Marie Irish

“ Christmas is when we have Christmas trees with presents on. Christmas is when folks has company or goes visitin’. On Christmas day folks say Merry Christmas to each other. Christmas day don’t last long but it is a long time gettin’ here. It is more blessed to give Christmas than to receive it. Christmas is a merry day (bows low and takes seat) .
Teacher—That was fine, Virgil. ”

“ I want to go home (cries louder and falls down on floor) .
Mrs. Skaggs—Oh, I’m ’fraid he’ll have a fit he’s so skeered. (to teacher) Tell ’im to take off his face so’s Billy can see ’im (teacher runs and talks to Virgil who pulls off his false face) .
Teacher—See, Billy, it’s only Virgil.
Virgil (crossly) —Nice way to spoil our fun (Billy stops crying, looks at Virgil and begins to laugh) .
Teacher—Now, children, we will have a treat and Mr. Judd will help Santy pass it to you (Virgil and Mr. J. give each one a sack of pop corn and candy as curtain falls) .
CURTAIN
PLAYS, MONOLOGS, Etc. ”

“ I came over to be present at—that is, to attend, and injoy—that is, to participate in the Chris’mus entertainment (shakes hands awkwardly with teacher and the two visitors) . As a member of the skule board I feel that I should incourage the childern of the deestrict with my presence here an’ see how [9] they’re gittin’ on. Be they doin’ purty good, teacher? (looks children over) .
Teacher—We’re very, very glad you came, Mr. Judd. Yes, they’re doin’ real well (she seats him) . Now, children dear, we will begin to commence our Christmas entertainment (Billy sobs softly) . ”

“ Wal, teacher and children and visiters, I can say with great truth an’ much joy that I be glad to been here today. Yes, childern, I allus like fer to hear the childern speak pieces an’ I can said that I been proud of the way you speaked an’ sung. Yes, childern, I can say with truth an’ not a tellin’ nuthin’ that haint so, that you all done good, very good, in your speakin’. Your nice teacher has been a learnin’ you fine an’ as I said, you done good. Yes, childern. ”

“ Christmas Speakin’ at Skaggs’s Skule
Teacher (tapping bell loudly) —Now, children dear, I hope you will all be very, very good and very, very quiet while we have our entertainment. What kind of an entertainment is it to be, children? (a pause) W’y, children, don’t you know what kind of an entertainment it is going to be?
Virgil—Wal, I think it’ll be a fust-rate good ’un if none of ’em don’t fergit their pieces. ”

“ The girls carry garlands of evergreen while the boys carry wreaths of the same. After a spectacular drill and fancy march they all sing a beautiful Christmas song, which accompanies the drill. Easy to produce and decidedly novel. 25 cents.
GOOD-BYE, CHRISTMAS GROUCHES. (Irish-Lyman.) A jolly Christmas song for any number of boys and girls. It abounds with Christmas cheer and many pleasant surprises. Full of action. Sheet music. This popular song will put “pep” in your Christmas entertainment and will furnish your audience a rare treat. ”

“ This is a closing song which is quite out of the ordinary. There is humor in every line. The music is lively. Your audience will not soon forget this spicy song for it will get many an unexpected laugh. The motions which accompany this song make it doubly effective. For any occasion and for any number of children.
WE ARE CREEPY LITTLE SCARECROWS. (Guptill-Weaver.) A weird, fascinating action song. You can’t go wrong with this song. There are four verses and chorus. Complete directions accompany this song so that it may be featured as a song and drill, if desired. ”

“ Rastus (rubbing eyes) —I—I—don’ wan’ ter—be—SKUN!
[15]
Mrs. Hill—Poor little fellow (wipes her eyes) .
Sarah Jane—Teacher, if she skuns ’im will he die?
Rastus (loudly) —Boo-hoo, I don’ wan’ ter DIE!
Mr. Judd—Now, Rastus, you speak your piece and I’ll see that your mother doesn’t touch you and I’ll give you some candy.
Rastus—All right (comes forward grinning widely, bows and speaks) :
Some boys dey wants a drum er gun,
An’ some dey t’inks a sled is fun;
But fer mah Chris’mus I’s a tellin’
I wants a great, big watermelon. ”

“ All the characters are good. Easy to produce. No special scenery or costumes. No Santa Claus. Can be played in any schoolroom. 25c.
CHRISTMAS SPEAKIN’ AT SKAGGS’S SKULE. (Marie Irish.) Just published. Humorous entertainment for six boys and eight girls, including Ole, the Swede; Rastus, the negro; bashful Bill; Jeremiah Judkins, the skule clerk; Mis’ Skaggs and Mis’ Hill, the mothers who “help out;” fat little sister; Matildy and Florildy, the twins; Sam who st-t-tut-ters; Tiny, and Miss Emmeline Elkins, the teacher. The speech by the skule clerk and the fake Santy Claus are features. ”