Helps and hints for Hallowe'en
SCENE IV
[_Same as Scene III. Two boys and two girls still remain on stage in the statue-like positions. Three ships are next shown on a sheet, and led by a trumpeter, Columbus and his Sailors enter._]
TRUMPETER:
Blow, trumpet, blow; blow, trumpet, blow, Columbus is a rover; Blow, trumpet, blow; blow, trumpet, blow, With his discovery over. He may not know which way to go, Blow, trumpet, blow; blow, trumpet, blow.
[_Enter Columbus and Sailors; Sailors dance and sing._]
Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”
1.
We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en, We love the water’s motion; We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en, We make a great commotion.
CHORUS.
Sing! hurrah for Hallowe’en, See Columbus coming; Sing! hurrah for Hallowe’en, Join us in our humming.
2.
We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en, And up the mast we’re going; We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en, And stormy winds are blowing.
3.
We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en, We’ll land and give a party; We’re sailors bold on Hallowe’en, We give a greeting hearty.
SAILORS:
In 1492, we made discoveries, it is true, Some claim there is nothing ever new At midnight on Hallowe’en.
COLUMBUS:
Whist! be still! what have we here? Some new discoveries it is clear.
[_Columbus goes to boys and girls._]
COLUMBUS:
Oh! who will break the magic spell, The Witches are about; The Owls and Cats now re-appear. There’s mischief without doubt!
[_The Witches, Owls and Cats creep in._]
OWLS:
Be good—remember words like these, Go home and do not pout or tease; And do remember what you’ve seen Late at night on Hallowe’en. Or else next year we’ll call for you, Tu-whit, tu-whoo, tu-whit, tu-whoo!
CATS:
Be good—and try to be polite, As well as learn to read and write; For enchanted you have been, On this night of Hallowe’en. If you want to improve, we’ll tell you how, Meow—meow—meow—meow.
WITCHES:
Believe in witches if you choose, Just go about and spread the news; We’ll try to get you without doubt, On Hallowe’en if you are out. You’ve felt tonight the Witches’ spell, Little mortals, fare-you-well.
[_The Cats, Owls and Witches go out. Columbus brings out a large flag, the Sailors circle right and left around the children, recite and close with one verse of Star Spangled Banner; children come to life and join in chorus._]
COLUMBUS:
We’ll wave a flag red, white and blue, The bonnie banner for me and you; Come, form a ring, we’ll dance and sing, ’Twill break the spell of everything.
[_All wave flags as they sing chorus, and all who have taken part in the play, re-enter, line up in the back, and join in the chorus._]
Jack Frost’s Surprise
A HALLOWE’EN PLAY IN ONE ACT
CHARACTERS
JACK FROST WITCH JACK-BE-NIMBLE JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT JACK-IN-THE-BOX JACK SPRAT JACK-O’-LANTERN JACK TAR JACK HORNER SIX SAILOR BOYS
COSTUMES
Jack Frost should wear a white costume with a belt cut in points, from which little bells are hung, also a pointed cap with a bell sewed on the end of it.
The Jacks may wear appropriate costumes or have their names printed on their belts or caps. Jack-in-the-Box should wear a large pasteboard box upon his person and, of course, must pop up from the box occasionally.
Witch should wear black dress and cape and high hat. May carry a broomstick.
Sailors may wear regular sailor suits, or white suits and sailor hats.
[_Enter Jack Frost from left, Witch from right._]
JACK FROST:
I am Jack Frost, Jolly Jack Frost, Through the woods today my way I lost; This self-same thing I oft discover, In October the summer’s over. Though elves come tripping o’er the green, I’m the only Jack upon the scene.
WITCH:
Ha, ha, ha, on Hallowe’en, Ghosts and elves are often seen; And many a Jack trips o’er the green, Ha, ha, ha, on Hallowe’en!
JACK FROST:
Though the wrong road we have taken, In that surely you’re mistaken; Even summers charm is lost, But I’m the only Jack—Jack Frost.
[_Witch taps with her cane, enter Jack-be-Nimble with candlestick._]
JACK-BE-NIMBLE:
I’m Jack-be-Nimble, I have to be quick When I jump over my candlestick; I’m most as nimble as a rabbit, For jumping soon becomes a habit.
