Chapter I: Front Matter

THE INVENTOR

Introducing the Wishing Box

A CHRISTMAS PLAY

by Elsie Duncan Yale

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
WARNING!
Permission for Public Performance

According to the provisions of the Copyright Act of
July, 1909, the owner of the Copyright “shall have the
exclusive right to print, reprint, publish, copy and vend
the Copyright work.”

The purchase of this copy or any number of copies does
not carry with it the right of Public Performance for any
purpose whatever, but the Owners of the Copyright hereby
grant permission for Public performance to any bona fide
purchaser of five or more copies who shall in good faith
make such a purchase for the purpose herein stated.

Performance from borrowed or rented copies is not
permitted.

HALL-MACK COMPANY,
Owners of Copyright.

PRICE 15 CENTS

Hall-Mack Co., 1018 Arch St., Phila, Pa. Western Agent, F. E. HATHAWAY, 425 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. Copyright MCMXV, by Hall-Mack Company. International Copyright secured.

The Inventor

Introducing the Wishing Box

A CHRISTMAS PLAY

SCENE AND PROPERTIES REQUIRED.

The sitting room of Faraway Farm. Rocking chairs, table covered with red cloth or oilcloth, braided rugs, small mirror hanging on wall, beneath which are comb and brush. Lantern, carpet slippers, books, and large box (see suggestions).

CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES.

TOM.—Ordinary street clothes, long overcoat, and afterward cap with college band. Carries college flag, after he comes from the Wishing Box.

EDITH.—Dressed as girl of fourteen in traveling costume.

AUNT SUSAN.—Gingham dress, white apron, white wig.

ABNER.—Old suit, blue overalls, boots, afterwards removed for carpet slippers. After he comes from the Wishing Box wears checked suit, gay necktie, derby and carries “sample” case of soap and perfumes.

MISS WISE.— } Teachers. Long cloaks and veils. MISS MARKUS.—}

MISS PRISCILLA.—} Spinsters. Old-fashioned dress, carry MISS PRUDENCE.— } old valises, umbrellas, bundles, bird-cage, } etc.

RASTUS (1) Black face.—Pullman porter. Dark uniform trimmed with brass buttons, cap lettered “Pullman.” Blackened face and hands.

RASTUS (2) White face.—Same size boy, costumed identically. He takes Rastus’ place, as provided in the play.

INVENTOR.—Should be dressed to suggest “absent-mindedness,” as, for example, a tan shoe on one foot and a black one on the other, gloves on wrong hands, etc.

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS.

The magic wishing box is a large packing box, lettered “Wishing Box Patent Applied For.” Across the rear of the platform a dark curtain is stretched, making as it were a false wall to the room. This conceals the box until it is needed, and affords opportunity for the characters to make the necessary changes in their costumes. One side of the box, also the top are removed, so that the characters may enter the box through the top, using a small stepladder if necessary, and come out again quickly, being enabled to change their costumes and receive the necessary accessories through the side which has been removed. It is important that everything necessary for the change of costume should be in readiness. In the case of the Pullman porter it will be found advisable to substitute for “Rastus,” a boy costumed in exactly the same manner but with face unblackened.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE.

WARNING.

PERMISSION FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCE.

According to the provisions of the Copyright Act of July, 1909, the owner of the Copyright “shall have the exclusive right to print, reprint, publish, copy and vend the Copyright work.”

The purchase of this copy or of any number of copies does not carry with it the right of Public Performance for any purpose whatever, but the Owners of the Copyright hereby grant permission for Public Performance to any bona fide purchaser of ten or more copies who shall in good faith make such a purchase for the purpose herein stated.

Performance from borrowed or rented copies is not permitted.

HALL-MACK COMPANY,
Owners of the Copyright.

Copyright, MCMXV, by HALL-MACK CO., International Copyright secured.

The Inventor