Ten Female Figures.
This elegant design is one of the finest of this series of tableaux,
and is composed of ten young and beautiful ladies, grouped so as to
represent a magnificent wreath. The bottom of the wreath rests on the
front of the stage; the top reaches up to the ceiling, forming a
complete circle of beautiful forms and fair faces, among which are
entwined festoons of flowers. Inside of this circle is a large wreath
six feet in diameter, and five inches in thickness; this rests on a
pink ground, and is composed of spruce, ornamented with artificial
flowers.
The first work in the construction of this tableau is to erect a
circle of seats reaching from the front of the stage to the ceiling,
in the background. This can be easily accomplished by using boxes of
various sizes. The wreath should be ten feet in diameter; the boxes
should be entirely covered with white cloth, the space in the centre
with pink cambric.
The costume of the ladies consists of a white dress, cut very low in
the neck; skirt quite long, and worn with few under skirts; sleeves
four inches long, trimmed with white satin ribbon; waist encircled
with a white satin sash; feet encased in white slippers; hair arranged
to suit the performer's taste, and encircled with a wreath of white
artificial flowers. The lady at the top of the wreath should first
take her position. She should be the lightest in weight of the group,
and should recline in an easy position, resting her head upon her
hand, the elbow touching the box, and the body slightly inclined to
the right. The second lady will then take her position at the right of
the first, on the seat below, her arm resting on the form of the lady
above, the right hand supporting her head, the face turned in to the
centre of the circle, the eyes raised to those of the figure above.
The remaining figures should take similar positions, until one half of
the circle is complete. The other side of the circle is arranged in a
similar manner,--the figures facing inward.
The wreath of spruce and flowers is to be placed within the circle of
ladies. The stage and the back scene should be hung with green
bocking, and care must be exercised in the forming of the circle, so
that it shall appear perfectly round. The small festoons of flowers
should be entwined among the figures, after they have taken their
position. The expression of the countenances should be pleasant and
animated. The light for this piece should come from the foot of the
stage, and should be quite brilliant. Music soft, and of a secular
character. The tableau, when finished, at a distance appears like an
immense wreath resting against a grassy bank.