Four ornate pillars support the 20-foot-high vaulted ceiling of this room, which is illuminated by lanterns hanging in the corners. Tattered red curtains dangle from iron rods mounted to the walls and pillars. Four rows of ornately carved benches stand in the rectangular area defined by the pillars.
Partially set into the south wall is a raised wooden stage with two short staircases leading up to it. Black curtains partially conceal the back wall of the stage, which is painted with an elaborate woodland mural.
Upon anyone approaching near the stage one of the black stage curtains flutters, and a small figure steps out from behind it. A baby black bear-- or rather, a gnome wearing a bear costume-- takes center stage, raises a paw to his lips, and begins speaking softly
"Night hath fallen in the Magic Woods, and while myriad woodland creatures dream, Willowbough and her faerie friends frolic beneath the sorcerous moon!"
The small bear curls up into a ball on the stage and feigns sleep. Moments later, a female gnome with briars for hair materializes on stage, as though she were standing invisibly a moment ago, and begins dancing. Solemn music fills the theater as butterfly-winged faeries appear from backstage and join in the ballet.
