The German play is freely adapted from an unidentified French source. The file contains entirely handwritten materials related to rehearsal and performance, including a transcription of the text in a hard-covered notebook, which has been annotated as a prompt-book; a handwritten item (a kind of legal attestation) that served as a prop; and 16 role books, representing the following 15 parts: Wilhelm Gutman, Maurerpolier; Jettchen, seine Nichte; Rosalie Pfeiffer, Ladenmädchen; Franz Hellweg; Winkel, Berliner (2 versions); Haase Sachse; Knirschhuber, Baier; Polenzel, Wiener; Karl Holmtag, Kunstschlosser; Johann Gänseklein, Schneider; Alfred, ein Stutzer; Brausewetter, Schutzmann; ein Bettler; Rechtenbberg, Bau-Unternehmer. (The role books appear to be complete as the play was performed.) Handwritten musical scores are included as follows (see folder 642): music with lyrics for 3 songs; and instrumental scores for violin and cornet for 2 songs. The composer is not identified in the text or on the musical scores; however, in a theater newspaper advertising a performance of the play in Philadelphia in Nov. 1891 (see folder 708) music is attributed to Bial. The handwritten item that served as a prop is written on a blank form concerning the clearance by a conveyancer of property offered as security, designed for use in Philadelphia in the 19th century. Names of actors and actresses noted on some of the role books reflect a cast that would have performed in Philadelphia in the period 1880-1886. Aside from the theater newspaper mentioned above, 2 other theater newspapers, both in Oct. 1891carry unelaborated announcements of coming performances of the play (see folder 698).
