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Vaudeville, a theatrical genre of variety entertainment, was primarily popular in North America from the early 1880s until the early 1930s.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vaudeville, as a theatrical genre of variety entertainment, achieved significant popularity in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s until the early 1930s.
A typical North American vaudeville performance featured a single, continuous narrative play rather than a series of distinct acts.
Answer: False
Explanation: A typical North American vaudeville performance was characterized by a series of distinct, unrelated acts presented on a single bill, not a continuous narrative play.
Vaudeville developed exclusively from European opera traditions, with no influence from American entertainment forms.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville evolved from a variety of entertainment forms, including American concert saloons, minstrelsy, freak shows, dime museums, and burlesque, not exclusively from European opera traditions.
The term 'vaudeville' is widely believed to have originated from the French phrase 'voix de ville,' meaning 'voice of the city,' or from 15th-century satirical songs known as 'Vau de Vire.'
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'vaudeville' is frequently explained as deriving from the French phrase 'voix de ville' or from 15th-century satirical songs known as 'Vau de Vire,' with the Oxford English Dictionary supporting the latter.
Vaudeville immediately emerged as a widespread form of entertainment in the early 1860s, fully formed as 'Polite Vaudeville.'
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville made subtle initial appearances in the early 1860s and gradually developed throughout the 1870s and 1880s, maturing into 'Polite Vaudeville' over time, rather than emerging fully formed.
Before the American Civil War, American theatergoers could experience performances that combined Shakespearean plays, acrobatics, singing, dancing, and comedy.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the early 19th century, prior to the Civil War, American theatergoers could indeed experience performances that combined diverse elements such as Shakespearean plays, acrobatics, singing, dancing, and comedy.
The minstrel show was a minor, regional form of entertainment that had little impact on 19th-century American show business.
Answer: False
Explanation: The minstrel show rose to immense popularity in the 1840s and was considered 'the heart of 19th-century show business,' significantly influencing the entertainment landscape.
During which period did vaudeville primarily gain significant popularity in the United States and Canada?
Answer: From the early 1880s until the early 1930s
Explanation: Vaudeville gained significant popularity in the United States and Canada primarily from the early 1880s until the early 1930s.
Which of the following was NOT typically featured in a North American vaudeville performance?
Answer: A single, continuous dramatic opera
Explanation: A typical North American vaudeville performance comprised a series of distinct, unrelated acts, not a single, continuous dramatic opera.
From what diverse entertainment forms did vaudeville primarily evolve?
Answer: Concert saloons, minstrelsy, freak shows, and dime museums
Explanation: Vaudeville evolved from a variety of entertainment forms, including the concert saloon, minstrelsy, freak shows, dime museums, and literary American burlesque.
What is one prominent theory regarding the origin of the term 'vaudeville'?
Answer: It derives from the French phrase 'voix de ville,' meaning 'voice of the city.'
Explanation: One prominent theory suggests the term 'vaudeville' derives from the French phrase 'voix de ville,' meaning 'voice of the city,' or from 15th-century satirical songs known as 'Vau de Vire.'
What was the initial, more refined form of vaudeville called as it matured from concert saloons and variety halls?
Answer: Polite Vaudeville
Explanation: As vaudeville gradually developed from concert saloons and variety halls, it matured into a more refined version known as 'Polite Vaudeville.'
Before the American Civil War, what types of varied performances could American theatergoers experience?
Answer: Performances combining Shakespearean plays, acrobatics, singing, dancing, and comedy
Explanation: Before the American Civil War, American theatergoers could experience performances that combined diverse elements such as Shakespearean plays, acrobatics, singing, dancing, and comedy.
According to Nick Tosches, what was the minstrel show's significance in 19th-century American show business?
Answer: It was considered the heart of 19th-century show business.
Explanation: Nick Tosches described the minstrel show as 'the heart of 19th-century show business,' highlighting its immense popularity and influence.
Tony Pastor contributed to 'polite' vaudeville by prohibiting liquor sales and removing bawdy content to attract middle-class audiences and families.
Answer: True
Explanation: Impresario Tony Pastor catered to middle-class audiences by prohibiting liquor sales and removing bawdy content, thereby shaping vaudeville's family-friendly image.
