mjiSiMiiiiBiiiii'inii'iiisniaiii'i^^ mm^i^sm DRAMATIC COMPOSITIONS FOR JUVENILES BY ANTHONY J SCHINDLER A ROYAL RECEPTION Comedy! of Errors FOR MALE CHARACTERS Publisher A. J. SCHINDLER BLOOMFIBLD N. J. "A ROYAL RECEPTION" A COMKDY OF ERRORS IN TWO SCENES BY AXTHOXY J SCHINDLER PRICE FIFTY CENTS Right of Public Performance, {including 6 copies), Two Dollars, Published by A. J. SCHINDLER, 179 Montgomery St., BLCOMFIELD. N. J. Copyright 1921 by A J ScKindler '♦A ROYAL RECEPTION" ^ A Comedy of Errors in Two Scenes-^ V^^^^V*^ CAST OF CHARACTERS -^^ Tubbs, inn-keeper Jumble, burgfomaster Buttons, porter Scribble, clerk Prince Ray, Lockhart, bailiff Lionel, valet Tatters, tailor Caspar, courier Pinch, cobbler Tripp, a pair of Squash, farmer Trapp, rogues Squint, postman SCENERY: Village Street, or country lane, with hottl to left, front. COSTUMES: As the characters suggest, witL appropriate make-up. SYNOPSIS OF PLAY Prince Ray, and his valet, are visiting, incognito the towns of his province. The wily burgomaster hears ot the prince's secret visit, and concludes that Tripp snd Trai,>p,two notorious characters who are stopping at Tubbs" inn, are the ro\'al guests in disguise. Elaborate preparations are being made for a royal reception when a despatch arrives, stating that the city bank has been entered and robbed. Tripp and Trapp, who are the fugitive burglars, overhearing the order for their apprehension, secretly flee from the town. In the mean time the zealous bailiff captures the supposed burglars, who turn out to be the real prii^ce and valet, much to the diftcrrrjfort of the pcpxihce. FEB -I 19 2 L •\.t / A ROYAL RECEPTION. fecent Ont. [^Tkg scene represents a country lane, with hotel to left; villagers surround Matters, as cu7'tain rises^. TATTERS {excited) .In truth, my dear friends, you may believe me or not. Prince Ray is about to visit us, and as loyal .subjects we should welcome him. ALL. Aye, that we will. SCRIBBLE. Ho, ho! If the Prince proposes and elects to visit, he would inform the authorities. No such messng:i* was received by the burfjom aster. TAT. WeU, have it your own way, I know it's a fact. PINCH {taking snuff). Who knows? There are stran- ger things happen than a visit from a prince- achoo! TVB^S( from hotel). Well, well, what's the argument > PINCH. Why nothing^ \tsh -achoo, than a visit -achoo, to our city -achoo. from Prince Ray -achool ALL. God bless him, and you. TUBBS. And where did you get your information? TAT. Information? It's the truth. As you doubt me I will retire to stitch and patch, ipost-horn sounds^ TUBES {bustling about). The mail-coach, to be sure. We'll ftoon find out what there is in Tatters* story. TAT. That you will. My story will be verified. SQUINT {enters zvith mail-pouch) . Hail, my good people, well met. I bring you good news and cheer, I hope [hands letters^. Tuhhs, Squash, Scribble, and ray old friend Pinch, I declare. 4 A HOYAt RECEPTION. SQUASH {reading}. "An early reply and prompt re- mittance will greatly oblige". Confound it, another one of those dunning letters [all laugk], SClKl)^. {reads). "Bald Eagle Restorer, a sure cure for hairless marble-tops" years letter^. The impu- dence, to insult m*, who has grown grey and hairless in the service, -r«^i head- as though I neitd it. AL,!,. No, indeed, it would be of little use, ha, ha! PINCH {reads).'' Do you think that I'm a rhinoceros or an elephant? The shoes you sent me are as much of a misfit as you are in the cobblers profession". Captain Dash.-j/V/ii-O dear, o dear, I'm ruined. AI4L, (laug/i).l\e\'C:v mind, you are still good on patches SQUINT. I have two letters for Tripp and Trapp. TUB. I have no such guests at my hotel. SQUINT. V/ell, you may keep them until called for. TUB, Good. Come with me for refreshments Idolkoff], PINCH. And now. Tatters, kindly inform me when your Prince arrives, that I can offer homage -off- . TAT. Very well, have your doubts. He who laughs last, laughs best, I'm off to my needle and thread-^#. SQUASH. And I to my plough-^v/-. SCRIB. There may be some truth in Tatters' remarks after all. I must inform the burgomaster -0//-. BUTTONS {^enters yawning) . O, shucks, what a life. Always on the go, with no time for eats or rest, and Tubbs ordering rac here, there and e very wl ere, as though I could be in a hundred places at cue time. Gee, it s getting on my nerves, it's time I quit and- {fib serves 'tripp and Trapp appearing with luggage- why, hello, who comes here? A ROYAL RECEPTION. 