Twenty Male and Ten Female Figures.
This magnificent tableau contains thirty figures, and, when exhibited
with proper scenery and wardrobe, is one of the best of this
collection. It should be used as a grand finale scene, and is arranged
in the following manner: A number of gentlemen's costumes must be
procured at a costumer's or a theatre. Ladies' costumes can be easily
prepared.
At the back of the stage, at equal distances between the sides, erect
a throne. First build a platform five feet long, three feet wide, and
three feet high, with steps in front, all of which must be covered
with crimson cloth and gold paper. Over the platform place a canopy
made of purple cloth, and decorated with gold paper, cut to represent
fringe. Cover the wall back of the platform with the same material,
and in the centre place a large gold V; a large chair, trimmed with
scarlet and gold, should be placed on the platform, and tiers of seats
arranged on each side of the throne; these must form half circles,
reaching to the centre of the stage at the sides. Seated and standing
on the seats and platforms are the ambassadors, dukes, earls, and
officers, in their full dress. The queen dowager and other royal
female personages are intermingled among them. The lord steward, and
chamberlain stand near the side scenes in the foreground, while the
extreme background is filled up by the queen's guards. Standing on the
step in front of the throne is the archbishop, holding the crown. A
little to the left stands Victoria, her body facing the audience, and
bent forward slightly, head bowed, ready to receive the crown. At the
other side of the throne stands Prince Albert, dressed in rich
uniform. The ladies' costumes consist of rich silks and brocades,
ornamented with gold lace, paste pins, brooches, &c.; the hair
arranged to suit the taste of the performers, and encircled with a
band of gold, to which fasten a colored plume. The attention of all
should be directed to the queen. The archbishop's costume consists of
a black robe, large white sleeves, white handkerchief, with square
ends, hanging on the breast, and white wig. Queen Victoria's costume,
if not procured at a costumer's, consists of a white satin or silk
dress, with a long trail, and four flounces on the skirt, each flounce
ornamented with a band of gold paper three inches wide, covered with
open lace. The top of the waist and bottom of the sleeves decorated in
the same manner. A belt of crimson velvet, covered with spangles and
small paste pins, encircles the waist; the sleeves should be open, and
fastened across with gilt cord, terminating in tassels, which fall on
the arms; white kid gloves, bound around the top with a band of
silver, ornamented with wax beads and spangles; a long ermine scarf
should be thrown gracefully over the shoulders, and trail to the
floor. The ermine can be imitated by inserting small pieces of black
shag in white cotton flannel. The hair may be done up in a neat coil,
and ornamented with wax beads and gilt pins. A long white veil of lace
is fastened to the back of the head, and allowed to trail to the feet.
The crown can be made of card-board, covered with gold paper and
brilliant paste pins. The steward and chamberlain each holds a staff
with a large gilt spear-head and tassels at the top. Costume consists
of showy suits, similar in style, head covered with low-crowned
Kossuth hat, ornamented with a gold band and white lace. The guards
must be placed in the extreme background, on high platforms; they
stand perfectly erect, and face the audience. The scene should be
brilliantly lighted by lamps at the front and left side of the stage.
The booming of cannon is heard in the distance. Music of a majestic
style.