VAUDEVILLE SHOWS Meaning and
Definition
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Vaudeville shows refer to a type of live entertainment popular in the United States and Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Developed from saloon performances and variety shows, vaudeville shows were a combination of comedy skits, singing, dancing, magic acts, acrobatics, and other diverse forms of entertainment, typically presented in a continuous sequence.
These shows were multi-act productions and featured a wide range of performers who specialized in various skills or acts. Some of the most common acts included comedians, singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians, contortionists, and animal trainers, among others. The lineup often rotated, featuring multiple acts in a single evening and ensuring a varied and fast-paced experience for the audience.
Vaudeville shows held a strong appeal to all segments of society, catering to a broad range of tastes and interests. They were particularly popular in urban areas, providing an escape from the daily grind of city life and welcoming individuals from different social backgrounds.
Throughout its existence, vaudeville shows fueled the careers of many performers who went on to achieve great fame, such as Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers. However, with the introduction of motion pictures and the rise of radio in the early 20th century, vaudeville started to decline in popularity and eventually faded away by the 1930s.
Despite their disappearance, vaudeville shows played a significant role in shaping the development of American entertainment, contributing to the rise of the performing arts and leaving behind a rich legacy of comedic and theatrical traditions.
Common Misspellings for VAUDEVILLE SHOWS
- caudeville shows
- baudeville shows
- gaudeville shows
- faudeville shows
- vzudeville shows
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Etymology of VAUDEVILLE SHOWS
The word "vaudeville" originates from the French term "vaudevire", which was a type of satirical poem or song popular in the 15th century. The root of the word "vaudeville" is believed to come from "vau de Vire", a valley in Normandy known for its witty and satirical folk songs.
In the 18th century, the term "vaudevire" was used to describe a form of light entertainment that incorporated various acts such as singing, dancing, comedy sketches, and acrobatics. This style of entertainment became popular in France and eventually spread to other parts of Europe and North America.
By the 19th century, vaudeville shows had evolved into variety performances that combined different forms of entertainment, including burlesque, comedy, magic, and musical numbers.