5 TRIPP {to Buffans). Good morning, my friend. We are tourists. Can you direct us lo a gccd hotel? BUT. That I can, being as I am a fixture for such an establishment. Buttons is my name [dows^ , porter , waiter, butler, chef, cook, hostler, fireman and - TRAPP. Stop, stop, we are not census enumerators, JHst looking: for comfortable lod^in^s. BUT. Well, if that's the ca«e, the portals of "The Royal Arms" greet you. [takes ^-rtps] This way in. TRIP. Lead on, Macduff, we follow -all o^- . JUMBLE Lenters). My clerk tells me, that Prince Ray is about to visit us. "Tatters enters- Tell me, where did you get your information about this royal visit? TAT. I had a letter from my cousin, in which he states the prince was in his town, and is coming this way. JUM. Yet, I received no message to that effect. TAT. That's the strange part. He came unannounced. TUB. ifro7n hotel) Is Tatters telling: ycuof his visions? JUM. I'm loath to believe it. Had you any new guests? TUB. Yes, two just arrived, they are now dining. JUM. We must be cautious, and learn nore about them TUB. Here they come now. -"Tripp andTrapp enter- I hope that you were pleaed witli the meals. TRIP. We enjoyed the dinm-r, and the service is fine. TUD. Good. Permit me to introduce the Hon. burgo- master, -introducing- Mess. Tripp and Trap p. TRIP. Delighted to meet you. TRAP. You have a charming town, rather quiet, though JUM. Yes, at times. Just now, we are expecting a visit from our prince regent. ^ A ^OYAL RBCEFTION. TRIP. That is certainly interesting, and if our time permits, we will stay over for the festivities. JUM. Ala*! we do not know when he is coming; he's traveiini^ in disguise » as it were. TRAP. Why that reminds me of the Arabian Nights> where the Caliph amused himself by visiting his sub- jects incognito, to better obseive their actions. JUM. That's it exactly. But you will excuse me, my dinner awaits me. I'll sec you later .-off with'^ alters. TRIP. And we'll stroll around to digest our dinner. TUB. The walk along the river bank is delightful. TRIP. Thank you, -fumble off- Well, thus far, we've eluded capture. I'ts lucky we had time to hide our swag and change our clothes, so as to appear at least like gentiemeii, not as the criminals that we are. TRAP U-au^hing). Ha, ha! I have an idea, realy it's too amusing. We'll impersonate the expectant visitors. TRIP. A clever idea, but will these hayseeds fall forit.^ TRAP. Through their own stupidity. Listen. You go back to the hotel and ask Tubbs to loan us some fishing-tackle, also his man, Buttons, for the after- noon. By addressing m\t occasionally as "Prince" in the pretence of Buttons, we'll have that worthy spreading the news that we are the royal visitors. TRIP. Capital idea. I'm off to make the arrangements. TRAP. Move along, I'll saunter down the road -off-, (^rlpp is about to enter hotel as Tubbs, 1l alters and 'jumble come out. TUB. Why, hello, Mr. Tripp, back so soon? TRIP. Why no, we hav'nt started yet. Changed our minds to go fishing. Have you any fi.shing:-tackle? TUB. Why yes, I was going to sU2:gcst a fishing trip. TRIP. And could you spare Buttons for the afternoon.'* TUB. Why sure, the v.