretty hair, and not a bad mouth. Mary [sitting on sofa a?id takittg Miss M.'s hand). You must have been a perfect dear. Miss M. [after a short pause). Mary, my dear, I haven't told you the truth. There was a particular person that I thought I should marry, a great many years ago, and he is dead and gone now, — and he never knew how it all came about that I said no. [Pause.) Deborah knew — and I suppose it vi^as all for the best. Mary [stroking her hatid). Poor Miss Matty. And did you never see him afterward ? Miss M. Not for thirty years. And then M'e met. He was Miss Pole's cousin, but he never came to Cranford after that time, until the year before he died — and then he — he called on me — and gave me a book of poems. Mary. How romantic ! Miss M. Do you think so, my dear? Well, I don't know. The poetry isn't as good as Dr. Johnson's, but I prize the book highly. Mary. Who was the author? Miss M. A young man, dear, quite unknown, but he has done very well, considering his extreme youth. His name is Tennyson, I think, Alfred Tennyson. [Starting iip.) O, what have I been saying? My sister and I never spoke of the things that happened before Peter went away. Mary. Dear Miss Matty, won't you tell me about Mr. Peter. Miss M. It is a very sad story. I wonder if Deborah would like me to tell. [Goes cautiously to door l. b.) Let me close the door first. No— I won't risk it. ( Calls off.) Martha ! Martha [answeriiigoff). Yes, missus. THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. 9 Miss M. I must give Martha some instructions about tea and make sure she does not hsten Enter Martha, l. b. ; business ofivalking on paper. Miss M. We are expecting callers, to-day, Martha, and some of them will probably stay to tea. See that everything is all right, and Martha, we will have a plate of the sponge biscuits. Bring the tray when I ring. Martha [curtsies). Yes, missus. Miss M. And you will be very careful, Martha, not to upset anything, and to make a good appearance ? Martha. O yes, missus. [Goi?ig, backing out, and always trying not to step off paper path.) Miss M. And, Martha? Martha [j-e turning). Yes, missus. Miss M. You are young. [Pause.) Martha [after a moment, curtsies). Yes, please, ma'am: two- and-twenty last October, please, ma'am. Miss M. Perhaps, sometime, Martha, you may meet with a young man you hke, and who likes you Martha. I've met him, ma'am. Miss M. [ignoring interruption). And if he is respectable and well-to-do, I have "no objection to his coming to see you ^«^^ ^ week. Martha. Please, marm, there's Jim Hearn, he's a joiner makin' three an' sixpence a day. He's six foot one in his stocking- feet, please marm, and he'll be glad enough to come to-morrow night, I'll be bound. Miss M. You can go now, Martha. [Exit Martha.) I wish Martha had a little more maidenly reserve. [C/oses door; returns to F.) Mary. Don't tell me about Mr. Peter, if it hurts you, dear Miss Matty. Miss M. [sitting in chair l.). My dear, I thought you knew about our brother. Everybody in Cranford knows how wild he was, always in scrapes. Poor boy, he was always so full of fun, and so was I. [Chuckles.) We were a pair. And Deborah — poor dear — she was so proper — always reading and writing letters, and thinking of the proprieties. Our father looked upon Deborah as his right hand, and our mother — well — her duty seemed to con- sist in getting Peter out of his scrapes. One day the boy passed all bounds and played a trick on the people of Cranford, that was discovered by my father. O, it was dreadful. My father flogged him in the presence of the very people he had fooled. It was just a harmless joke too. When my father stopped to take breath, Peter said — " Have you done enough, sir? " Then he made a low bow to the spectators quite like a gentleman and he walked off, and has never returned. ( IVipes her eyes.) Mary. Of course he is dead. to THE LADIES OF CRANFORD. Miss M. Well, I don't know. If he is, I ought to wear mourn- ing, and if he isn't, I ought to expect him to return at any mo- ment, and — I really don't know wka/ to think. £n/er Martha, l. b, Martha. Miss Barker is below, ma'am, shall she come up? Miss M. Certainly, Martha. My dear I mus^ change my cap. Will you remain ? {^Takes Mary's work; exit rapidly Vi. Exit Martha, l. Enter Miss Barker, l. at once.) Miss Barker [greeting Mary). Good-afternoon, my dear Miss Smith. Cranford society will be pleased to welcome you. Did you have a pleasant journey .'