Special Featured Item . . . Fairies and flowers and charm -- Oh my!                   

                    Elma, The Fairy Child: An Operetta
                    by Frances M. Payson
                    Chicago, T. Denison & Co., 1889                                                                         
                    $45.00 

          This delightful musical play is one in the "Denison's Acting Plays" series of
            "successful and popular plays."   This little book is a complete guide to staging
            the production, with detailed descriptions of characters, costumes, props and stage
            design, positioning and movements, as well as instructions for performing the
            eight songs for which the scores and words are provided. 

            Designed to be about a 1-hour, 45-minute production, and appropriate for staging by young
            children, this story of a mortal little girl who yearns to live in a fairy world where life
            is all beauty and fun and no tedious work, carries several lessons for youth through its straightforward
            story line.  After meeting the Fairy Queen, who grants her wish and transforms  her into a tiny fairy,
            Elma learns that fairies have jobs to do also.
            Under the tutelage of an impish elf named Puck, she paints the flowers for the upcoming Spring
            season all the wrong colors, because she has never bothered to learn about nature. She also
            begins to miss her family. Soon, after some gentle admonishment, the Fairy Queen agrees to
            change Elma back into a mortal girl.  Several morals are delivered: appreciate life and family; 
            learn to mix work and play; respect and learn the importance of nature; and never make impulsive decisions.

            This operetta is all the more enticing because of its nostalgic charm.  Published in 1889,
            it embodies innocence and simplicity. Currently there do not seem to be any other copies
            of this title for sale.

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