-holchou^e is at your disposal. {rushes Ojf stage shouting:; Hey, Buttorjj--, I say.) JUM. I should like to join you but business prevents. TRIP. So sorry to miss you, bui-heie ccm.es Tubbs. TUB (puffing^ ivith buttons and tackle). I did not wish to delay you. Here's the tackle, ard the seivant. TRIP. Thanks, but what became of tlie Prince (^t>rr ev2niiio- at the hotel. I'ts seld m that I am outwittii, and le st of all, now. TUB, Royal gnests at my hotel? My p'ace will become famous throughout the land [all' off as curtain drops. '\ END O? SCENE ONE. S A ROYAL RKCHPTION. SCENE TWO. C Scenery same as first scene. Time, the next morn- iii^.. As curtain rises, villagers are putting up "Welcome" sig?is a?td decorations, fumble, "X^ubbs arid "Catters, forming gronp, conversing.'] JUM. Well, I think there is no longer any donbt that the Prince is resting comfortabxv in the hoti-:l. TAT. None whatever^ as Buttons and I have attested. TUB. Yes, their actions and remarks betrayed them. JUM. I, too, have no further doubts, so I set the vil- lagers to decorate the town for his reception. PINCH (comi'ig fowa?'d). We have finished our job, and it's asking- your honor, what's it all about? JUM. That is still a secret my good people. I proclaim this a hclid^N^ Go, don 5''our best dress, and report here in the square, in half an hour. ALL. Very well, your honor Xoff in different directions') JUM. I must give my people credit for the taste displayed in the decorations. ( Scribble and J^ockhart appear.) Ho, Scribble, you laggard, come hither. SCRIB. I have a despatch, -/^a;^^^^ same- and gatherin^- ]\JM. (reading). Gathering fiddlesticks. [Tripp and Trapp enter unobserved, listening .~\ Listen to this. "The Bank at Rockville has been entered last night and robbsd of 5000 Pounds. A description of the burglars is enclo'-^ed, which please post about ^'Our town- A liberal reward for their arrest. Bradshaw, Inspector." (Tr/^j^ ajidTrapp start back nervously.) A ROYAL RHCKPTIOX. t Ncw what do you think of that? {to Scribble) Make copies of this circular at cncc, and post about town. SCRIE. Robbers, burglars? I'll attend to this -of-. JUM. As for you, Lockhart, keep ycui eye? peeled Gr.d it you catch the burglars, remeiiibtr, I get half the ri--ward for the iiiforniaticn. LOCK, {drawling). Quite right, just so. I'll get 'em, I'll get 'em, and if I get 'em I £ot 'em. {zvabbles of as^ripp andT^^app come forzvard.) TRIP. Good morning, sirs, you have adorned the town in gorgeous array. What's the occassion? JUM. {bowing.) Why my dear Prince, -I mean Mr. Tripp,- we are preparing for the Prince's itceptirn. ' TRAP. May we ask has he announced his coming? JUM. Not exactly, but we ere satisfied that he is here. TRIP. So I presume that you have Iccaud him? JUM. Ah, your excellency, -beg pardon.- gentlemen I mean, I am not oiten outwitted, no, not even by a Prince -bowing-. But you will excuse nie. I mustle oft to prepare my welcome speech. You are invited to the ceremonies in which you will no doubt take an active part \_off bowing. ~\ TUB. (bowing) And may it please your excellency, -beg pardon- I mean gentlemen of course, I'm about to prepare breakfast, and beg to be excused -off- . TRIP. There ren:ains no doubt that we are looked upon as the royal visitors, You could notice that by their courtccus treatment, and the way they addressed us. TRAP. Our iicheme has worl.ed v.ciideu.ully. We are of royal blood, and no longer criminals. A 3tOYAL RECEPTION. T>, lilt it is «:ettii!gtoo serious to be amusing^ any lonj^ar. With the officers on our track, let us be off. TRAP, To be. or not to be, aye, there's the rub. The alluremerits ot being a prince for a da3^ prompt me to stay. But as I see the bailiff approaching, it is more discreet that we forego that pleasure. TRIP, We can slip out unobserved during the feast. TRAP. It's tco bad to miss the royal reception. TPIP. What, a.nd get a hotter one? No, no. Let us be oil while tht^ walking i=^ <2:ood, and hie away to more congenial fields, (/o audieiics) Adieu, until we meet again, {^both off as hockhaji and Scribble enter?) LOCK, {dangling long chain. I'll get 'em, and when I got 'em I'll chain 'em {mopping broiv). SCRIB. (posts placard to hotel, hands one to \tockhari). Here's a description of the burglars. Read it. LOCK, (reads slowly.) Grey- eyes, red-hair, stubby - mouse-tache, a-qna, a-quadine—nose. Hey, Scribble, tell me, what is an a-qua-line nose? SCRIB. An aquaiine nose is an aqualine nose of course. LOCK. Why yes, that's so. Everybody knows that. But tell me, is my nose an aqualine nose? SCRIB. Your nose? Hm, I should judge that to be a blooming nose, made radiant by the mountain dew. LOCK. Yes, yes, but I'll get 'em, and clap these hand- cuffs on their feet. \.goes off slowly , with Scribble, dangling chain. Great commotion as villagers appear. PINCH {^passes snuffl. I tell 3^ou, great things are in store for us, that the Burgomaster gave us a holiday. A ROYAL RECEPTION. 