PS 3537 
 .H16 K5 
 1922 
 Copy 1 
 
 KING WINTER'S COURT 
 
 anc 
 
 The Miss Springtime Company 
 
 A PLAY 
 OF ONE ACT. IN TWO SCENES 
 
 CAN BE GIVEN BY 
 A DRAMATIC OR DANCE SCHOOL 
 
 BY 
 
 ALMA MATER WILSON SHAFER 
 
 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA 
 Copyrighted by the Author 
 
KING WINTER'S COURT 
 
 and 
 
 The Miss Springtime Company 
 
 A PLAY 
 OF ONE ACT IN TWO SCENES 
 
 CAN BE GIVEN BY 
 A DRAMATIC OR DANCE SCHOOL 
 
 BY 
 
 ALMA MATER WILSON SHAFER 
 
 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA 
 Copyrighted by the Author 
 

 KING WINTER^S COURT 
 
 CHARACTERS "^1 
 
 King Winter. 
 
 Prince Iceland — (King Winter's Son.) 
 Princess Snowbound — (Bethrothed to the Prince.) 
 Lady Sunshine — (Beloved hy the Prince.) 
 Jack Frost. 
 North Wind. 
 End of the Rainbow. 
 King's Attendants — (Any number.) 
 Court Messenger. 
 Herald. 
 
 Standard Bearers. 
 Court Jester. 
 
 Icicles — (Prince Iceland's Attendants.) 
 Snowflakes — (Princess Snow's Attendants.) 
 Imps — The Window Painters (Jack Frost's Attendants.) 
 Sunbeams and Cupid — (Lady Sunshine's Attendants.) 
 The Court Ballet. 
 Premiere Danseuse. 
 Miss Springtime. 
 
 Manager — (of the Miss Springtime Co.) 
 The Springtime Ballet. 
 Rose / 
 
 Kathryne I Members of the 
 
 ^H?flhPth { ^^^^^ Springtime Co. 
 
 ^iizaoetn \ ^ ^ York City 
 
 Jane [ 
 
 and Delegate \ 
 
 (High Priestess and Incense Dancers, Train Bearers, Flower 
 Girls, Snow Birds and Bunnies, etc.) 
 
 'CI.D 61666 
 
 "vv 
 
 . I 
 
KING WINTER'S COURT 
 
 NOTE 
 As no change in scenery is necessary, tlie setting siiould be' ass 
 elaborate as possible, finishing with a snow storm. If it is desired t&» 
 use the same people in both scenes, the costumes can be covered witk 
 the cape used by the Springtime Co., until such time as they can 
 change and no waiting is necessary between scenes. 
 
 Lady S., when she first appears may be attended by a cupid 
 dressed in gold, who dances between the Prince and Lady S., with 
 his bovv^ and arrow. 
 
 Lady S. and the Sunbeams wear gold costumes. The King, Prince 
 and Piincess, in white court costumes with ermine fur. Tha snow- 
 flakes in white with tufts of cotton sev/ed on and crystal bead trim- 
 ming. 
 
 The King's attendants in white flannel, made Roman blouse with 
 girdle. Jack Frost and Imps in close fitting suits covered with spark- 
 ling trimmings. The court ballet in white ballet dresses trimmed with 
 silver ribbon, to which snowballs are attached. North Wind in grey 
 and blue drapery. End of the Rainbow colored ballet dress. The 
 Springtime Co., will wear dresses suitable to their particular part. 
 The ballet can be costumed in green for one size and pink for an- 
 other size. If another color is desired it could be yellow or lavender. 
 If necessary some of the characters can be omitted, such as North 
 V/ind, End of the Rainbow, Court Jester etc. If there is a derth 
 of good speaking characters in the school, the speeches in the Spring- 
 time Co., can be doubled. 
 
 The End of the Rainbow and Premiere Danseuse dress the stage 
 in the Court scenes and dance before the King. 
 
 The author will be glad to answer any question regarding the 
 staging, costuming and special dances used which will benefit the 
 teacher. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 Serene I. — A snow and ice scene — with throne for King up R., a 
 raised platform up L. for Lady Sunshine to appear upon — all covered 
 with snow. — Prince discovered, seated on steps of throne. 
 