[_Jack Frost shakes hands with Jack-be-Nimble, and the Witch taps with her cane each time, as a new Jack enters._]
JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT:
I am Jack-in-the-Pulpit, very shy, Scarce glancing at the passerby; If truths on Hallowe’en you’d teach, You’d find me very glad to preach.
JACK-IN-THE-BOX:
I’m Jack-in-the-Box, I know no reason, For feeling sad in any season; I like to pop up on Hallowe’en, When many a curious sight is seen.
JACK SPRAT:
I’m Jack Sprat, and tired at that, There’s only one story you hear; I’m Jack Sprat, eating lean, not fat, At any time of the year.
WITCH:
Ha, ha, ha, you’re a jolly fellow, Come on, now, be a story-teller.
[_Jack Sprat takes his stuffed cat out from under arm._]
JACK SPRAT:
My Hallowe’en cat, behold her here, I like her well though she has but one ear; To get a bargain she never will try, She went after butter when butter was high!
[_Jack-o’-Lantern, boy with lighted lantern, enters by door or window._]
JACK-O’-LANTERN:
I peep in the window, or look in the door, Jolly Jack-o’-Lantern, you’ve seen me before; I stand on the lamp post, or grin on the gate, On Hallowe’en night you dare not be late. See my big mouth and shining eyes, I’m bound to give you a surprise.
JACK TAR:
They say, “Who is this fellow? see how he dances, Lightly retreats, and lightly advances”; Who else is coming? around him he glances, Jolly Jack Tar, the hornpipe he dances!
[_Enter many sailor boys, dance or jig, line up and sing._]
Tune: “Marching Through Georgia.”
MERRY SAILOR LADS
1.
Merry sailor lads are we, Upon the sea we go; Singing quite new-fangled tunes, And songs of long ago. As we journey on our way We sing, “Ye-ho, ye-ho” While we are sailing the ocean.
CHORUS.
Away, away, our ship’s a tidy craft, Away, away, we never stoop to graft; See our tidy vessel now, we man her fore and aft While we are sailing the ocean.
2.
Happy-hearted sailor lads, We really know no fear; Our home is out upon the sea, We’ve sailed for years and years. When we see the bonnie flag, We always give three cheers While we are sailing the ocean.
[_While sailors are singing, Witch goes off stage and comes back with Jack Horner, who sits down at corner of stage._]
SAILORS [_point to Jack Horner in a corner eating pie_]:
Ha, ha, if we linger longer. We discover old Jack Horner; Ha, ha; ho, ho; the sailors cry, We’ll help you eat your Christmas pie.
JACK HORNER:
You’re very welcome to my pie, I’ve sat for years and years; According now to history, Hallowe’en appears.
SAILORS:
Take his pie and rid the corner, Of this greedy little Jack Horner.
[_The Witch and Jack Frost are in front, the other Jacks behind them; the rest of the school may line up for the chorus, waving banners, on which is written the word_ “HALLOWE’EN.” _They all sing._]
Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”
THE SPOOK SONG
1.
Surprises come on Hallowe’en, You know ’tis very true, sir; We’ll trip it lightly o’er the green, That’s what the Spooks all do, sir!
CHORUS.
Sing! hurrah for Hallowe’en, Hear our gentle humming; Sing! hurrah for Hallowe’en, Soon the Spooks are coming.
2.
The sights and sounds of Hallowe’en, Are nothing very new, sir; We’ll never tell you what we’ve seen, Our song is very true, sir!
[_This may end the program, or the stage may be quickly darkened and the Hallowe’en Ghosts may be given._]
An Historical Hallowe’en
An interesting play in which customs and superstitions of the various countries represented are mentioned. Costumes will add much to the program. Spirit of the Year may wear long, white robe. Owl and Cat may wear masks. In connection with the play several national anthems might be sung.
