Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

at the box office to give Heckler my ticket money, $12.20 exactly and then I went “behind the scenes.” Everything was bustle and hurry here. The actors, in gay eighteenth century costume, were running hither and thither, calling to each other and laughing. Miss Richards was painting up the different characters. Some of them were certainly funny, and others were pretty looking. I went up to Bill’s dressing room with him to help him dress up. His first suit was a captain’s suit_, for he was young Capt. Absolute, the leading man. He looked fine in his black wig, red coat with gold epulets, white pants and black boots. When he was ready I went down to the main floor, and sought Heckler. I found that a few people had now come in, and on going out front, I found both the Heckler’s at the door, taking tickets, so I went and helped Astry hand out programs

At about half-past eight, the curtain went up with a full house. There is not much use in telling the story in detail for it is an old play of Sheridans. Capt. Absolute is in love with Lydia Languish, an heiress and has for a rival Bob Acres, Clyde Hess. There is another rival also, a certain ensign Beverly who turns out to be the same as the Captain. Sir Anthony Absolute, the Captain’s father, tells his son that he will have to marry