 Scene II. — Same as Scene I, finishing with a snow storm. 
 
 Time of Play — The play can be made to run an entire evening 
 if a sufficient amount of material is used in the court revelry and th*^ 
 entertainment given by the Miss Springtime Company. 
 
NOTE NO., 2 
 
 The entrances and exits of the King and his court, should he . 
 made very impressive. Enter down R^ — March to center of stage then., 
 up center to throne. The different attendants should stop before; 
 reaching the throne separate and face eacli other, thus forming a . 
 pathway for the passage of the court dignitaries. The trumpeter whav. 
 heralds the approach of the King should march to the left of the 
 stage and face, holding a very military position during the assem- 
 bling of the court. The standard bearers march to center separate-v 
 face each other and present arms as the King passes — then take the 
 extreme right and left of the stage. The jester dances in front of the. 
 King and takes a place near the King on the throne. 
 
 Prince Iceland and his attendants take up their position center- 
 back. Lady Snowbound and attendants in aff oblique line on the right, 
 with the court ballet in the same formation on opposite side. Jack 
 Frost and the Imps, dance in and face the throne,, the Imps sitting 
 until they dance out for their paint buckets. These buckets and 
 brushes should be painted white. If Jack Frost has considerable 
 trouble managing the Imps, it lends a touch of comedy. 
 
 Tlie play has been arranged with the object in view of linking 
 together the work of the school for a finishing performance and all the 
 beautiful things learned during the year can be utilized. 
 
KING WINTER'S COURT 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 NOTEi — Snow-birds standing in semi-circle at back of stage. 
 They dance as curtain rises and return to places. 
 
 PRINCE — Why does my father insist on such a loveless marriage? 
 Princess Snow is so cold and unapproachable! I don't w^ant her for 
 my wife and I am most unhappy. 
 
 NOTE — Chorus off stage, sings "Look for 
 the Silver Lining," published by T. B. Harris 
 Co., N. Y., copyrighted MCMXXI. Then have 
 chorus dance across stage singing. Prince 
 up stage despondent. 
 
 a 
 
 (Enter Lady Sunshine.) 
 
 (Snow-birds dance again and exit.) 
 
 NOTE — Speaking parts from here until the 
 King enters are set to music of "Dance of the 
 Robins." Published and copyrighted by Sam 
 Fox Publishing Co., Cleveland and New Yori-:. 
 
 PRINCE — Tell me beautious maiden, where you came from into 
 here. 
 
 LADY S — I came from far across the ocean, from the land far 
 o'er the sea. 
 
 PRINCE — Tell me, wonderous lady, were you happy there in that 
 land across the sea? 
 
LADY S — Yes, your Royal Highness, I was happy. Oh, so happy, 
 happy there. 
 
 PRINCE — Oh, Golden Lady, if you stay not, stay not here, I'll die. 
 
 LADY S — Prince Charming, let me tell a secret. If I stay here 
 you will die. For my rays are life and health and pleasure to lands 
 far o'er the sea, but they're death, destruction and oblivion to all whO: 
 dwell in your fair land. 
 
 PRINCE — I care not, if you'll stay here now with me. 
 
 LADY S — If you love me— on bended knee you'll vow. 
 
 PRINCE — On bended knee I vow to Heavea abiO'Ve'^ t© l!©^© j&VSr t® 
 
 JSMKGER— (Entering, down R.-) — Sir, Uis 
 feMs ymt attend Mm at once*. 
 
 FEIMC;1J— 'I wfli me 'my l&tMv #©si#nsfljr, (illfit "Mg.s®eng;gr,> 
 
 LiABY B — I'm a very fiefele Ia(fof,'.i|cxv;:thi»-^Iand',y©'U: loye &o well. 
 If ycm S&& m\& very often, you'll be not a charming Prince, but a littl© 
 stream of water on its way: down to the sea, 
 
 KING WINTER, — (Entering- down R, accompanied by Trumpeter.) 
 — My son, have I not comxiiandedyou to stop this flirtaUon with Lady 
 Sunshine? 
 
 LADY S— Your Majesty, blame not your son for that which he 
 cannot help. 
 