[_Have a panel with curtain arranged at back of stage, so that same can be drawn open and closed very easily. The characters must be ready to appear one after the other. The Owl and Cat may draw out their yells so as to afford more time for the change behind curtain. The Spirit of the Year announces each character as curtain is drawn open. Enter Spirit of the Year._]
SPIRIT OF THE YEAR:
Once again ’tis Hallowe’en, Strange figures show upon the screen; Hallowe’en in every nation, Still is kept o’er all creation. Some superstitions I hold ’tis true, I am the Spirit of the Year, I bow to you.
[_Enter Owl from left._]
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o? A very wise owl on Hallowe’en Is often heard, but seldom seen.
[_Enter Cat from right._]
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow. I am a cat that belongs to history, In my heart is many a mystery.
SPIRIT OF THE YEAR:
Who comes here? A voice I hear.
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_The curtain is drawn and the first character is shown. Characters may pose as tableaux before reciting._]
[_Egyptian, girl dressed in flowing white robe and head-dress, seated at spinning wheel._]
EGYPT:
Osiris, the sun god was killed today, His brother Siton will hold full sway; The god of darkness, you understand, In winter days shall rule our land. At the turn of the year your work begin, Spin—spin—spin.
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_Englishman, boy dressed in hunter’s breeches and cap, red coat, carries short whip._]
ENGLAND:
In England the hounds a-hunting go, The Spectre Hunter leads you know; You can hear their hoofs, though they’re only seen, Late at night on Hallowe’en. Leave some berries for the “Little People,” Or the Goblins you’ll see upon a steeple!
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_Welshman, boy wearing long, dark cloak and high-pointed, black hat._]
SOUTH WALES:
The Druid’s altar still is here, With fires lighted once a year; Many stones about you see, A part of witch’s mystery. If you are caught this night alone, You may also be turned to stone.
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
SOUTH WALES:
In a fire, each threw a stone, With a mark to call his own; If in the morning ’twas not found, In twelve months he’d be under ground.
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_Japanese, girls dressed in regular Japanese costumes. Several may pose in this tableaux. After speaking, they may come forward and give a Japanese Fan or Parasol Drill. Go off stage._]
JAPAN:
The ghosts come back in fair Japan, Some with parasol, some with fan; Keep your lanterns burning bright, Send out your boat, speed on tonight. To bring back spirits though they’ll not stay, To greet us on mid-summer day; Blow out your rush-lights, one at a time, Repeating for each a simple rhyme.
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_American, girl dressed as Goddess of Liberty. Carries horseshoe._]
AMERICA:
I lean a little to ghosts and witches, Hobgoblins too, who all use switches! But this will keep one from all harm, See, I carry a horse-shoe charm!
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
It may be another name for pluck, But a horse shoe always brings good luck.
[_Irish, girl dressed in green skirt with bodice, white blouse and apron. Have an older person speak. Smaller folks come on stage and give a fairy dance and song._]
IRELAND:
Here I come with fairies many, If you’re dull you can’t see any: Gnomes, earth spirits by my side, Close to earth delight to hide. The “Little People,” very small. The “Good People,” who are very tall; The “Gods” and “Leprechauns” ’tis true, Go “rat-a-tat-tat,” they make a shoe.
[_All sing._]
Tune: “Lightly Row.”
Dance away, dance away, Vanish ’ere the break of day; Dance away, dance away, Late on Hallowe’en. Fairy folk all wish you well, As they cast on you a spell; Dance away, dance away, Late on Hallowe’en.
[_Fairies ran off stage._]
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_Druids, boys wearing priest-like robes, pass at the back of stage, and recite alone or in couples._]
DRUIDS:
As of old, each Druid passes, Worshipping the sun; While fairy music ’mid the grasses, Greets them one by one. Put out your fires on Hallowe’en, Relight them now so they are seen; Carry embers to each home, Relight your fires, no harm may come. After the Druids reappear, No harm will come to you this year.
OWL:
Who—Who—Who—o—o?
CAT:
Meow—Meow—Meow—ow.
[_Scotchman, six boys in kilts, recite following verses and then may dance the Highland Fling and sing “Blue Bells of Scotland.”_]
SCOTLAND—FIRST BOY:
Hist! be still! what do I see? A spirit in each walnut tree.
