The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-01-07

first rather subdued but growing loud
er and more general as the song pro-
crossed until it was like the escape of
steam from 500 radiators. Stuart brave
ly kept on with the piece, but when he
reached the chorus the Kisses were
ShOWered down from the third story
with such vehenence that the only
way the audience knew that he was
singing was the movement of his lips
and chest.
Then the first floor, always resentful
of the gallery, took hand in the game.
and the fight was on Everyone in the
house realized that "A Hot Time has
worn out it's warmth in Topeka as long
ago as midnight on Carnival night of
Festival week, but Stuart is a fine look
ing fellow and an excellent singer and
the parquette determined that he
shouldn't be driven off the stage. Even
those who considered Stuart's action in
singing the song injudiciOus, admired
the mans courage in standing up un-
der such an OutburSt. Someone in the
rear of the house started to applaud,
and in a moment an ocean of applause
was sweeping up from the lower floor
dehantly at the gallery.
From that time on to the end of the
song it was nip and tuck between the
gallery and the first floor as to the
greatest demonstration. Kisses and
groans were hurled down from the
third story, but the ovation on the floor
of the house continued. Stuart con-
tinued the song, but only occasionally
was anything heard At last he I'm
iShed and retired from the stage.
But by that time the audience on the
first floor and the gallery assemblage
was warmed to the work and each was
determined to conquer. Stuart's dis
appearance did not stop the applause;
indeed it was responsible for percep-
tible increase. The gallery left off hiss
ing and started yelling, but even then
it wasn't lin it, Stuart reappeared
at the edge of the flies and bowed; it
didn't check the demonstration He
bowed and bowed again and then
bowed, but the tumult on the first
floor kept on without cessation. Other
actors came on and attempted to con-
tinue the performance, but the audi
ence demanded Stuart. Finally he
came to the front of the stage visibly
excited. Thank you, ladies and gentle
men, he said in stentorian tones, so
unlike his falsettO voice while singing
that the contrast excited laughter on
the first floor, answered in the gallery
by groans. Il will sing the words once
more he continued, provided you join
me in the chorus. Those who do not
sing will please whistle, and for the
benefit of the dear little ladies who
neither sing or whistle. I will ask you
to pat your little feet" Stuart cast
a half defiant, half smiling look at the
gallery
this time only a few misses were sent
out from the gallery. His courage had
Won its occupants. When the chorus
was reached, instead of kissing, the
gallery with a mighty burst whiStled
the air, and such a startling combina-
ton was never heard in Topeka before.
It was a successful finish for the male
PATTI and a decided triumph.
But those who thought that the out
break of the gallery was over for the
night, and that the whistling of "A
Hot Time" was a signal of its subduing
were sadly mistaken. The gallery was
excited. It was packed to the roof and
boiling with repressed nervousness.
Between the second and third acts of
the piece occurred the Kilany living pic
lures, and to secure proper effect they
were put on near the rear of the stage
They were so far back that from the
gallery it was impossible to see them.