 KING W — (Angrily)-— You are our worst enemy and my son does 
 not know .the danger he is in. Leave us, I command you ! 
 
 PRINCE — Stay, oh, lady fair, I beseech thee, on bended knee I — 
 
 LADY S — On be-nded knee? Oh, Prince, I must Heave you— your 
 father is right, but I will come again and again for a short intei^aJ — 
 but beware Prince Charming, that you ask not too much of me. {Esit 
 Sunshine) . 
 
 PRINCE" — Sir, you have taken from me the one bright spot In 
 my life. 
 
 KING W — My. son, I have sent from you that which .in a short 
 time would destroy you. "I must be cruel to be kind." 
 
 (To Trumpeter) — Go summons my ministers and all my court, 
 that we may without delay announce the betrothal of Prince Iceland 
 and Princess ;Snowbound. (Exit Trumpeter.) (Exit King.) (Prince 
 up stage.) 
 
 PRINCESS SNOW— (Entering down L.)— Oh, woe is me! I love 
 the Prince and he loves Lady Sunshine — I spread a mantle of white 
 purity over all the world to delight his eye, but he sees only the golden 
 glitter of sunshine. 
 
 PRINCE — (Coming dowii stage) — Princess Snow, I wish you 
 would not follow me about so constantly. I'm tired of your white 
 purity; I want life and warmth and happiness. (Retires up stage.)^ 
 
(Princess Snow falls in despair.) (Enter Snowf lakes — Dance around 
 stage, they discover their Princess.) 
 
 A SNOWFLAKE — See our Princess where she lies! (Dance 
 aroujid her and help her to her feet.) (Exit.) 
 
 NOTE — (Prince recites or sings "Only a 
 Smile." Published and copyrighted by Sam 
 Fox Publishing Co., Cleveland and N. Y. f 
 
 Lady Sunshine appears, on the words, "All 
 that I hold dear, now is drawing near." Have 
 2nd choi'us sung by invisible choir. At finish 
 a blare of trumpets is heard and Lady Sun- 
 shine hasitily disappears.) 
 
 (Enter, the Court.) !^, '-^ 
 
 NOTE — Enter the King, preceded by trumpet- 
 ers. Messenger, Standard Bearers and Jester 
 followed by the Prince, Princess and Jack 
 Frost with their attendants, and all the 
 Court. * ~* [j 
 
 (King seated on ithrone.) 
 
 KING W — This gajthering of my court Is to witness the betrothal 
 of my son Prince Iceland and the Princess Snowbound. This mar- 
 riage will be in every way a fitting one for my son and I know you 
 rejoice with me that in this union the noble character and time-hon- 
 ored traditions of our country will be perpetuated. 
 
 NOTE — The betrothal scene, should be as i 
 
 elaborate as possible, finishing with a Pa- 
 vanne or a Court Dance, after which the 
 King's Messenger reads the Royal decree. 
 
 KING'S MESSENGER— Here all ye! List to the Royal Message. 
 It is herein set down, that the King granits his loyal subjects a half 
 holiday in which they may make merry as best suits their wishes. 
 
 SUBJECTS — Long live the king! (Exit King and Attendants,, 
 followed by all the Court.) 
 
 NOTE— Here may be introduced dances or 
 acts in keeping with the spirit of the play. 
 If play is given by a dance school, the revel- 
 ! ry may consist of a group of dances. If given 
 
 '^ by a dramatic school, anything in keeping 
 
 with the nature of the play, or a mixture of 
 song and dance may here be introduced at < 
 
 end of which the King again appears. 
 
 KING W. — (Enter down R.)— Proceeded by trumpeters, messen- 
 ger, standard bearers and jester, etc.) My faithful subjects, this Is 
 our harvest time and as this holiday is drawing to a close, we must 
 be about our work. (To Messenger) — Call my son. (Messenger sum- 
 mons Prince who goes to throne.) Prince Iceland, see that all the 
 streams are locked with ice. 
 
 PRINCE — Your commands shall be obeyed sir. 
 
 KING W— Call Princess Snowbound. (Goes to throne.) Covej: 
 the world with your fleecy blanket, .__ 
 
PRINCESIS S— With pleasure, I will do as ydu Md. 
 
