Читать книгу The Merry Cobbler онлайн | страница 2

Act IV. A big haul attempted—Ready for flight—Franz and Stella hear secrets—Gretchen, the accuser—A villain unmasked—The Baron von Altenheim—Restored to a brother's arms—Wedding bells.

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Had this piece been written with a special regard for the requirements of amateur players, it could not have been happier in its results. Rendered popular by Mr. John R. Cumpson, who has starred in the part of Franz with great success for several seasons, the play has gained a strong hold upon theatre goers by the simplicity of its story and the strong undercurrent of heart interest mingled with comedy low and high, light and broad. There is not a poor part in the piece. Even the policeman who has only a few lines to speak is sure of two or three good laughs, while Franz, Findham, Bob and Mrs. Rafferty are very "fat" in comedy. Stella is an ingenue part with excellent opportunities, and Gretchen, though short, is certain to make a hit. The children's parts are easy, and from six to ten youngsters may be effectively introduced, with their little Kindergarten songs, in Act II. They will be found effective, indeed, in every act of the play. Holmes is a villain who is not overdrawn and is defiant to the last. None of the parts are difficult, while the stage business, which is fully described, and the climaxes are simple to handle and very effective. The part of Franz, with a good makeup and a fair dialect, will be found to "play itself." If Franz can sing, so much the better and Rosalie has an opportunity to introduce a dance. The scenic effects are of the simplest description.

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Franz.Morris Holmes.Col. Derrom.Findham.Bob.Mike Maloney.Stella.Mrs. Rafferty.Gretchen.Rosalie.Carlotta.Leila and Flossie.

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Act I. Cobbler's bench—rough pine bench for shoes to stand on—a packing case will do—a lot of old shoes, some new ones and one horse shoe—table for fruit stand with fruit and nuts on it—chair for Franz and chair for Rosalie—big rag doll wrapped in paper for the children—letter for Holmes—shoe with heel off for Stella and another with heel on for Franz to pretend mending—three nickels for Franz, boxes to set out the party—quarter for Holmes to throw—hammer, last and nails for Franz—pocket book with money in it for Stella—hand mirror for Franz at stall—flat slab of stone and two half cocoanut shells to produce noise of galloping horses—wood and metal crash for sound of collision.