The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-10-28

ACADEMY OF MUSIC-Tuesday matt
nee ard night. .'rhe Gunner's> Mate"
Wedresday-.'Down on the Farm
Thursday matinee and night-Lewis
Mor-isonS Faust.
BIJOU FAMILY THEATRE-Vaude-
vile.
The theatre, like o.ner forms of amuse-
ment, grows on one according to the
amount with which the love of 1t is
INDUCED. That the theatre has grown on
the Richmond public is evidenced by the
fact that this city, which some years ago
was hardly able to support one playhouse,
now supports-and supports Handsomely
two theatres, both of which provide higher
forms of amusement than heretofore.
One hears a good deal nowadays con-
corning the alleged degeneracy of the
stage, but while there is probably some
ground for such charge the great major
ity of companies now touring the coun-
try have their repertoire composed Of
plays which, while they amuse, yet serve
to point a moral which must at least
appeal to the better side Of mankind.
Manager Augustus Pitou. who is respon-
sfble for the magnificent productions of
Chauncey Olcott's popular plays, will pre-
sent his very successful drama, entitled
Tuesday night. October .0th.
Tt has been given a scenic equipment
that excels in beauty, massiveness and
realism anything yet attempted on the
stage for American melodra1na, and 1t IS
pronounced a theatrical SUCCESS OF the
first order. 1t is not a war play, but
in the main deals with the sailors on
shore and aboard our warships. The
story of the play hinges in the love of a
Cor yrnyJ1n n
his station. She returns his love, but,
through the Vaccinations of the villain,
his manhood and his sterling virtues are
set at nausht. Finally, however, he over
comes the obstacles that are set In his
way and wins his sweetheart. Three Of
the five scenes are laid on board thu
United States ship New York. The deca
scene Of the flagship, with its ponderous
guns facing the audience, the flying
bridges. turrets, &c. is most realistic.
Then there is a forecastle scene, showing
the sailors off duty and enjoying them
selves. which is a lively picture of life
between decks. Here a number of excel
lent specialties are introduced, including
a couple of noted pugilists, quartette o.
expert mandolin players, some genuine
buck dancers, and a chorus of fine sing
ers. Another scene shows the hre-room
of the ship, which is the acme OF realism,
ICtllng ike 1t ever having peeii u =
scented on the stage. The immense boilers
and furnaces are shown, ana al! tee
entrances and exits are made by ladders
such as are used on board ship, extending
to the flies The dramatic climax 10
this scene is of intense power and
decidedly sensational and thrilling.
Unlike many such plays, ''The Gunner's
Mate is founded entirely on probability.
It's strong dramatic climaxes are not
attained by sensational clap-trap. but Its
characters and their actions, worked out
on perfectly natural and true lines, appeal
with vital significance to the audience.
Into the life of the New York's blue
Jackets is interviewer a perfectly natural
story of love. herosm. self-sacritice, and
courage, with strong lines Of comedy TO
give it life and light. The life OF the
sailors their diversions and their hard-
ships, are carefully and truly pictured
II is accounted to be the strongest pro
duction of its kind in recent years, ana
its presentation is made by a company
of unusual strength.
Mr. charles Marley, delineator OF