* Mary. Thank you, Miss Barker. The ride over was delight- ful. Enter Miss Matty, hurriedly ^ with one cap on top of the other. Miss M. Excuse me. Miss Barker, for keeping you waiting. Mary, where are my spectacles? [}AkYi\ finds them on table, and hands them to her.) Thank you, my dear. [To Miss Barker.) Pray be seated. Miss B. I took the liberty to call, madam, to welcome Miss Smith and to inquire for you. I hope, madam, you are enjoying good health. Miss M. You are very welcome. Miss Barker, and I am quite well, yes, quite, quite well, thank you. And you ? Miss B. [fanning herself). I am not as well as usual, Miss Jenkyns. Ihe accident to my poor Alderney has upset my nerves. ^«/\'E.). It can be, Jessie, and it isl Martha. This way, miss. [To door R. b. Exit Jessie. Mary waves hand and returns.^ Miss P. [to Miss Matty). I hope it's all right. Miss B, It's a great many years, since any one received a gentleman caller in Cranford. Miss M. You are sure he is 2i gentleman, Martha? Martha {returning to door l. b.). Indeed, ma'am, it's my opinion he's niore than a gentleman. Miss P. What rt't?^.^ she mean ? Martha. I means, ma'am, that he's got the look of a sodjer about him, aye, an* an orficer, too. Miss P. Goodness gracious! W^hat's going to happen next? {Bell rings. Martha ?neets Mrs. Purkis and little Susan ai door L. B. ) Martha {announces). Customers, ma'am. [Exit Martha, l. b. Miss M. {to Mrs. Purkis, who advances on paper path, pushing little Susan along in front). How do you do, Mrs. Purkis? Mrs. p. Right hearty, ma'am, an' I hope you're the same. Miss M. And this is little Susan. {Patting her on the head.) Are you well, dear? Susan {bobbing curtsey). Yes, ma'am, thank you, ma'am, I do be right well. (Mrs. Purkis nudges Susan, who hangs her head and seems shy.) Mrs. Purkis. Speak up now, Susan, like a lady. Susan {offering basket of apples). Please ma'am — ifitdunnot be takin* a liberty will ye be so kind as to — as to Mrs. Purkis. Go on Susan, ye're doin' fine. Susan. as to accept of these apples growed in our garden. Miss M. Thank you, my dear Uttle girl, that was very prettily said. Did you hear, Mary ? (Miss P. and Miss B. again converse, L. F., always conscious of transactions, but apparently oblivious.) Mary {talmig apples, which she places on table). Good child ! Mrs. Purkis {to Miss Matty, who goes behind table). And here. Miss Jenkyns, is the matter of a few new-laid eggs. My old man sends 'em, an' hopes they'll strengthen ye, he do. Miss M. {taking eggs). My friends are so kind, Mrs. Purkis. Now what can I do for you ? The ladies of cranford. 19 Mrs. Purkis. Well, if you don't mind, Miss Jenkyns, I would liken a pound o' that good green tea. Miss M. So soon, Mrs. Purkis ? Don't you think you are using a great deal of tea? It is so unwholesome to drink too much — and then^r^ Cents. Sen/, postpaid, on receipt of price, by BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS, two NEW C0MEDIE5. CLOVER FARM. A Farce Comedy in Three Acts. By GILBERT PATTEN. Eight male, three female characters, Scenery easy, costumes modern. A screaming farce, full of fuu and action. The unusixal evenness of op- portunity that this piece offers to its actors is remarkable. There are, literally, no small parts. In its original production, and in subsequeut performances from the manuscript, it has always been a laughing tuj- cess. Slippery Gibbs, the burglar, and the Rev. Herbert Goodman, with whom he is confounded, are capital parts, and Salamander Sharp, the detective, a screamer. Even "the cat" is a strong part. We can fully recommend the piece for amateurs or professionals. Plays two and one- half hours. Permission to produce must be obtained from the author. Price 35 Cents. SYNOPSIS: ACT I.