• ST. NICHOLAS •BOOK OF PLAYS • & OPERETTAS •

SECOND SERIES

THE CENTURY CO. NEW YORKLONDON

Copyright, 1916, by

The Century Co. Published September, 1916

Printed in U. S. A.

CONTENTS

THE ST. NICHOLAS BOOK OF PLAYS AND OPERETTAS

CHARACTERS

[Pg 3]

THE DREAM-TOY SHOP

(A Christmas Playlet for Little Girls and Boys)

By Jessie M. Baker

SCENE I

Little Maiden’s Room on Christmas Eve

[In the bed at center the Maiden lies asleep in her little frilled night cap and gown. Her stocking is hung on the bedpost. At the left on a small table a tiny candle burns.

At the right is a large arm-chair with a picture-book and doll lying upon it.

Enter the Christmas Fairy at right. She wears a loose, white frock with crêpe paper wings and a wreath of holly, and carries a little silver, star-tipped wand.]

SCENE II

The Dream-toy Shop

[On the counter at background are a number of large toys, among them two little girls—one fair-haired, one dark—dressed as Dolls.

At the left of the counter stand two Soldier-boys with drums, paper caps, and epaulets.

At the right is a large, square, red box.

On the floor in front of the counter sits the black Kitty. He wears black tights, a little black jacket from beneath which his long tail curls, and a little black cap with pointed ears. [Pg 5]

At right foreground sits the Bunny. He is dressed in a white sleeping garment which covers hands and feet, and a little flannelette cap with long, upstanding ears which are wired and colored pink on the inside.

At left foreground on a little stool sits the Teddy-bear in furry coat and cap with little ears of cotton wool.

[Soldiers begin to march and drum stiffly at first and softly, but soon faster and noisily.]

[The Dolls dance a minuet, the little Maiden clapping delightedly, the Soldiers applauding with drums. Little Maiden spies the Bunny, runs over to him, and pats him gently. The Fairy touches him with her wand and he hops back and forth—while Soldiers, Dolls and Maiden applaud.]

[The Fairy touches him with her wand. He begins to turn about, displays his curly tail, and spits at the little Maiden when she slyly pulls it. Little Maiden strokes his back, and he sings a meow solo to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.” All applaud.] [Pg 7]

[Fairy touches him with wand. He stands up, stretches himself, then sits on his little stool and sings:]

[All the Toys gather about as he sings. The little Maiden takes him on her lap and begins to croon in a motherly fashion. Suddenly a noise comes from the direction of the red box. Maiden, rising and taking Teddy-bear by the hand, begins to look excitedly about.]

[Again the noise is heard. Maiden runs over and touches lid of box. It pops open, showing a funny Jack-in-the-box holding a bag of candy under his arm.]

[As he sings, all the toys form in a line behind the little Maiden, and as they pass Candy-box Jack, he gives them each some candy from his bag. Toys return to places and little Maiden stands at center.]

[Jack jumps out of the Candy-box and places his hands on the shoulders of the little Maiden.]

[All dance the Norwegian Folkdance “Up to the Moon in a Rainbow,” using these words.]

[All sing.]

[As they finish there is the sound of a clock striking five. Candy-box Jack and all the Toys go back to their former places and remain motionless. Fairy softly leads Maiden out. Jack pops his head out and throws a candy kiss after her. She runs back to get it and waves good-by.]

[Curtain]

[Pg 10]

CHRISTMAS BABES IN THE WOODS

By Corinne Rockwell Swain

CHARACTERS

COSTUMES

Betty and Dick may wear modern outdoor dress, with bright caps and sweaters; or, if preferred, something more old-fashioned and picturesque, such as “Greenaway” or “Cranford” costume.

The Queen and her Fairies are in white, with silver tinsel and crystal ornaments, and carry wands with silver stars. They may wear either trailing draperies, or short “Pierrette” dresses, with silver ruffs, rosettes, and little pointed caps.