Vaudeville bills typically placed the strongest acts at the very end to ensure patrons stayed until the conclusion of the show.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville bills strategically placed stronger acts in the second and penultimate positions to maintain audience engagement, while the weakest act was reserved for the very end to encourage patrons to leave.
B. F. Keith and E. F. Albee were instrumental in expanding vaudeville by building theater empires and creating circuits that streamlined booking for national tours.
Answer: True
Explanation: B. F. Keith and E. F. Albee were key impresarios who built theater empires and established circuits, which were major economic innovations that streamlined booking for national vaudeville tours.
B. F. Keith encouraged performers to use suggestive language and bawdy content to attract a wider, more diverse audience to his shows.
Answer: False
Explanation: B. F. Keith enforced strict policies of modesty and politeness, threatening cancellation for any performer using sacrilegious or suggestive language.
By the late 1890s, the vaudeville industry was highly organized with large circuits, standardized booking, and a dedicated national audience.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the late 1890s, the vaudeville industry was indeed highly organized, featuring large circuits, standardized booking procedures, and a dedicated national audience, making it a dominant form of entertainment.
The Orpheum Circuit, a major vaudeville player, incorporated in 1919 and included 45 theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
Answer: True
Explanation: Martin Beck's Orpheum Circuit incorporated in 1919 and encompassed 45 vaudeville theaters in 36 cities across the United States and Canada, making it a major player.
The phrase 'Will it play in Peoria?' originated from vaudeville, signifying Peoria, Illinois, as a test market for popular appeal.
Answer: True
Explanation: The phrase 'Will it play in Peoria?' originated from vaudeville, reflecting Peoria, Illinois's role as a litmus test for whether an act would appeal to the American mainstream public.
The 'big time' in vaudeville offered lower-paying contracts and more frequent performances in less refined theaters, serving as an entry-level for new acts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'big time' in vaudeville represented the pinnacle, offering potential earnings of several thousand dollars per week in large, urban theaters, contrasting with the lower-paying 'small time' contracts.
New York City's Palace Theatre, built by Martin Beck in 1913, was considered the capital of big-time vaudeville.
Answer: True
Explanation: New York City's Palace Theatre, built by Martin Beck in 1913, was indeed considered the capital of big-time vaudeville, serving as the ultimate achievement for many performers.
At its peak, the vaudeville industry employed only a few hundred people, primarily performers.
Answer: False
Explanation: At its peak, the vaudeville industry employed over twelve thousand people across its entire operation, not just a few hundred.
Alexander Pantages frequently collaborated with architect B. Marcus Priteca, who developed an exotic, neo-classical style known as 'Pantages Greek' for his theaters.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alexander Pantages frequently collaborated with architect B. Marcus Priteca, who developed an exotic, neo-classical style referred to as 'Pantages Greek' for his grand vaudeville venues.
Small-time vaudeville theaters were typically grand, purpose-built urban venues that mirrored the opulence of the Palace Theatre.
Answer: False
Explanation: Small-time vaudeville theaters were typically more intimate, locally controlled houses, often converted saloons or multi-purpose halls, contrasting with the grand, commodious urban venues.
How did impresario Tony Pastor contribute to the development of 'polite' vaudeville?
Answer: He prohibited liquor sales and removed bawdy content to cater to middle-class families.
Explanation: Tony Pastor contributed to 'polite' vaudeville by prohibiting liquor sales and removing bawdy content in his theaters to attract middle-class audiences and families.
In a typical vaudeville performance bill, where were the strongest acts usually placed to maximize audience engagement?
Answer: In the second and penultimate positions to maintain audience engagement.
Explanation: Vaudeville bills strategically placed stronger acts in the second and penultimate positions to maintain audience engagement throughout the show.
Who were B. F. Keith and E. F. Albee, and what was their primary impact on the vaudeville industry?
Answer: Impresarios who built theater empires and created circuits for streamlined booking.
Explanation: B. F. Keith and E. F. Albee were impresarios who built theater empires and created circuits, which were a major economic innovation for streamlined booking in vaudeville.
How did B. F. Keith enforce his policy of 'polite entertainment' among performers?
Answer: By posting warnings backstage threatening cancellation for sacrilegious or suggestive language.
Explanation: B. F. Keith enforced his policy of 'polite entertainment' by posting warnings backstage that threatened cancellation and expulsion for performers using sacrilegious or suggestive language.