 KING (W — Call my not to be trusted subject, Jack Frost and h.is 
 Imps — The Window Painters. (They go to throne.) Your work, sir, is 
 to nip the nose and bite the toes of all who go abroad. You will also 
 see that your Imps paint all windows with fantastic pictures. 
 
 JACK FROST — ^We will get our frost pots and brushes and will 
 away to do your bidding. (Exit, and dancia in with buckets and 
 brushes and do eccentric dance.) 
 
 KING W — North Wind, come at my call. (Dances in.) Be 
 about your duty, make a stir worthy of your name. (Noise of wind.) 
 
 NOTE — (Entire Court exit left on minuet 
 step.) As the dancers leave the stage, the 
 noise of an air plane is heard. 
 
KING WINTER'S COURT 
 
 SCENE IL 
 
 VD^i^ja til ,'_*>lW.'*A>t*A<iJ. 
 
 lAVA tv. vji .»< 
 
 (Enter Miss Springtime Co.) 
 
 NOTE — Enter Miss Springtime Co. from up 
 L, speaking characters first, followed by 
 cliorus. If it is necessary to use tlie same 
 people as in Scene I, use a cape to cover, 
 until such time as they can change costume. 
 
 MANAGER — My goodness. I wonder where we have landed! its 
 very beautiful but I'm afraid we will all fre'eze to death. 
 
 MISS SPRINGTIME— Iits; a pity we had not been less sure ot 
 landing in a few hours at our next appointment. 
 
 ROSE — Yes, and its a pity we didn't wear more clothes for I'm 
 sure we would enjoy this place much more. 
 
 KATHRYNE — Well, let's stir around and find out v/here we go 
 from here. 
 
 ANN — It would be well for you to be careful, th?j': you don't slid :; 
 over an ic{y precipice or you'll find out right suddenly, v/liere you go 
 from here. 
 
 ELIZABETH — I see some objects approaching i:i tho diotance. 
 
 ROSE- — Well, let them approach, they can't hurt us — for I'm con- 
 vinced the worst fate a human being can meet up here, is freezing, 
 and thus becoming a small part of J this artistic landscape. 
 
 ANN — Well, why not? I'm sure-one could meet a worse fato than 
 being a frosty sparkling object liks these all through olernicy; Iho 
 thought of where one might go should give us pause. (Pointing down.) 
 
ROiSE — Say, look.' here. I suppose you are talking about yourself^ 
 -^For myself I have no intetition of either burning or freezing. If I 
 ever get out of this, and get to California, I'll marry the first good, 
 looking chap I meet and spend the remainder of my life in the sylvan, 
 glades of that fair land. 
 
 JANE — What! Quit being an actress to just marry a man? 
 
 KATHRYNE — How could she quit being something she never was?. 
 And no man has asked her 'to marry him yet. 
 
 ROSE — If my hands weren't so cold, I'd box your ears, but I'm. 
 afraid of cracking them off like an icicle. 
 
 KATHRYNE — Well, a few more icicles would make no difference 
 in this country — if any one wants to give me something though let, 
 it be a nice hot fire. 
 
 MANAGER — There is one thing certain to my mind. These ob- 
 jects ithat are approaching are acclimated, for they seem to be a. 
 merry bunch of snow and ice. 
 
 MISS SPRINGTIME— I wonder if they will devour us or receiva 
 us with open arms. 
 
 JANE — Maybe they haven't any arms, you talk as though they 
 were human beings. 
 
 ROSE — Well, I, for one, don't care what they are — human beings, 
 animal beings or vegetable beings, if they will only show me some 
 way of getting warm. 
 
 MANAGER — 'The thing for you people to do is to stop your fuss- 
 ing and prepare to meet this situation with a bold and united front. 
 
 (Noise of approaching wind and snow.) (Action of Chorus gev 
 ting colder.) (Enter King and Attendants.) 
 
 KING — ^Who has thus invaded our sacred land? 
 
 ELiIZABETH — Mercy me! It looks like a real King and his 
 Court. 
 