Jack Frost; “Pierrot” costume of white or pale blue, with silver cap and ornaments.

The Holly Elves; “Pierrot” or “Yama-Yama” suits of green, with caps, ruffs, buttons and slipper-rosettes of scarlet. They carry branches of holly.

[Pg 11]

SCENE

The woods in winter. If scenery is not available, a generous supply of white sheets and cotton batting will make an effective setting, with a few small evergreens, and bare boughs. A large Christmas tree should be utilized as part of the scene; place it to right of center, and trim lightly with silver tinsel, “snow,” and glass icicles. Near the tree, a couch or seat should be built up and covered with white, to represent a little mound; upon this the Queen sits, and later, the children recline. The time is about sunset; a red light, if available, will be effective early in the scene, while toward the end it grows darker. A curtain is not absolutely necessary, although of course more “like a play.”

MUSIC

The airs mentioned may all be found in “Folk Songs and Other Songs for Children”; Oliver Ditson Company.

[The Queen and Fairies enter, dancing, to the air of “Come, Lasses and Lads.” The Holly Elves dance in from opposite side, and, with the Fairies, form a circle about the Queen, singing:]

[Pg 12]

[The Queen seats herself upon the mound as a throne, while the rest group themselves about her. Crystal, Pearl, and several others step to left, looking off intently, as though something attracted their notice.]

[They all hide, behind tree, in wings, etc. Enter, from left, Betty and Dick, dragging evergreen boughs. They move wearily, and pause near center, to look about them.]

[Betty standing facing R., wiping her eyes, but evidently trying to be brave. The Queen peeps at her from behind the Christmas tree, and she gives a startled cry.]

[They nod and finally doze, sinking into a reclining position upon the mound. The Fairies and Elves steal out cautiously, to soft music, and survey the children with curiosity. Then, coming closer, they surround the sleepers and sing; air, “Der Rothe Sarafan.”]

[Pearl and Crystal return with dishes heaped with snow dainties, which they offer to the children. They taste eagerly, then look at each other in keen disappointment.]

[Jack and Elves run off, Left. Shouts and a loud “Whoa!” are heard outside, and then Santa, enters, with a triumphant escort, and comes to front.]

[The children clutch one another in wonder and suspense, while the others nod their heads at Santa, with determination.]

[Santa and the children go off L. and the sleigh-bells jingle away into the distance.]

[The gifts are taken from the bag by the Queen and Jack Frost, and distributed among the audience by Fairies and Elves. If this ending is not desired, the “Hail to Santa Claus” chorus may be repeated after Santa’s exit, to the accompaniment of his bells, and the play closed in this manner.]

[Pg 29]

WHICH SHALL BE KING?

(A Christmas Play in One Act)

By Anna van Marter Jones

SCENE

Any stage or platform large enough to hold all the actors for final chorus and dance—with wings screened from view where players may sit when not on the stage. No curtain required, the only “stage setting” being a large chair at back of stage and twelve (or six) small chairs placed about the stage leaving center free.

CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY

Father Time, a tall boy in gown, with white hair and beard; carries a scythe and an hour-glass.

Herald, boy in page’s suit.

Jury, twelve or six boys and girls in school clothes, having dolls, teddy-bears, books or toys—as if meeting for play.

Master January, boy—suit of white—leggings, trousers, sweater, and stocking cap—trimmed with white cotton; carries a large, white-covered book on which Resolutions is printed in bold relief. [Pg 30]

Little New Year, tiny child, also in white, carrying sleigh-bells; one who can sing.

Miss February, girl—blue cap, white blouse, red skirt, the last trimmed with silver hearts and birds; carries a small flag and a large valentine.

Bluster March, boy—wearing overcoat, mittens, “pull-down” cap and tippet; carries a huge kite, a large top, and a bag of marbles.

Four Winds,[1] four smaller lads, who can sing; costumes: gray gowns with large kimono-like sleeves covering hands; and pointed hoods of same material.

