Have the words of the song sung by someone behind the scenes, the verse by one person and the chorus by a number of voices. Across the stage hang a curtain, leaving room in front for a person to walk. A young man, or tall boy, comes on stage with face blackened and wig of curled hair (made by sewing curled hair onto a circular piece of black cloth, then running a rubber cord around edge and drawing up to fit head[L]), wearing stiff hat, common dark suit and a large bright necktie. He stands in front of curtain at right of stage as the words are sung: [L] These wigs may also be purchased, ready for use, from the publishers of this book. "'Way down upon de Swanee ribber, Far, far away, Dere's wha' my heart is turning ebber, Dere's wha' de old folks stay." With head bent, hands in pockets and a dejected manner he walks slowly across stage to left and back to center during the words: "All up and down de whole creation Sadly I roam, Still longing for de old plantation And for de old folks at home." He stands at center of front during singing of chorus: "All de world am sad and dreary (_hands extended at sides, arm's length_) Eb'rywhere I roam; (_hands brought together in front of body_) Oh! darkies, how my heart grows weary (_right hand over heart_) Far from de old folks at home!" (_left hand in pocket, head bowed on right hand, sad, dejected attitude_) At close of chorus the impersonator goes to right corner of front of stage and stands there during the second stanza. The curtain is now drawn, revealing two little darkey boys, scantily clothed, feet bare, and old hats on heads. They chase each other across back of stage during the words: "All round de little farm I wandered When I was young, Den many happy days I squander'd, Many de songs I sung; When I was playing with my brudder Happy was I;" A girl with face blackened, bright cap on head, calico dress, large apron, and bright kerchief around neck comes on stage and one little darkey boy stands on either side of her as the words are sung: "Oh! take me to my kind old mudder, Dere let me live and die." The mother and little boys stand at back of stage during chorus, the young man comes out to near-center and acts chorus as before, except at the words, "Far from de old folks at home!" he turns and extends both arms toward the group at back of stage.