The spelling of the word "vaudevilles" can be a bit tricky due to its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /vɔːdəvɪlz/. The second syllable has a long "e" sound, while the final syllable is pronounced with a "z" sound, even though it is spelled with "s". Vaudevilles refers to a type of theater performance that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring a variety of acts such as singing, dancing, and comedy routines.
Vaudevilles, also spelled as "vaudeville," refer to a form of popular entertainment that emerged in the late 19th century and became popular in the early 20th century. This theatrical variety show originated in France but later gained popularity in the United States and other countries. Vaudevilles typically consist of a series of unrelated acts, including comedy sketches, magic tricks, acrobatic performances, songs, dance routines, and short theatrical acts.
The term "vaudeville" also refers to the venues where these shows were performed. Vaudeville theaters were popular in major cities and offered a platform for both veteran and up-and-coming entertainers to showcase their talents. These theaters often featured multiple stages, allowing for concurrent performances, and had varying seating capacities to accommodate different-sized audiences.
Vaudevilles stood out for their fast-paced, light-hearted, and diverse nature. They catered to a wide range of audience interests, incorporating elements of comedy, music, dance, and physical stunts to entertain and amuse spectators. Performers had to captivate the audience quickly, as acts usually lasted for only a few minutes. The content of vaudevilles mirrored elements of societal life, drawing inspiration from popular trends, current events, and cultural references.
While vaudeville entertainment reached its peak in the early 20th century, it gradually declined in popularity with the advent of new forms of mass entertainment, such as films and radio. However, its influence can still be observed in modern-day variety shows and comedic performances, whose traditions grew from the foundations established by these vaudeville acts.
The word "vaudevilles" is derived from the French term "vaudeville", which originally referred to a genre of light, popular songs that were sung by street singers in 15th-century France. The term gradually evolved and gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, referring to a type of musical theater entertainment consisting of a variety of acts such as songs, comedy sketches, acrobatics, and dance. This theatrical form became particularly prominent in France and eventually spread to other countries, where it was often performed in music halls or theaters. The word "vaudeville" is believed to come from the contraction of deux voix de ville, meaning "two voices of the city" or "two town voices", which implies the initial duet singing that characterized this style of entertainment.