Evening star., 1902-08-26
ADJUSTMENTS.

ACADEMY.-Sutton Vane's melodrama,
''The Span of Life ushered in the third
week of the Academy's season last night
before an audience which, on account OF
proportions, should be the pride of any
theatrical manager. THE Span of Life
has been seen here before and was greeted
as an old friend, thus indicating that IL
has established a strong hold on its nu-
merous admirers. The action of the play
goes with a snap and vim, and bits OF
light comedy are interspersed throughout,
giving a chance for laugh between the
tears as it were. The attraction has been
seen so often and the plot has been re-
peated so many times that nearly every
one is familiar with the trials and tribula-
tions of the heroine, who is pursued by the
| laughing villain. The former Won her way
into the hearts of her auditors because OF
the manner in which she withstood the
persecution of those who were intending to
harm her, while the latter, who is the pos
| SCISSOR of an unearthly laugh which he
never failed to bring into use at every
opportunity, proved the estimation in which
he is held by the numerous Kisses at every
new stage of the plot in his endeaVors to
enmesh the heroine. Two bits of thrilling
stagecraft are witnessed. one of which Is
the lighthouse scene and the other the
forming of a human bridge across a ravine.
In the former the villain attacks the hero
who is acting in the capacity of a light
house keeper, in order that the lights may
not be fixed for the purpose of warning
vessels off the rocks. He almost accom-
pliSheS his purposes, but is frustrated by
the timely arrival of aid, and a lighted
steamer, which is about to crash into the
rocks backs out of danger on receiving
warning. The famous DonaZettas, who, In
the course of the performance, give a clever
exhibition of acrobat work, form human
chain across a deep chasm, over which
the heroine fees from band of Arabs.
Miss frankie Francis and Wallace Hopper
who are the objects of the villains atten-
tions. enacted their respective parts in a
successful manner, while Preston Kendell,
who is cast as the pursuer, made inn
preston by mis- excellent work in the role
of the villain. William Todd, who, as
Seafaring man. has a clever charac cter part
which he makes the most of. The comedy
work is in the hands of Miss aud Hart
ley and 2. J. Craig.
KERNAN'S LYCEIM THEATER.-Two
crowded houses greeted the Butler Jacobs
and Lowry Amusement Company other
wise known the "Topsey Turvey Bur-
lesquers, at kernans Lyceum Theater yes
terday. and witnessed show that will
compare favorably with the best that has
been at this playhouse There are clever
singers and dancers, an abundance of pretty
costumes and fitting stage settings and a
vivacious chorus. as well as competent prin-
c1pals. The two burlesques are entitled
champagne Charley at the Hotel Topsey
TurVey and Foxy Grandpa's Picnic" and
ample opportunity is given in each for the
introduction of new songs, dances and
horseplay. The opening burlesque is no.
table for its musical selections, one of
them, parody on the famous sextet from
'Floradora,' being an exceptionally clever
piece of writing. The closing skit goes with
rush and the fun is fast and furious
Happy Hooligan," the Lady Bountiful"
Foxy Grandpa and other well-known
characters are all represented, and the farce
is rounded out with number of good mu-
slcal selections. The olio is much above the
average and is headed by Bert Fuller whose
jokes and limitations seem never to grow
Old. Cunningham and Revere, two clever
souprettes, 1ndulged in singing and dancing
the latter of which was decidedly above the
average Williams and Aleene appeared
in sketch that was warmly received. and
"hlch, While drawn on conventional lines
was very well done. frankie Emmet sang
number OF selections that displayed her
contralto voice to advantage and the olio
was brought to close by Keno, Welsh and
Melrose, one of the best acrobatic teams
on the vaudeville stage.