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MAIDS, MODES, AND MANNERS OR MADAME GRUNDY'S DILEMMA

For twenty or more females. Twelve speaking parts, one of which (Mephistopheles) may be taken by a gentleman.

      CAST OF CHARACTERS
    • MEMORY,
    • MADAME GRUNDY,
    • HELEN OF TROY,
    • TENNYSON'S PRINCESS,
    • MARGUERITE,
    • MEPHISTOPHELES,
    • POWERS OF MEMORY,
    • GERTRUDE,
    • JOAN SHAKESPEARE,
    • WATTEAU SHEPHERDESS,
    • JOSEPHINE,
    • PRISCILLA,
    • DOLLY MADISON,
    • THE DUMMY,
    • THE GLOOMY FOREBODINGS.
Time in representation, 50 minutes. (This can easily be shortened, without affecting the plot, by omitting some of the speaking parts.)

STAGE SETTING

Raised platform in centre of stage, covered with green. Rocks, stones, potted plants, etc., may be banked in front of this, if desired. Tripod on platform, with gypsy kettles large spoon in kettle. Back of stage should be hung with some dark color — large black shawls are effective — to show off bright costumes of the actors. Trailing vines could be arranged around upper part of background, with good effect.

PROPERTIES

Large iron spoon; kettle; armful of fashion-books for Madame Grundy; very large singing-book for Priscilla: crook for Shepherdess; letter for Dolly Madison; wooden shoe for Gertrude; colored fire to burn at sides of stage: daisies for Marguerite.

COSTUMES

MEMORY. — Plain black gown, with long train; front of skirt covered with stars and crescents cut out of yellow paper or cambric; white kerchief around neck; pointed cap two or three feet high, made of paste-board and covered with black, or it may be made of black crinoline or buckram; long veil fastened to point of cap, and reaching nearly to ground; hair hanging loosely. Crimp it and then fluff it out. A tall brunette is best for this part.

MADAME GRUNDY. — Any extremely stylish costume, the gayer the better; but it must be very pretty and very correct. Powder the hair and do it up elaborately.

HELEN OF TROY. — This costume may be made with two sheets. Drape one around waist to form a scant skirt. Drape the other over shoulders to form a tunic; or make a skirt of white paper-cambric, and cut out a Greek waist by the pattern sold for that purpose. Do the hair in a Psyche knot, tied with bands of white ribbon, to imitate Greek fillet.

TENNYSON'S PRINCESS. — Long, trailing Princess robes, of brown cambric, fastened behind. Make it with a square neck, and white chemisette coming close up around throat. Flowing sleeves of brown, with undersleeves of white. Bind brown and white together to form a girdle; sew tassels on ends, and fasten loosely in front, a little to one side. Crimp the hair, and have it hanging loosely, fastened with string of beads, or ribbon fillet.

MARGUERITE. — Very full white muslin skirt, and chemisette, with full sleeves coming a little below elbow; black velvet bodice and little black cap with long strings untied. Hair in two braids down back. Bunch of daisies (artificial flowers will do). A blonde is best for this part.

MEPHISTOPHELES. — Red stockings and slippers (slippers may be covered with red cambric). Very short red skirt, red waist, short round red cape with standing collar. Do the hair up tightly, and cover it with a red cocked hat having a long red plume. Use burnt cork to make mustache and slanting eyebrows, and rouge the cheeks a little. (If a gentleman takes this part, costume is the same, except that tights and trunks take the place of the skirt.)

GERTRUDE. — Purple velvet cap, fitting close around face, with full crown of lavender; short-waisted bodice and long plain skirt of purple; tight sleeves of purple, with pulls of lavender at shoulders and elbows, with long cuffs almost covering hands. Square neck, with white chemisette, and frilled collar coming up to chin and edge of cap. Long white apron, heavily trimmed; bunch of keys hanging at side. If possible, she should carry a wooden shoe.

JOAN SHAKESPEARE. — Round hat (a Knox sailor is the right shape), with large bunch of feathers in front, pushed back a little on the head. Gown of pink, or any other bright color, with a full round skirt, tight waist, and very large leg-o'-mutton sleeves; cuffs of lace points; ripple cape of any desired color, with standing collar or very full ruff.

WATTEAU SHEPHERDESS. — Very large fancy hat, with pointed crown, and covered with flowers; polonaise with V point and elbow-sleeves, of gayly-figured goods, draped very full over short petticoat of any bright color; low shoes with high heels and buckles. Curl the hair, and tie in back of neck with large ribbon bow; shepherd's crook, gilded and tied with ribbons and flowers.

JOSEPHINE. — Empire dress; long mitts; large sash. Do the hair up high, and it may hang in a long curl on each side of the face.

PRISCILLA. — Plain tight-fitting gray gown, rather short-waisted; low shoes with large buckles: round Puritan cape; turn-down collar and cuffs; plain cap.

DOLLY MADISON. — Very large poke-bonnet, trimmed with feathers and flowers; 1830 gown, or an ordinary street-gown with flare skirt; large old-fashioned cashmere shawl; letter in hand.

POWERS OF MEMORY. — Six or eight little girls, who can march nicely and sing. Waist and pointed hood, short skirt and full sleeves, of bright green. (Remember that dark green does not show by gaslight.)

GLOOMY FOREBODINGS. — Any number of large girls, from one to five or six; long full gown of gray with flowing sleeves; long monk's hood of gray, hiding face.

THE DUMMY. — A burlesque costume; colors used must be very striking, no two of which harmonize. Greek tunic like Helen; tight gray sleeves with turn-down collar and cuffs, like Priscilla; skirt and apron like Gertrude; ripple cape like Joan Skakespeare; bonnet like Dolly Madison: if possible, get two long curls of a different color from her own hair, and fasten them in front, like Josephine's.

