Vaudeville

Definition

Vaudeville is a theatrical variety show popular in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, featuring a mix of different acts such as comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians. This entertainment format played a crucial role in shaping the Hollywood musical by introducing diverse performance styles and emphasizing the importance of star performers. Vaudeville's influence can be seen in the structure and aesthetic of many early Hollywood musicals, which often incorporated song and dance routines inspired by vaudeville performances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaudeville shows were known for their variety, including acts like stand-up comedy, juggling, and animal performances, appealing to a wide audience.
2. The format allowed performers to gain popularity before transitioning to film or Broadway, leading to a new generation of stars in Hollywood musicals.
3. Many early Hollywood musicals directly borrowed elements from vaudeville, such as the use of large ensemble numbers and elaborate stage designs.
4. Vaudeville venues were often family-friendly, catering to audiences seeking wholesome entertainment during the early 20th century.
5. The decline of vaudeville in the 1930s was largely due to the rise of sound films, which transformed the entertainment landscape and led to the consolidation of musical acts into Hollywood productions.

Review Questions

• How did vaudeville contribute to the development of performance styles in early Hollywood musicals?
  • Vaudeville introduced a variety of performance styles that significantly shaped early Hollywood musicals. The blend of comedy, music, and dance seen in vaudeville acts set a precedent for how these elements could be combined on screen. This influence is evident in the incorporation of ensemble dance numbers and comedic sketches within Hollywood musicals, helping to create an engaging cinematic experience that resonated with audiences.
• Discuss the relationship between vaudeville and other forms of entertainment that emerged in the same period.
  • Vaudeville coexisted with other forms of entertainment such as minstrel shows and burlesque, each contributing unique elements to American culture. While minstrel shows often employed racial stereotypes and humor, vaudeville focused on a broader range of acts without specific racial themes. Burlesque took cues from vaudeville's variety format but leaned more towards adult themes and humor. The interplay among these forms enriched American entertainment during this era and laid groundwork for future theatrical styles.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on the decline of vaudeville and its influence on Hollywood musicals.
  • Technological advancements like sound films played a crucial role in the decline of vaudeville by changing audience preferences toward more visually dynamic storytelling. As filmmakers began integrating music and dance directly into narratives rather than as separate acts, traditional vaudeville formats became less viable. This shift not only diminished live variety performances but also solidified Hollywood musicals as a dominant genre. The legacy of vaudeville persisted through these musicals by embedding its performance styles and star-driven appeal into the fabric of cinematic storytelling.

Related terms

Burlesque: A form of theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance, and comedy, often with a focus on parody and satire, originating from vaudeville.

Musical Comedy: A genre of theatrical performance that blends music, songs, and humorous dialogue, heavily influenced by vaudeville traditions.

Minstrel Shows: A form of entertainment that featured white performers in blackface and was characterized by song, dance, and comic skits; it was an early precursor to vaudeville.