Baby April, small girl—dress, lavender; a “red ridinghood” cape of pale green; carries some tiny white flowers.

The Princess May, tall girl—in pink gown, with wreath of green vines and pink flowers; carries wild flowers.

May’s Attendants,[2] six or twelve smaller boys and girls—in white costumes, who dance about her or do a simple Maypole dance.

Summer-hearted June, girl, in white with wreath of roses; carries large bunch of roses.

Jolly July, boy, in Uncle Sam suit; carries bunch of sky-rockets and toy pistol.

Miss Leisure August, girl, in outing costume—large hat, etc.; carries tennis racquet, fishing rods, and golf sticks.

School-day September, boy, in school suit, laden with huge strap full of school books.

Golden October, girl, in light brown dress trimmed with autumn leaves; carries basket of red apples.

Little Leaves,[3] six tiny girls in red and yellow dresses.

Harvest November, boy, in cook’s cap and apron; carrying, on a tray, a turkey.

Assistant Cooks, four boys similarly dressed, each bearing on his tray a portion of the Thanksgiving dinner described in his lines.

Dear December, a large boy, dressed as Santa Claus and carrying a small Christmas tree. [Pg 31]

Music throughout the play may be produced by a pianist, an orchestra, or a chorus of children. Any suitable selections may be substituted for those here suggested. The play moves on well with only piano interludes.

THE PLAY

[Enter, left wing, six or a dozen school children, talking, laughing, hurrying in. They discover Father Time standing at right front of stage, leaning on his scythe, and looking much disturbed.]

[The Children form ring and play drop the handkerchief, but rush at Father Time pell-mell when he returns.]

[Music and sleigh-bells heard. Short instrumental selection or sleighing song.]

[Enter Herald with Master January and the Little New Year.]

[Little New Year sings, “I am the little New Year.” Jenks’ Kindergarten Songs.]

[Exit January and New Year to left.]

[Music—A Patriotic Air played or sung.]

[Enter Herald and Miss February.]

[Exit February.]

[Enter Herald and Bluster March, followed by the Four Winds, who wave their arms like fans as they approach.]

[Exit March and the Winds.]

[Enter Herald coaxing little April to follow. She hangs back and seems so shy that Herald has to push her gently toward the Jury.]

[Exit April.]

[Music. May song sung or May dance played.]

[Enter Herald, Princess May and Dancers.]

[All bow. The dancers place the crown on May’s head and form for the dance which immediately follows. At its close May recites.]

[Exit May and train.]

[Music.]

[Enter Herald and June.]

[Exit June.]

[Music. “Yankee Doodle.” Drumming and noise of fire-crackers.]

[July rushes on to stage unannounced, shoots his cap pistol and says to Jury:]

[Exit July.]

[Music—Waltz or Boat Song.]

[Enter Herald and August.]

[Exit August.]

[Music. “School Days.”]

[Enter Herald and September.]

[Exit September.]

[Music. “October’s Bright Blue Weather.” Modern Music Reader, Book II.]

[Enter Herald and October.]

[Enter little Leaves, dancing to front of stage where they sing “Come Little Leaves.” Kindergarten Song.]

[Music. Song—“Come, ye thankful people.” Any Hymnal.]

[Enter Herald, followed by chief cook November and his assistants.]

[Exit November and the cooks.]

[Bells are heard and a Christmas carol outside.]

[The Jury exhibit great excitement and show by pantomime that they know what is coming now.]

[Enter Herald followed by Dear December.]

[The Jury rise in haste and clapping hands rush to meet December, shouting:]

[The others return and passing before December salute him with low bows and curtsies, forming two circles about him. When all have come they dance about December, singing—“Hail, Old Father Christmas.” Modern Music Series, First Book.]

[At the final phrase of the chorus all wave a good-by to the audience.]

[Pg 44]

The Christmas Conspiracy

A Christmas Play For Boys and Girls

By Elizabeth Woodbridge

CHARACTERS

Real Children, Harry, Nell, Bobby, Dot.