 KING — Young lady you guessed right. I am King Winter and 
 these are my subjects, and this my country, o'er which I hold un- 
 disputed sway. 
 
 MISS SPRINGTIME — Your Majesty, we are the Miss Springtime 
 Co., of New York City, on our way to the coast. 
 
 KING — ^Coasit say you, what coast? 
 
 MANAGER— Well, Sir, in our country we call it the Western 
 Coast. We played in New York City yesternight and should be play- 
 ing in San Francisco tonight. Instead, vire were diverted from our 
 course by a terrible snow storm and landed here to get our bearings 
 and repair our flying machine. 
 
 MISS SPRINGTIME— We ask hospitality in your most beautiful 
 country, until such time as we can continue our journey. 
 
 KIN(j — My ministers will confer and will then send a representa- 
 tive of the government to tell you the decision as to what disposition 
 will be made of you. (Exit King.) 
 
ROSE— Well of all the colossal nerve! I guess he won't dispose 
 of us in such wholesale fashion, one of us will go to this confab and 
 watch developments. (Exit company.) 
 
 (Enter Sunshine and Sunbeams.) (They dance and exit.) (En- 
 ter members of Springtime Co.) 
 
 JANE — It is not quite so cold, do you think? 
 
 ROSE — Of course it isn't — the Sun has been out and warmed 
 things up a bit. I hope she will sitick around — One can certainly 
 appreciate the Sun's rays, in this ice-bound country, 
 
 MISS SPRINGTIME— Well, I can stand it somehow, if that North 
 Wind just stays away. 
 
 (Enter King's Herald and delegate from Springtime Co.) 
 
 HERALD — We bring a message from the King, 
 
 DELEGATE— Whait do you think that old reprobate of a King 
 wants? 
 
 ELIZABETH— Couldn't guess, what is it? 
 
 DELEGATE — He has decided that, as we are a troop of actors 
 from New York, he will see our show and if it amuses him, we 
 can stay until our plane is fixed — if it does not amuse him, we are 
 to be pushed over ithe edge into space. 
 
 ROSE — Of all the nerve I Take off what little covering we have, 
 and perform in this Zero atmosphere. 
 
 ANN — You can have your choice of performing or — (action of 
 pushing over the edge.) 
 
 KATHRYNE — Nuff sed! Let's get busy and do our best to sat- 
 isfy him, and I'll ask him for a nice hot stove for my/' reward. 
 
 JANE — Yes, you have a happy chance of getting it.. 
 
 MANAGER — Here, you are fussing again! Now as manager ot 
 this company, I order you all to your icy dressing rooms, and we will 
 §tart our performance at once. (Exit all but Manager and Herald.) 
 
 (To Herald) — Notify the King that we are ready to comply with 
 his wishes and will start our performances at once, upon the assem- 
 l)ling of His Majesty's Court. (Exit Herald.) (Enter King and At- 
 tendants.) 
 
 NOTE — After they have grouped themselves 
 about the throne, the entertainment will start 
 using the small children first. Any number 
 of dances, songs and readings can be intro- 
 duced here. At the finish, the n9ise oi the 
 air plane is heard and the Co. enter — 
 
 MISS SPRINGTIME— The plane! The plane! The engines are 
 running. We need not wait for His Majesty's decision. 
 
CJIOEUS— We are here today an4 gone Jtomorrow 
 Via our airplane. 
 We leave New York and J^nd on this 
 
 Just to find not much amiss. 
 We will sail away and land near the bay, 
 
 And look the landscape o'er — 
 If we like it there some better than here. 
 We will stay there for alway, 
 (Set to tune of Chorus. "There's a Sunbeam,." Published and 
 copyrighted by Leo Feist, N. Y.) 
 
 MESSENGER— (Stepping to front of stage)— Deg,!* friencjg, our 
 play is finished. If we have pleased, then we have minds at ease. 
 Your liberal applause was a source of pleasure, it helped to keep 
 our feet in measure. And as we appear from year to year before our 
 own home people, we hope to grow in grace of movement, seeiking 
 always some improvement. 
 
 We are grateful beyond our power to express — King Winter's 
 iC.ourt and The Miss Springtime Co. 
 
 (Repeat Chpru?-) 
 
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