SECOND BOY:
Ha, ha, if you want to hide, Away from the wild huntsman, ride.
THIRD BOY:
Nuts and apples for a treat, All the year you find so sweet.
FOURTH BOY:
The bonfires we will light in turn, While the wicked witches burn.
FIFTH BOY:
Pile cabbage stalks up by your door, The fairies have brought the stork before.
SIXTH BOY:
At cross-roads don’t linger, lad or lass, ’Tis there the Hallowe’en fairies pass.
[_They give a little drill in imitation of a torch-light procession, using electric torches or electric candles. Recite as they march._]
FIRST BOY:
Heigho, for the fairies on Hallowe’en, They scamper away across the green.
ALL:
They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you, Oh scamper away whatever you do!
SECOND BOY:
Hist! be still on Hallowe’en, The torch procession now is seen.
ALL:
They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you, Oh scamper away whatever you do!
THIRD BOY:
On Hallowe’en night if you bum a light, You’ll frighten away each elf and sprite.
ALL:
They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you, Oh scamper away whatever you do!
FOURTH BOY:
On Hallowe’en night a light is a charm, ’Twill surely keep you from all harm.
ALL:
They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you, Oh scamper away whatever you do!
FIFTH BOY:
Be very careful how you talk, Better learn to walk the chalk.
ALL:
They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you, Oh scamper away whatever you do!
SIXTH BOY:
Over the hills and far away, Let’s scamper ’till the break of day.
ALL:
They’re looking for me, they’re looking for you, Oh scamper away whatever you do!
[_Scamper off right and left. All who have taken part return on stage, America carries large flag. Sing one verse of “Star Spangled Banner” to close._]
CURTAIN
The Witch’s Dream
CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES
FEAR—Wearing black cloak, carries banner with the word “_Fear_” printed on it. WITCH—Regular witch costume, carries megaphone. OWL—Owl mask and gray cape. CAT—Cat mask and black cape. RAIN—Raincoat and cap, may carry umbrella. MOON—Yellow suit, moon face. JACK-O’-LANTERN—Carries large Jack-o’-Lantern. COURAGE—Gay dress, carries banner with the word “_Courage_” printed on it. FOUR BOYS—With brooms.
[_The lights are dim on the stage, the Witch sits at right of stage and raps with her cane. Enter Fear._]
FEAR:
Ha, ha, ha, it’s very queer, That you don’t recognize me here; I travel with you every year Old Witch, I introduce myself, I, am FEAR!
WITCH:
Hallowe’en is drawing near, I never felt one-half so queer; Strange shapes and phantoms now appear, Hark! what noises do I hear?
[_Enter Wind._]
WIND:
OOO—OOO—OOO, I blow and blow, I am the boisterous Wind you know, Ha, ha, I’ll scare you without doubt, Where is the Witch? come out, come out. Ha, ha, I never make a mistake, We’re due to burn you at the stake!
WITCH:
Come Cat, come Owl, protect me do, If what the old Wind says is true; I’ll stay inside where I can’t be seen, On this night of Hallowe’en.
[_Enter Owl._]
OWL:
Tu-whit, tu-whoo, we’ll stay by you, Faithful mascots tried and true.
[_Enter Cat._]
CAT:
A Witch once on a broomstick sat, Says the merry old Cat, what think you of that? With her Cat she went riding up on high, She said, “I’ll be back again by and by.” Where went the Cat? I lost track, But she never came back, never came back!
OWL:
She never came back, never came back!
[_The Witch shrieks. Enter Rain._]
RAIN:
There’s a goblin in the Rain, Hear him tapping on the pane; Rapping, tapping, don’t go napping, While he’s tapping on the pane. Rapping, tapping, rapping, tapping, Hear the goblin’s odd refrain; Rapping, tapping, rapping, tapping, On the window pane!
OWL:
We’ll not go napping, while he’s tapping, Rapping, tapping, on the window pane!
[_Witch shrieks. Enter Moon._]
MOON:
The Man in the Moon through the clouds will peep, Late in the night, when good people sleep; I can’t tell you all the sights I’ve seen, Is the Witch within? Is the Witch within?