Mother Goose Children, Jack, Jill, Miss Muffet, Boy Blue, Simple Simon, Jack Horner, Bo-Peep, Mistress Mary Quite Contrary.

Mother Goose.

Santa Claus.

SCENE

A dimly lighted sitting-room, showing a fireplace and at least one window. Leaning against the wall beside the fire place, a huge book of nursery rimes, with a picture of Mother Goose on the cover.

TIME

The night before Christmas.

ACT I

[Enter Harry and Nell, with stockings to hang up.]

Harry. Come on! Let’s hang ’em here!

Nell. Where are Bobby and Dot? [Pg 45]

Harry. Hi, Bobby! Hi there, Dot! Come along! We’re going to hang up our stockings now. [They go back to entrance and draw in with them two smaller children, the smaller the better, and help them hang up tiny stockings, then lead them out and return themselves—all this in dumb show, or the children may say a few words, whatever is most natural. It is better for them not to learn set speeches for this part of the business. After rearranging the stockings, Harry and Nell sit down by the fire.]

Harry. What do you s’pose he’ll bring us?

Nell. I don’t know. Oh, dear! I wish it was morning!

Harry. I want a new sled. Mine’s all broken.

Nell. I want a new doll’s crib. My littlest dolly hasn’t anywhere to sleep except a bureau drawer.

Harry. Mother said you needed a new pair of eyes—ones that won’t cry so easily.

Nell. She said you needed a new pair of hands—the kind that won’t slap and pinch people.

Harry. [Reaching out and drawing the Mother Goose book over to him, and pointing to the cover.] I think Mother Goose needs a new cap. Hers has never looked like much since we spilt molasses candy on it.

Nell. Oh, if Santa Claus ever brought the Mother [Pg 46]

Goose people anything—they all need things. [She draws closer to Harry, and they open the book between them.] Miss Muffet’s footstool has holes through it, look! Mother says I poked those with the scissors when I was little.

Harry. [Turning a page.] And Boy Blue needs a new horn. He must be tired of that tin one.

Nell. [Turning another page.] And poor Bo-Peep! She’s had that same ribbon on her crook ever since I was a baby!

Harry. [Turning again.] And Jack and Jill have been banging that pail around down that hill for years and years. It must leak like everything.

Nell. I don’t believe Santa Claus ever thought of them. If he did, he would bring them things, I know he would. [Pg 47]

Harry. How can he think of them when they don’t hang up any stockings!

Nell. Poor things!

[A voice from outside calls, “Children!”]

Harry and Nell. [Getting up.] There’s Mother! [They drop the book and get as far as the door, when Nell catches Harry’s arm and turns back.]

Nell. Let’s take the Mother Goose people with us. They’ll feel so badly to see Santa Claus stuffing our stockings when he doesn’t give them anything—and most of them are children, too. [She picks up the book, and Harry takes it. Both go out. Silence. Finally Jack and Jill appear in the doorway, looking in. After a careful survey of the room, they tiptoe in cautiously, go to the fireplace and look up it, feel of the stockings, go to the window or windows and peer out. All this time they hold between them an old tin pail.]

Jack. [In a loud whisper.] He hasn’t come yet.

Jill. I suppose he might come ’most any minute.

Jack. We do need a new pail, sure enough. Look at this one! We couldn’t carry a cupful of water in it, even if we didn’t tumble down.

Jill. And we don’t usually tumble down, of course. It was just that once. [Pg 48]

Boy Blue. [In the doorway, loud whisper.] Hello, Jack! Hello, Jill! Anybody else here?

Jack and Jill. Hello, Boy Blue! Come in!

Jack. We were just talking about Santa Claus.

Boy Blue. [Entering.] Oh, you heard what the children said. So did I.

Jill. And we do need a new pail.

Jack. [Holding out pail.] Look!

Boy Blue. Yes, I suppose you do. But look at my horn! It’s all battered up climbing stone walls after those tiresome cows.

Jill. Of course!

