The Exhibition Drama

A lively assortment of short plays, comedies, farces and musical sketches, this volume was assembled especially for school exhibitions, community gatherings and home‑stage performances. The pieces were written to suit modest productions, offering clear cues for costumes, scenery and even simple marching drills, so teachers and amateur groups can bring them to life with minimal fuss. Alongside festive Christmas numbers and allegorical tableaux, the collection reflects the era’s taste for wholesome, patriotic entertainment that still feels fresh enough for today’s listeners.

The opening drama, “Enlisted for the War; or, The Home‑Guard,” begins in a modest farmhouse where the Trueworth family prepares for the return of their son, a Union soldier. Characters such as the earnest Robert, the pragmatic guardian Wilder Rowell, and the flamboyant auctioneer Hosea Jenks introduce a blend of earnest duty and light‑hearted banter. As the scene unfolds, the audience hears the tension between civilian life and the looming call to arms, setting the stage for a story that balances bravery with humor while remaining perfectly suited to a small‑scale theatrical setting.