Vaudeville theatre history stretches back to the late 19th century when it emerged as a popular form of entertainment in the United States. Vaudeville, a lively and diverse theatrical genre, captivated audiences with its mix of comedy, music, dance, and variety acts. This blog post delves into the captivating journey of vaudeville theatre history, tracing its origins, development, and enduring impact on the entertainment industry. From its humble beginnings in small theatres and saloons to its heyday as a mainstream form of entertainment, we'll explore the key milestones that shaped this vibrant era. Join us as we step back in time to uncover the fascinating world of Vaudeville Theatre.
Vaudeville theatre emerged in the late 19th century as a popular form of entertainment in the United States. It combined a variety of acts, such as comedy skits, magic shows, musical performances, and acrobatics, to provide audiences with a lively and diverse experience.
One of the key factors in the rise of vaudeville theatre was the development of circuit systems. These systems allowed theatre owners and managers to book a series of acts to perform in multiple venues within a specific region or even nationwide. This centralized booking system ensured a steady stream of performers and created a standardized format for vaudeville shows.
The major circuit systems, like the Orpheum, Keith-Albee, and Pantages, played a crucial role in shaping the vaudeville industry. They established contracts with performers, maintained a network of theatres, and organized specific billing and scheduling for each show. This level of organization and coordination contributed to the success and widespread popularity of vaudeville theatre.
The variety of acts ensured that there was something for everyone in the audience. Comedy acts brought laughter, musical performances delighted the crowd, and awe-inspiring feats from acrobats and magicians left spectators in awe. This eclectic mix made Vaudeville theatre an appealing choice for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Unlike other forms of theatre that focused on storytelling or drama, Vaudeville theatre placed a strong emphasis on entertainment. The primary goal was to captivate the audience and provide an enjoyable experience rather than delivering a deep narrative.
The acts were carefully curated to offer a sense of joy, excitement, and escapism. The performances were often lighthearted, fast-paced, and packed with energy. Whether it was a slapstick comedy routine or a dazzling musical performance, the aim was to keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout the show.
Comedians played a significant role in the success and popularity of vaudeville theatre. With their quick wit and comedic timing, they captivated audiences night after night. These talented performers brought laughter and joy to the lives of countless people. They relied on punchlines, slapstick comedy, and clever wordplay to entertain the crowd.
During the heyday of vaudeville, renowned comedians like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Groucho Marx emerged as household names. Their unique styles and comedic genius left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With their exaggerated gestures, hilarious facial expressions, and impeccable delivery, they brought smiles to the faces of millions.
John Danz acquired the Pantages Theater in Seattle in 1936. This purchase allowed him to broaden the theater's offerings from solely showing movies to also hosting vaudeville shows due to its spacious stage. Soon after, John renamed the Pantages Theater as the Palomar Theatre. In my upcoming book, "A Sterling Life: John Danz, Seattle Theatre Pioneer and a Grandson's Journey of Discovery," I delve into John's fascinating history in the vaudeville theater industry.
“Vaudeville was a new venture for John Danz. Although his State Theatre had a burlesque stage with acts, it was far different from vaudeville. Burlesque would typically be more absurd and exaggerated with the obligatory scantily dressed young women. Vaudeville would include acts such as comedians, tumblers, magicians, dancers, song-and-dance men, and an occasional wire walker. Fred Danz remembers that one wire walker would “stretch a wire from the top of the projection booth down to the stage. The guy would wear a helmet and slide down the wire on his head”. On another occasion, Fred remembers a comedian “by the name Haphazard and he would come out on the stage and say ‘My dear audience, what the hell do you want?’ And then he’d go on with his nonsense act; he wasn’t very successful. You know the vaudevillians were almost exclusively itinerants – they’d play six days here [Palomar] and then travel a day and play six days somewhere else”.[i] Jerry Ross was the manager of the Palomar in the early days from 1937 through 1945. However, during his tenure as manager, he was dubbed “The Singing MC”. As manager, he was responsible for both the theatre and the stage shows. Ross remembered there were even three marriages performed on the Palomar stage during his tenure. There was unexpectedly a stray cat named Charley that spent its entire life in the Palomar Building.”
Vaudeville, once a thriving form of entertainment, faced significant challenges from other emerging forms of entertainment, leading to its decline. The growing popularity of motion pictures, radio broadcasts, and later, television, posed a strong competition to vaudeville theatres.
With the advent of motion pictures, audiences were captivated by the magic of the silver screen. The allure of seeing moving pictures coupled with synchronized sound became an unprecedented attraction. People started flocking to movie theatres, lured by the novelty and convenience of this new form of entertainment. This shift resulted in a decline in the attendance and popularity of vaudeville shows.
Radio broadcasts further contributed to the decline of vaudeville. People could now experience a wide range of entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. They no longer needed to venture out to theatres to enjoy music, comedy, or variety acts. Radio offered a more accessible and cost-effective alternative, leading to a decline in live performances.
The Great Depression of the 1930s dealt a heavy blow to vaudeville, exacerbating its decline. The economic hardships faced by millions of people during this period meant that individuals and families had less disposable income to spend on entertainment. Vaudeville shows, which often required ticket purchases, suffered greatly as a result.
The financial strain caused by the Great Depression also affected the availability of funding for vaudeville theatres. Many of these establishments faced financial difficulties, leading to closures and repurposing of the venues. The grim economic climate made it increasingly challenging for vaudeville to sustain its operations and attract audiences.
Vaudeville Theatre history spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as a music hall to its transformation into a popular venue for vaudeville acts, this theater has played a significant role in the entertainment industry.
Mark Hester
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