— At Clover Farm. The old cat. A parson incog. The new boarder. False v/hiskers. "What's your little game?" A fair swap. The burglar's vacation. Jennie and the Count. A son of Yale. A domes- tic breeze. "Here's where I make me bluff." An amateur parson. The veiled lady. The female detective. A little scrimmage. A French duel. Detective Sharp. " The untired sleuth-hound of the law." A wrong steer. The elopement. " It was the cat! " ACT II.— At the picnic. The fire-eater takes water. Scarcely a suicide. A desperate man. An extempore comedy. "Great Caisar! what a scrape!" A double misunderstanding. A bothered burglar. "The Ivnx-eved ferret of justice." A wrong scent. A humorous alliance. Jim and the pie. The tramp. "I can't — I've got my pants off!" The murderous Count. Explanations. Forcing her hand. Married by a burglar. " The never-beaten detective." The wrong man. ACT III.— Sunrise in the oarn-yard. On guard. Asleep at his post. " You have ruined our plans." A howiin' toothache. A set-back for the sleuth-hound. The parson himself again. Highway robbery. The ad- vantages of being deaf. " Don't tell me mv child is married to a nigger! " The last of the Count. "The blow it near killed father." Facing it out. Bliss and rapture. Slippery Gibbs. " Bless you my children, bless you." A Bachelor's Banquet, OR, AN INDIGESTIBLE ROflANCE. A Farce in One Act, By LEWIS D. HUMPHREY. Three male, three female characters. Costumes and scenery simple. Printed as originally produced at Radcliffe College, Cambridge. An ex- cellent farce of the high class popularized by Mr. Howells, its humor abundant but refined, its story vivacious and amusing but entirely sane and possible. All parts good. Plays rapidly a full hour. Price 15 Cents. Senf, foslpaid, oti receipt of price ^ by BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. LATEST PLAYS. The Old Maids' Convention AN ENTERTAINMENT IN ONE SCENE. By LAURA M. PARSONS. Author of "Jerusha Dow's Family Album," "The District School at Blueberry Corners," Etc. One male, twenty female characters and specialties. Costumes eccen- tric; scenery unimportant; can be produced on a platform without any. This is an excellent version of a widely popular entertainment which has long existed in manuscript, but is now for the first time offered in print. It is practically for all female characters, since Prof. Pinkerton, its one man, may be represented by a lady, if desired. "Pinkerton's Electric Transform(h)er " is a marvelous invention, whatever the sex of its dis- coverer, and is capable of creating great amusement. This entertainment, of which it is a feature, is brightly and humorously written, and moves along briskly to a laughable conclusion. Lots of good characters and opportunity for specialties. A worthy successor to the popular " Prof. Baxter's Great Invention." Plays an hour and a half with specialties. Price, .... 85 Cents. SYNOPSIS. Scene.— The Old Maids' Matrimonial Club. The Club in executive session. Quotations. An unpopular sentiment. The Secretary's report. The report of the Treasurer. " Candy kisses." The Lookout Committee. " Widower Goodhope." A bachelor by the name of Rigby. " I don't care if he hasn't a dollar." A few suggestions tov.ard the propagation of matrimony. The club in debate. A literary interlude. Prof. Pinkerton's advent. A scientific exposition. Testimonials. "Before using your Transform(h)er I was totally blind, and nov/ I can see my finish." The great invention at work. " Blonde or brunette ? " Old maids made new. A great success. A difficult case. Somewhat overdone. " The machine can make no mistake." A hard problem. " I want to be a man." The Pro- fessor phazed but not daunted. " Drink the stuff and pile in." An explosion — of laughter. POPPING BY PROXY A FARCE IN ONE ACT, By O. E. YOUNG. Two male, four female characters. Scenery easy, costumes rustic. This is a very amusing, if somewhat athletic farce, suitable for the young and robust, and likely to be popular among people who rejoice in practical joking and high animal spirits. It is distinctly not a drawing-rooni play, but is full of good, broad, boisteroiis fun, and tells a very entertainiiig story. Plays forty-five minutes. Ftice, .... 