The Impact Of Burlesque And Vaudeville On Stand-Up Comedy

Nevertheless, during the 1860’s and before, “variety” shows were strictly for-men-only and were performed in boats, concert saloons (also known as honky-tonks and dive bars), tents, churches, and just about anywhere a troupe could set up a stage and proscenium (Gilbert 10-15). The Second Great Awakening, a time in America when fundamentalism was being played out on a political scale that would shape America’s future, made its mark on theatre (D. 46). An early theatre owner, actor, and promoter Tony Pastor is considered to have transitioned variety shows in the 1860’s from what were considered to be “dirty” shows to “clean” ones. Moreover, this also brought in both male and female patrons which essentially doubled the income (Stein 3). Whether

At the start of the 20th century, the popular vaudeville shows that crossed the nation became

The 19th century was a mark of new things to come about in different countries, these new things were music, theater, and other forms of entertainment. Because of the many wars fought during this time there was much depression and people needed a relief. We all know theater has been around for many decades, but it really started to scatter during this time, people needed entertainment and something to look forward to. Of course, music halls and minstrel shows were present but there was nothing that contained both of the features that these theaters had, and then came about vaudeville. Vaudeville highlighted many famous people’s careers and even helped started many of these stars’ careers. It grew as years progressed and became a loved entertainment for many years to come. Vaudevilles’ creation was the start of our current forms of entertainment and is the heart of the American entertainment industry in the 19th century.

From rock bottom poverty to bottomless fame and fortune. From abandonment from his primary family to love from millions of fans. From a neglected childhood to a bountiful family of his own. From calamity to celebration, in frequent repetition, Richard Pryor has earned the title of Legend as a result of his deft narrative, brilliant wit, and selfless survival, (“Richard Pryor,” richardpryor.com).

In the 1920’s, musical theater was “roaring” just like the economic situation in the United States. Florenz Ziegfeld was at his peak, buying shows and catapulting them to the forefront of pop culture. The most popular songs on the radio were songs that were written and performed in broadway shows.

Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton are two of most decorated comedic actors to date, and they did not have to utter a single word. In fact, these actors brought about laughter throughout the silent film era, and gained large followings despite their contrasting comedy styles.

Slapstick- a broad comedy characterized by disorderly action, as the throwing of pies in actors ' faces, assault, and obvious ludicrous situations, as well as jokes.

He states that the major component in a woman for him is her humorousness, on the grounds that that with out it existence might be too sad and boring.

In Sondheim's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the tradition of New Comedy is faithfully brought to life in a musical set in ancient Rome, but relevant to the sensibilities of its 1960's audience. Through movie sets that suggest Roman surroundings, and comedic sequences that embody the spirit of the sixties, Sondheim creates a story where Roman characters, acting according to their types, draw in modern audience members and create a energetic romp through ancient Rome that is firmly rooted in the past, but could only have been taken in sixties-era America.

Garrison Denton Barnett English IV Honors 17 April 2015 Monty Python’s Influence on Comedy Monty Python, a British acting group from the 70’s, influenced comedy by incorporating new experiments with form and content. They were broadcasted by BBC from 1969-1974. Their show “flying circus” pushed the limits of what was acceptable. It was a sketch show that had a hint of consciousness that stretched the style of what was being broadcasted during this time period. They came into the business with new style and characteristics with a vision to pursue and they would not let the mainstream comedian ruin their plan to stand out and receive success.

The comedy actors dressed in weird costumes that had paddled bellies or rumps for outrageous effects. “The comic playwrights made their own plots and they focused on important matters like: politics, philosophies, the new social class, and well-known personalities.” (Roy T. Matthews’s pg.70)

Charlie Chaplin produced over 35 keystone comedies in the silent era of film, and numerous “talkies,” or films with sound, afterwards (Barson). Many consider most of his works masterpieces, (especially his later ones,) and consider Chaplin a genius of the theater who’s had a greater impact on the film industry than any other man of the era. Chaplin’s greatness has a root, as most things do, within his personal history. Due to disadvantaged childhood and his mother and father who’s occupation’s involved performing often, Charlie Chaplin had the ability to relate to his audience with his famed tramp character, and a desire to perform which began at a young age and inspired Chaplin as he climbed to greatness.

    Accurate or not, the linking of the origins of comedy to some sort of phallic ritual or festival of mirth seems both plausible and appropriate, since for most of its history--from Aristophanes to Seinfeld--comedy has involved a high-spirited celebration of human sexuality and the triumph of eros. As a rule, tragedies occur

When studying theatre history, there are many times when comedy is overlooked. Yes, the great tragedies such as Oedipus Rex, Romeo and Juliet, and Long Day’s Journey into the Night are important but what about the plays that make audiences laugh? Well, playwright Neil Simon proves that comedies shouldn’t be overlooked. Starting off as a writer for variety television and becoming a playwright with several Broadway hits, Neil Simon is an important figure because his plays are not only hilariously written, but they speak to all audiences.

Hello my name is Jonathan Platt and today I will be preforming my research presentation on the theatre tradition of French farce.