11 SQUASH. It's likely that Tatters' Prince arrived. TAT. Well, that being as it may, you'll soon find out what it's all about, for here comes the buigcnia.ster. {all stand at atteyition as fumble and Sc/ibble enter. ^ JUM. My dear people, I have great and joyous news for you. His ro\ al highness, Prince Ray has conde- scended to pay us a royal \isit, i::nd we are al out lo give him a royal reception in which you are inVited to join. It is for this purpose we are asi-embled. ALL (shotctin^) . That we will. Long live Piince Ray. PINCH. And long may he -achoo- reign, -achoo- in peace -ackoo- and prosperity -achoo! ! TUB. {enters with l^uttons) Your honor, I am happy to announce that the banquet is ready. BUT. Yes, the fatted calt is roasted to a turn, fcr the prodigals return, {Tripp and Trapp, with luggage, cautiously emerge fro7n hotel, pin note to door, make grimaces, and hastily depart.) J'JM. Well then, my good people, let the iestivities commence. Let us do honor and homage to our royal guests. You, Tubbs and Tatters, with Bnttons, es- cort the guests from the hotel, {they go off to hotel.) In the mean tunc I ask you all to observe decorum and manners, \confusion as l^ockhart appears, drag- ging Vrince and 'Lionel, chaijied to ankles, and loud- ly protestiyig.^ LOCK. Gangway, make way, please, gangway. PRINCE {_protesting\.'^\i2:i indignity is this? Remove these shackles at once. 12 A ROVAL RECEPTION. LOCK, Can't do it. Your honor, the burg:lars. We go fifty-fitty, you know, r.s per our agreement. lAO^SELiindignant). Burglars? Who dares accuse us? We are resj eatable tcur.s^^ts and resect this outrage. j jM. We can al'ow no intr ision .If you are sure it's them, lock 'em up in tlie jail. LOCK. Sure? Why look at him -io Prince-, he's got a a-qiia-line nose, and him's -ia Liionfl- got red bair, jast as the prescription reads -shows paper -. PRIN. I b^ilieve I am addressing the burgomafiti^r. I tell yon, you're making- a serious blunder. We al- lowed 3'our bailiff to capt'^re us just for t. lark. LION, {aside to ]umble) The person addressing you is none other than the Prince in disguise. JUM. {langhs) Ha. ha! that's a clever ruse, it wont work. Tiie Prince is even now being escorted hith- er. Kere he comes. SjXubbs and Tatters rush on\. TUB. Your honor, the Prince has vanished. Searched the hotel from cellar to garret, and can't find him. JUM. Nonsencc, he mu£t be having a lark with us. Search along the read, he may be taking an airing. QSS^KV^ {enters, salut*sYrlnce\. An important mes- sage for his royal highness, Prince Ray. -hands it- But what means this outrage, thege shackles? PRIN. {smiling\ O, that's just a royal reception. JUM. {aside, tremblin Qurfain.) This play being duly copyrighted, the copying of of any part thereof is prohibited CHOICE PLAYS FOR SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENTS BY ANTHONY J. SCKINDLER FOR MALE CHARACTERS. The Birth of Freedom, pat riouc play .50 A Royal Reception, amusing comedy .50 The Bi'ii in the Forest, roinaritic o;>c-:. sctta .60 Old Glory, patriotic operetta .60 A Grain of Salt, musical comedy .75 Herry-Makiug Minstrels, a minstrel show .75 FOR FEMALE CHARACTERS The Gipsy's Dream, a gip«f frolic .50 The May Queen, beautiful cantiita .60 The Holy Night, christmts operetta .60 The Gol 'en Slipper, charming operetta .75 Little Mischief, operetta of school-days .75 The Discontented Sisters, domestic ccmedy .20 For God and our Countrj-, patriotic song^ -25 ANNOUNCEMENT. The plays in this list are works of approved merit, andniiiet with emphatic success wherever produced. Remittance must accompany all orders. No plays exchanged or sent on approval. Remit by Postal Notes or Bank Draft. Poi:tas:e Stamps will not be accepted for payment. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 400 198 4 i