15 Cents. Sejif, postpaid, on receipt of price, by BAEEE, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. NEW PLAYS. ^ DOWN EAST ^ A Comedy-Drama in Four Acts. By JUSTIN ADAMS. Author of "T'r:s5," "At ths Picket Line," Etc. Seven riale, thrc:; feinalo characters. Costumes rustic ; scenery varied, but not difficult. A.i excellent piece, full of action and interest, of the general character of "Joshua Whitconib " and " Old Jed Prouty." Plenty of "hiy-seed" comedy character, and plays briskly and to plenty of laughter. Has been successful in repertoire for several seasons, and for two years with amateurs as a manuscript play. Now free to amateurs of all royalties. Plays a full evening. Price S5 Cents. SYNOPSIS: ACT I.— The country post=office. Swapstown gossip. After the mail. Zeke's mare. A bicycle accident. A dog-muzzle for Deacon Perkins. "Do yoa want your wniskers to go inside or hang through?" Myra's lover. "A peck b' flour." Charley's uncle. A fortune in sight. The un- sealed letter. Ta3 grocery bill. "There's trickery here!" A.jr II. — T.13 oil honestead. Hard wood. "A nice piece ob water- million." A game for $50,000 stakes. The stolen letter. "Some one knows my secret." A laagui 1 lover. The naked truth. A human snake. The straight tip. A golden legacy. Turning the tables. The new will. "Possession is nine points of the law." ACT III.— The ruircd nill. Hiding the treasure. An interview. Turning the screw;--. Tl:e biter bit. Third hand high. The steel trap. A true heroine. "Wash" and the ghost. "Of two evils choose neither." Guilty or not guilty. The trial. A neat turn. "I've caught the thieving rat, an I there he i?"." ACT IV.— The Palmer House, Chicago. A secret mission. A fly waiter. "T could change it if it was a six-dollar biil." The ball rolling. The de- sorted wife. The mask off. A champion to the rescue. "Don't shoot — my hands are up." Zeke and the "elephant " The coochee-coochee girls. The divorce. The Ferris v/heel, Charley pays his " Bets." "A rich man now." Into the trap. The arrest. "No, Bets, for a lifetime, as they do "Down East." Sauce for the Goose. A Farce in One Act. By MARGARET VERB F. LIVINGSTON. Three male, one female character. A high-class farce full of refined fun, turning upon "hypnotisni." Plays briskly in about twenty minutes. Particularly suitable for parlor perforraance. Price . 15 Cents. Sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, by BAKES, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. iue20 THE MAGISTRATE. A Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. PiNERO. Twelve male, four female char- —^ ■ ' - acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interior. The merits of this excellent and amusing piece, one of the most popu- lar of its author's plays, are well attested by long and repeated runs in the principal American theatres. It is of the highest class of dramatic writing, and is uproariously funny, and at the same time unexceptionable in tone. Its entire suitability for amateur performance has been shown by hundreds of such pro- ductions from manuscript during the past three years. Plays two hours and a half. (1892.) A Drama in Four Acts. By Arthur W. PiNERO. Eight male and five female charac- ters ; scenery, all interiors. This is a " prob- lem " play continuing the series to which " The Profligate " and "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray" belong, and while strongly dramatic, and intensely interesting is not suited for amateur performance. It is recommended for Reading Clubs. (1895.) THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH. THE PROFLIGATE. A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. Pine- RO. Seven male and five female characters. -• Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; costumes, modern. This is a piece of serious interest, powerfully dramatic in movement, and tragic in its event. An admirable play, but not suited for ama- teur performance. (1892.) THE SCHOOLMISTRESS. A Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. PiNERO. Kine male, seven fe- male characters. Costumes, mod- ern; scenery, three interiors, easily arranged. This ingenious and laughable farce was play^^d by Miss Rosina Vokes during her last season in America with great success, 'its plot is amusing, its action rapid and