Our Fairy Play

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The Payne family of Lonesomeville get up a Fairy Play based on the story of "The Sleeping Beauty," and Helen Payne secures wealthy Mrs. Wilson's financial support. The no-longer-young lady insists upon playing the ingenue lead. Miss Tibbitts. a mournful old maid, is secured for their "Danseuse." Willey Finley gives out the parts, while Doctor Heffernan is given the directorship. Most of the actors arc decidedly amateurish, the scene painting, effected by Judge Masterson. rather weird, but after some embarrassing and awkward incidents, they struggle through three rehearsals. The play is carried out as planned. It comes nearly being literally "carried out." One of the fairies carelessly drops her wings and is obliged to step out of line to recover them. Miss Tibbitts mournfully performs a "seductive" dance that falls flat. Prince Charming and the sister of "Sleeping Beauty" become lost in a "terrible" snow storm. Cupid, in the person of Bud Masterson, flies down to their rescue, and poises for his return flight. The stagehands tending the ropes miss their cue and Cupid is obliged to pose several times. When they do wake up, Cupid is yanked off his feet, while "Beauty's" sister waves him a kiss as he sails upwards. The Doctor, running "The Cave of Magic," is called away on a case, leaving his confederate faithfully carrying out his end of the "magic" entirely unaware his chief is no longer there. Prince Charming rides in on an ancient horse and the animal eats up "Sleeping Beauty's" wig. She faints. Doctor Heffernan returns and steps out onto the stage just as the curtain comes down on his head, while the audience burst into a mighty thunder of applause.