Life, 1903-04-30 · page 13 of 20
Life — April 30, 1903 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a satirical illustration titled "Life" showing a circular vignette divided into three sections depicting daily urban life—morning, noon, and night. The scenes show working-class and street activity: figures in winter clothing, children playing in snow, a rooster, laundry, tenement housing. The page primarily functions as **theater criticism and listings** for contemporary Broadway productions (early 1900s, based on titles like "The Wizard of Oz" and "A Message from Mars"). The illustration serves as the magazine's header or introduction to its "Confidential Guide to the Theatres"—a humorous framing device suggesting contrast between ordinary people's daily struggles and the theatrical entertainment available to them. The satire is gentle: Life magazine positioned itself as a witty observer of both high culture (theater) and everyday urban reality.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
LIFE'S CONFIDENTIAL GUIDE TO THE THEATRES, Academy of Music.—" The Suburban,” The racing scene in this sporting melodrama ts worth seeing. Belasco." The Daritug of the Gods.” Grue- some story of Japanese life, admirably staged. -Marie Cabill in Nancy Brown,” Mu- sical comedy. Not very strong. Broadiwoy.— The Prince of Pilsen.” Mustcal comedy. Very catchy music, Casino,—Matinées. “ Late Lord Fauntleroy." MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT. A STORY IN TAREE acts, Criterion. —Charles Mawtrey In A Message from Mars." Unusual and interesting com- edy. Garden.—" Everyman.” Cartous morallty play very well presented, Garrick.—Last week of Auntie Rossell in“ Mice and Men.” Quite well worth seeing. Herald Square,—" Pretty Peggy.” Elaborate production of fatrly amusing play, with Grace George as the star. Knickerbocker —" Mr, Bluebeard." comedy, Gorgeous but dull. Musical Madison Square.— A Foo! snd His Money.” See preceding page. Mojestie.—"The Wizard of Oz." Extravaganza. Diverting. Manhattan.—“The Earl of Pawtucket.” Mu- morous, bright aud interestiag Saroy.—* The Taming of Helen.” bad comedy Victoria —Last week of “ Resurrection.” Tol- stol’s novel dramatized, Well presented Wallack’s—""The Sultan of Sula.” comedy, Clever book and tunefal score, Not at alla Masical comicbooks.com