full of incident, its dia- logue brilliant, and its scheme of character especially rich in quaint and humor- ous types. The Hon. Vere Queckett and Peggy are especially strong. The piece is in all respects suitable for amateurs. (1894.) THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY. A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. PiXERO. Eight male and five female char- acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. This well-known and powerful play is not well suited for amateur per- formance. It is offered to Mr. Pinero's admirers among the reading public in answer to the demand which its wide discussion as an acted play has created. (1894.) Also in Cloth, $1.00. Arthur A Comedy in Three Acts. B;^ W. PiNERO. Seven male and four female SWEET LAVENDER. I ' characters. Scene, a single interior, the same for all three acts ; costumes, modern and fashionable. This well known and popular piece is admirably suited to amatsur players, by whom it has been often given during the last few years. Its story is strongly sympathetic, and its comedy interest abundant and strong. (1893.) THE TIMES. A Comedy in Four Acts. By Arthur "W. PI^'ERO. Six male and seven female characters. Scene, a single ele- ■ gant interior ; costumes, modern and fashionable. An entertaining piece, of strong dramatic interest and admirable satirical humor. (1892.) THE WEAKER SEX. A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur W. PiNERO. Eight male and eight female ' ' — ■ characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors, not difficult. This very amusing comedy was a popular feature of the repertoire of Mr. and Mrs. Kendal m this country. It presents a plot of strong dramatic interest, and its incidental satire of " Woman's Rights'' em- plov's some admirably humorous characters, and inspires many very clever lines. Its leading characters are unusually even in strength and prominence, which makes it a very satisfactory piece for amateurs. (1894.) I I k t Sty I SI/ ? s»/ I NEW OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN- EDITH'S DREAM. ^n ©peretta for CJjiltircn. Words by MARGARET FEZANDIE and EDGAR MORETTE. Music by EUGENE FEZANDIE, Jr. Eleven characters, girls and boys, or all girls, as preferred ; ten or more addi- tional for chorns. Scenery unnecessary ; costumes, pretty and fanciful, but easily arranged at home.. This admirable little piece is printed complete with music. It is very tuneful and gracefully imagined, and is strongly recommended for private theatricals or for schools. It is particularly well suited for the latter nse, as it deals whimsically with the question of youthful study, inculcating, however, an excellent moral. Price 35 cents. ODD OPERASSEVENTIDE. | A Collection of Short and Simple Musical ^jy Entertainments for Children. Wa By MRS. G. N. BORDMAN. This collection provides a simple operetta, a fairy opera, a picturesque motion song, a quaint musical pantomime, a pretty musical sketch, and two original h»morous recitations for children, complete, with all the music, and full instruc- tions for performance. The music is tuneful and simple, and is specially written with the tastes and limitations of children in view. The solos are easily learned and sung, and all the choruses are written for voices in unison. The collection is strongly recommended for its simplicity and perfect practicability. Neither stage nor scenery is demanded, nor any other requirements that cannot be met without trouble by the equipment of the ordinary hall or church vestry, and the zeal of the most economical committee of arrangements. Price 50 cents. copJtents. A Glimpse of the Brownies. A Musical Sketch for Children. Any number of boys. Mbrket Day. An Operetta for Young People. Seven speaking parts and chorus. Queen Flora's Day Dream. An Operetta for Children. Six speak- ing parts and chorus. The Boating Party. A Musical Sketch for Little Children. Thirty boys and girls. Six tittle Grandmas. A Musical Pantomime for very Little Children. Six very little girls. Jimmy Crow, A Recitation for a Little Girl. A House in the Moon. A Kecita- tion for a Child. 8. J. PARKHILL * CO., PRINTERS. BOSTON. U.S.A.