GRAND CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES 1861-1878 Complete Librettos By E. L. Blanchard Classic Panto Series Theatre Arts Press 2
These librettos published from primary sources and other historical records. For a complete list of titles from the Historical Libretto Series, visit Musical-Librettos.com Copyright 2015 Theatre Arts Press All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or yet be to invented, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system. Printed in the United States of America 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 3
CONTENTS TOM THUMB 7 ALADDIN 23 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 47 JACK IN THE BOX 73 CINDERELLA 97 4
TOM THUMB or Merlin the Magician and the Good Fairies of the court of King Arthur (1861) By E. L. Blanchard Tom Thumb was first produced at Her Majesty s Theatre, London,on December 26, 1861 with the following cast: Gaffer Thumb. Mr. Forster Goody Thumb. Mrs. Lindon Merlin.. Mr. Dixon Tom Thumb. Lillia Ross Rosalia. Miss Mason Tom, the Tinker... Mr. Solderwll Giant.... Mr. Feefawfofum King Arthur.. A. St. Albyn Huncammunca. Highbury Barnes 5
SCENE I Interior of Gaffer Thumb s cottage, by sunset. Large open window, through which is seen a village landscape--fireplace at side, with large kettle on fire GAFFER THUMB discovered, busily occupied in chopping wood for firing GOODY THUMB, arranging tea-things on table. After introductory Music, great Schoolboys are seen passing window, with satchels, etc. on their backs, as if returning from school for the holidays. OPENING CHORUS SCHOOLBOYS. BREAKING UP AND GOING AWAY-- NO MORE SCHOOL FOR MANY A DAY! LONG LESSONS WON T OUR TIME EMPLOY HURRAH FOR THE HOLIDAYS, EVERY BOY! (Shouts are heard gradually dying away in distance Both GAFFER and GOODY THUMB suspend their occupation, at hearing shouts, and go to window and look out.) GOODY. Do you hear that? The boys are going home! School s over, and their holidays have come. Whils, Gaffer, we no blessed babe have had, To kiss when good, or soundly whip when bad. (Another party of SCHOOLBOYS pass the window with their boxes, and the Chorus is resumed to send part of Air.) SCHOOLBOYS. OH! AIN T IT PRIME TO THINK OF CAKE, AND ALL THE SPORT WE ARE GOING TO MAKE! LOTS OF EATING LOTS OF FUN; HOORAY, BOYS, NOW EVERY ONE! (Shouts as before.) GOODY. The merry rogues, they make my heart feel light; A laughing schoolboy is a pleasant sight. GAFFER. Ah! Dame, I feel like you, our fate s distressing; A little one would be indeed a blessing. (More Schoolboys pass, with hoop, footballs, bat and ball, and other toys They peep in at the door.) FIRST BOY. Oh, look, here boys here s Gaffer Thumb! Let s show The good old folks some fun, before we go. 6
What do you say to have a jolly game? Hop-scotch, or leap-frog only give the name! SECOND BOY. Trap-bat and ball THIRD BOY. Or chevy chase, I say. SECOND BOY. My wig! for marbles here s a place to tiny. FIRST BOY. I ll tell you what, we ll have a game at cricket, And Gaffer s stumps we ll bowl at for the wicket. (They pursue their games and mischievous pranks, till GAFFER and GOODY, with some difficulty, succeed in dislodging them. Exeunt boys Old people breathless.) GOODY. Oh, deary me! what plagues boys are its frightful! GAFFER. Yet, dame, just now, you thought a child delightful. GOODY. Well, if to us a boy should ever come, I wouldn t have him bigger than my thumb. (Peal of thunder and rain heard GOODY sets tea-things.) GOODY. Good gracious! here s a sudden shower; it pours How glad I am we are not out of doors. There s one good thing, we are not out of tea; I ll make a cosy cup for you and me. (MERLIN appears at window, in cloak.) MERLIN. Good people, prithee, from this precious pelter, Give a poor traveler a minute s shelter. GOODY. Ay, ay. Come in and welcome, my good man, Though humble folks, we ll do the best we can. (Enter MERLIN, through door, throwing off cloak over chair.) MERLIN. Thank ye, good people, you are very good; I ve not forgot, Ma rm, where the scraper stood. It s a bad night to walk in, for a feller Who can t afford to buy an umbrella GOODY. Sit down and share our frugal meal, sir. MERLIN. Thank ye! Would you like to see a little hanky panky? It s all I have to show for this reception. Observe me, closely! There is no deception. I am not like some wizards, so to speak No preparatio no mechanique. 7
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