SCENE. — Witch's cavern. Characters as they finish speaking, group themselves about stage in various attitudes , MEMORY bending over kettle, waving hands and muttering .
MEMORY.

Note: Contains 94 words in 5 sentences using 476 chars.

( Enter MADAME GRUNDY, L., with armful of fashion-books. Walks to F. C., addresses MEMORY.)
MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 149 words in 8 sentences using 793 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 54 words in 3 sentences using 270 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars.

( Claps hands loudly. Enter POWERS OF MEMORY, in single file, singing. They may keep time with the following step, counting four: ONE, step forward with left foot . TWO, bring right foot to left; THREE, rise on toes; FOUR, come down again on heels. Then repeat, beginning with right foot, same as before. It is easier to learn at first, if you count "ONE, AND TWO, AND THREE, AND FOUR." March to front, across front to R., to rear, to L. ; then face audience, standing obliquely across L. rear .)

(GOBLIN SONG; tune , PATIENCE: " When I Go Out of Door ."

POWERS.

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 138 chars.

Refrain .

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 133 chars.

( If necessary repeat refrain .)
MEMORY.

Note: Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 115 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 186 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 67 chars.

MEMORY.
( turning to POWERS at right end of line )

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

( Exit POWERS, R.; return with HELEN OF TROY; bring her down C. to front. During her recitation MADAME GRUNDY takes notes. Burn green fire at R. of stage .)
HELEN.
( sadly )

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 141 chars.

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 153 chars.

(POWERS lead her back to R. front .)
MADAME GRUNDY.
( closing note-book )

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 192 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

(POWERS go out as before, bring in PRINCESS, who strikes a commanding attitude .)
PRINCESS.

Note: Contains 48 words in 6 sentences using 259 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 69 words in 6 sentences using 339 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

(POWERS brings in MARGUERITE and leave her at R., close to exit. She looks down shyly, begins plucking petals off daisies .)
CHORUS.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars.

( Burn red fire .)
(MEPHISTOPHELES creeps in softly at R., looks over MARGUERITE'S shoulder. She looks around, starts . MRS. GRUNDY screams . POWERS drive him out , R.)
MADAME GRUNDY.
( thoughtfully )

Note: Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 128 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

MARGUERITE.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.
( stamping foot impatiently )

Note: Contains 51 words in 6 sentences using 269 chars.

(MEMORY whispers to one of the POWERS, who goes out , L., returns, bringing GERTRUDE. "Consolation" played softly behind scenes .)
MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 59 words in 5 sentences using 329 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars.

MEMORY.
( To POWERS)

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars.

JOAN SHAKESPEARE.
( looks around as if expecting some one; shading eyes with hand, looks out at audience )

Note: Contains 92 words in 7 sentences using 496 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.
( in a rage, pushing her away )

Note: Contains 43 words in 6 sentences using 203 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 117 chars.

(POWERS bring in SHEPHERDESS. She breaks away and runs to front stage. Introduce some brilliant dance music behind scenes .)
SHEPHERDESS.

Note: Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 192 chars.

( Hums a little and begins singing; others join in at refrain, stepping from side to side in time to music . "O Live with Me and be My Love," may be sung, or some popular waltz song .)
MADAME GRUNDY.
( gayly )

Note: Contains 28 words in 6 sentences using 154 chars.

MEPHISTOPHELES.
( looking in , R.)

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars.

( All start back in horror .)
MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 11 chars.

MEPHISTOPHELES.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.
( slowly )

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 81 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 135 chars.

(JOSEPHINE may here sing , "Weary, so Weary;" or chorus may sing very softly , "How Can I Bear to Leave Thee?")
(PRISCILLA is brought in .)
MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 97 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 212 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 39 chars.

PRISCILLA.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars.

( Chorus may sing: "I Am a Sunday-School Scholar," from Yale college songs .)
MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 32 words in 1 sentence using 176 chars.

MEMORY.

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

(DOLLY MADISON is brought in, holding letter; opens it and reads .)
DOLLY MADISON.

Note: Contains 126 words in 7 sentences using 664 chars.

( As she retires to R. chorus may sing this to the tune of "Oh, Do You Know the Muffin man?" Or it may be recited .)

Note: Contains 27 words in 5 sentences using 149 chars.

Note: Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 148 chars.

Note: Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 157 chars.

( Enter GLOOMY FOREBODING.)
MADAME GRUNDY.

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars.

GLOOMY FOREBODING.

Note: Contains 42 words in 2 sentences using 229 chars.

MADAME GRUNDY.
( clasping hands excitedly )

Note: Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 46 chars.

GLOOMY FOREBODING.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 54 chars.

( Exit. Returns with other FOREBODINGS, pushing and pulling in the DUMMY, who should be perfectly rigid, as if made of wood. Placing her in R. front, they fall back a little, and join in closing chorus, at end of which DUMMY runs off stage. The verses of the following song may be sung as a solo, but the refrain is to be sung by all on stage, with following motions: Clinch the left fist, and at the words "such, tale, make, pale," tap it with forefinger of right hand. At the line "your eyes with tears," raise both hands as if in astonishment. At the word "Wigglety," bob the head to the right; at "Wagglety," bob it to the left; at "Wun," bob it forward. Last time the refrain is sung, burn first green and then red lights .)
Closing Chorus . TUNE: "Oh! 'Twas such a horrible tale!"

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 150 chars.

Refrain .

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 165 chars.

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 183 chars.

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 22 chars.

Note: Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 201 chars.

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 22 chars.

AS DUMMY RUNS OFF CURTAIN FALLS.
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Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. Maids, Modes and Manners. Maids, Modes and Manners. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A301-0