Boy Blue. And once I dropped it down the well. I was helping Johnny Stout get that pussy-cat out that Tommy Green put in.

Jack and Jill. Horrid boy, that Tommy Green!

Boy Blue. And it really hasn’t tooted very well since then.

[Miss Muffet, a very little girl, appears at door. She holds a little stool or hassock under one arm, and in the other hand a string, from which hangs a large, black spider.]

[Pg 49] Jill. Why, here’s Little Miss Muffet, too! [Jill goes over to door, takes her hand, and leads her in.] I do believe she thinks she needs a new tuffet. Is that it, Miss Muffet?

Miss Muffet. Yes. Look at it! And I need a new spider, too.

Jack. [Examining the spider.] Why, that looks to me like a perfectly good spider. What’s the matter with your spider, Miss Muffet?

Miss Muffet. He’s black. I’m tired of a black spider. I want a yellow one—a big, yellow one.

Boy Blue. Well, I never knew Miss Muffet cared what kind of a spider it was.

[Simple Simon appears at door, hesitates.]

[Pg 50] Jack. Oh, there’s Simple Simon! Come in, Sim, my boy! We’re all talking about what we want. What do you want?

Simple Simon. [Entering slowly and speaking with a drawl, or perhaps a stammer.] I’ve always wanted lots of things—especially pie. But I never had any pennies.

Boy Blue. [Briskly.] Then what you want is pies,—or else pennies,—which would you rather?

Simple Simon. Pies.

Jack Horner. [Entering in time to hear the last two speeches.] Here! Take mine! I picked out all the plums years ago. [Simple Simon takes the pie, and retires to back of stage to eat it.]

Boy Blue. Hello, Jack Horner! What do you need?

Jack Horner. [Turning to the others.] What I need is a new pie.

Mistress Mary Quite Contrary. [Entering.] And what I need is a new watering-pot. [Pettishly.] Look at this old thing!

Bo-Peep. [Entering.] There’s Mistress Mary, quite as contrary as usual! But, now really, children, no joking, I do need a fresh ribbon. You all heard what Harry and Nell said. They noticed it. I suppose everybody has.

Jill. [Patronizing but friendly.] Yes, Bo-Peep, we all[Pg 51] noticed, only we’ve been too polite to speak about it. [Confidentially, with an air of wisdom.] Have you ever tried dampening it and pressing it?

Bo-Peep. Yes, Mother Goose does that for me every little while.

Jill. But it is badly faded, isn’t it?

Bo-Peep. Of course it is! How could it help being? I’ve been chasing those sheep for years, out in the hot sun, and hooking their legs—like—like this!

[She reverses her crook and begins hooking it around the children’s ankles. They hop and run to escape her. Screams and laughter.]

Mother Goose. [Entering, waving her stick at them.] Children! children! What are you doing? You’ll wake the house! And Santa Claus may pop in any minute and catch you! And then what!

All. Catch us? What fun!

Jack. Perhaps we’d catch him! We’d make him give us a new pail, wouldn’t we, Jill?

Bo-Peep. And me a new ribbon.

Boy Blue. And me a new horn.

Mistress Mary. And me a new watering-pot.

Jack Horner. And me a new pie.

[Pg 52]

Simple Simon. I’d like some pie, too.

Jack. And Miss Muffet, here, wants a new tuffet.

Miss Muffet. And a new spider—a yellow one.

Mother Goose. What children you are! Poor old Santa Claus! Hasn’t he enough to do now, without your teasing him for things?

Jack. But he never gives us anything.

All. Harry and Nell said so, too.

Jill. And they said he surely would if he only thought.

Jack. [Facing the rest, and striking an attitude.] Let’s make him think!

All. How? how?

Jack. All hide here, and wait till he comes, and then jump out at him, and capture him.

All. Oh, what fun! Let’s! [They turn to Mother Goose.] May we? may we?

Mother Goose. If you promise you won’t hurt him.

All. Oh, we won’t; we won’t.