don one’s costume(/dress up/put on one’s make-up) and go (/appear) on the stage; embark upon a political venture; tread the boards (/stage) ? 漢卿混跡歌場(chǎng)，精通五音六律； 時(shí)常在歌臺(tái)舞榭～； …… (田漢《關(guān)漢卿》97) Hanqing is known in stage circles far and wide and he’s well versed in music. Quite often he treads the boards himself.
粉墨登場(chǎng)fen mo deng chang
make oneself up and go on stage—embark upon a political venture
粉墨登場(chǎng)
make oneself up and go on stage—embark upon a political venture; hurriedly assume office
粉墨登場(chǎng)fěn mò dēnɡ chǎnɡ
粉墨：指化妝用品。妝扮好了，登臺(tái)演戲。make oneself up and go on stage, enter upon office fully dressed up, mount the stage in full regalia