WITCH:
There must be enchantment in the Moon, First it rains, then it clears too soon; Pull in the shutter, and pull down the shade, On Hallowe’en night I’m surely afraid.
[_Fear skips round waving her wand. Enter boys with brooms._]
BOYS:
Where’s the Witch? We’re not mistaken, ’Tis the hour to waken, waken; Perhaps already she’s o’ertaken By sprites on Hallowe’en!
FIRST BOY:
Sweep the cobwebs from the sky, I’ll bring the Witch back by and by!
SECOND BOY:
Ride her on a creaking broom, I’ll bring her swiftly to her doom!
THIRD BOY:
In her own kettle let her bubble, Cook her, it will save much trouble!
FOURTH BOY:
Strike her with a broom three times three! She’s a wicked Witch we all agree!
ALL:
One, two, sweep the floor [_with motions_], Clean it neatly as before; Two, three, shoulder arms [_on shoulders_], When we hark for war’s alarms. Three, four, with arms extended [_extend brooms_], What is broken can be mended; So we could drill the live-long night, But vanish along with elf and sprite.
[_They sweep floor, look around fearfully; one at a time leave, the last shrieks and runs off._]
WITCH:
Shadows creeping, softly peeping, Who comes stealing while we’re sleeping? I’m tired now, my watch I’m keeping, Late on Hallowe’en!
JACK-O’-LANTERN [_peeping in_].
WITCH:
What great big eyes he has!
[_Enter Jack-o’-Lantern._]
JACK-O’-LANTERN:
I shine by candle-light.
OWL:
What a great big nose he has!
JACK-O’-LANTERN:
Make remarks more polite.
CAT:
What a great big mouth he has!
JACK-O’-LANTERN:
Yes, that’s to scare you, quite. [_Runs in._]
[_As Fear goes out, Courage enters._]
COURAGE:
Harken to Courage, blithely she dances, Now she retreats, now she advances; Your fears seem so funny, For Courage is sunny, Her laughter is worth a whole pile of money!
[_The lights come on full, exit all but Witch, Cat and Owl._]
WITCH:
Oh! Oh! I had a fearful dream!
OWL:
Tu-whit, tu-whoo, Is that really true?
CAT:
Teach me to dream, I don’t know how, I’m only a stupid cat—meow!
WITCH:
I’ve made resolutions four and twenty.
OWL:
Half that number would be a-plenty.
WITCH:
I’ll not scare good folks any more.
CAT:
We once heard you say that before.
WITCH:
Ha, ha, I’ll never again act mean.
OWL:
You’d laugh if you saw this on the screen!
CAT:
Oh give me a platter, I’d lick it clean!
ALL:
Hurrah! hurrah! for Hallowe’en.
[_All the characters who took part, and the entire school, if desired, may now line up at the back and sing._]
Tune: “Twinkle Little Star.”
1.
Late at night on Hallowe’en, Many funny sights are seen; Better mind your A, B, C’s, As the Witches often tease.
2.
If they get their kettles out, They will boil you without doubt; Walk the chalk and be polite, If you do not want a fright.
3.
What’s the use to go to bed, Witches often times have said; ’Tis a habit, but we call Good-night, good-night, to one and all.
A Hallowe’en Carnival and Wax-work Show
CHARACTERS
FOLLY—An older boy. OWL—A small boy. CAT—A small boy. WITCH—An older girl. STILT-WALKERS—Any number boys and girls. MAD MARCH HARE—A small boy. JACK-O’-LANTERN—A small boy. POPPY LADIES—Four girls. CHINAMAN—A boy. ESKIMO—A boy. JAPANESE—A girl. HOLLAND—A girl. INDIAN—A boy. NEGRO—A boy.
Silhouettes of bats, black cats and owls are hung by threads from the ceiling. The characters are grouped about the stage. They wear fancy costumes and masks, and pose as statues. Boys on stilts, standing at right and left, help give a comical appearance; and children dressed in costumes of all nations, carrying national flags may be in the groups. Folly wears the most comical costume of all, he is attired as a court jester, half the costume black, half yellow, wears a cap and bells, carries a noisy rattle.