By the late 1890s, which of the following was a key characteristic of the vaudeville industry?
Answer: It was highly organized with large circuits and standardized booking procedures.
Explanation: By the late 1890s, the vaudeville industry was highly organized, featuring large circuits, numerous theaters, standardized booking procedures, and a dedicated national audience.
Which of the following was a major vaudeville circuit during its peak?
Answer: Martin Beck's Orpheum Circuit
Explanation: Martin Beck's Orpheum Circuit was one of the biggest vaudeville circuits during its peak, encompassing 45 theaters across the U.S. and Canada.
What does the phrase 'Will it play in Peoria?' signify in the context of vaudeville?
Answer: Whether an act would appeal to the American mainstream public.
Explanation: The phrase 'Will it play in Peoria?' became a metaphor for whether an act would appeal to the American mainstream public, signifying Peoria, Illinois, as a test market for popular appeal.
What characterized the 'big time' in vaudeville?
Answer: The pinnacle, with potential earnings of several thousand dollars per week in large, urban theaters.
Explanation: The 'big time' in vaudeville represented the pinnacle of success, offering potential earnings of several thousand dollars per week in large, urban theaters to renowned performers.
Which New York City venue was considered the 'capital' of big-time vaudeville?
Answer: The Palace Theatre
Explanation: New York City's Palace Theatre, built by Martin Beck in 1913, was considered the 'capital' of big-time vaudeville, serving as the ultimate achievement for many performers.
At its height, approximately how many people were employed by the vaudeville industry across its entire operation?
Answer: Over twelve thousand
Explanation: At its peak, the vaudeville industry employed over twelve thousand people across its entire operation.
What distinctive architectural style did Alexander Pantages frequently commission for his vaudeville theaters?
Answer: An exotic, neo-classical style he called 'Pantages Greek'
Explanation: Alexander Pantages frequently commissioned an exotic, neo-classical style, which he referred to as 'Pantages Greek,' for his vaudeville theaters, developed in collaboration with architect B. Marcus Priteca.
How did small-time vaudeville theaters typically differ from grand urban venues like the Palace Theatre?
Answer: They were more intimate, locally controlled houses, often converted saloons or multi-purpose halls.
Explanation: Small-time vaudeville theaters were typically more intimate, locally controlled houses, often converted saloons or multi-purpose halls, contrasting with the grand, commodious urban venues.
Vaudeville shows were exclusively designed for white, middle-class audiences, with no specific offerings for other demographic groups.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville adapted its offerings to specific audiences, featuring houses and circuits tailored to groups like Black patrons, Italian, and Yiddish speakers, and the working class constituted two-thirds of its typical audience.
The concept of 'blue material' in vaudeville referred to family-friendly content that was suitable for all ages.
Answer: False
Explanation: The concept of 'blue material' in vaudeville referred to provocative subject matter, often involving suggestive lyrics or unclad bodies, which was not family-friendly.
In the 1920s, women's roles in vaudeville expanded, with all-girl bands gaining publicity and women achieving success on stage.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 1920s, women's roles in vaudeville expanded significantly, with all-girl bands gaining publicity and many women achieving success on stage, challenging traditional gender roles.
Marie Dressler, a Canadian actress, found success in vaudeville comedy and later won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marie Dressler, a Canadian actress, excelled in vaudeville comedy and later achieved an Academy Award for Best Actress, despite initially being advised to stick to comedy.
Trixie Friganza was known for her quiet stage presence and her advocacy for traditional gender roles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Trixie Friganza was known for her bold stage persona, often highlighting her 'plus-size' figure, and publicly advocated for women's equality and self-acceptance, not traditional gender roles.
Betty Felsen was a ballerina who partnered with Jack Broderick on the B.F. Keith and Pantages vaudeville circuits from 1923 to 1927.
Answer: True
Explanation: Betty Felsen, an American ballerina, partnered with Jack Broderick on the B.F. Keith and Pantages vaudeville circuits from 1923 to 1927, evolving their act to include many dancers and an orchestra.
May Irwin achieved unique success in vaudeville by exclusively performing classical opera pieces.
Answer: False
Explanation: May Irwin achieved unique success by adopting African-American-influenced songs and experimenting with improvisational comedy, not by exclusively performing classical opera.
Sophie Tucker achieved greater success in vaudeville after she stopped performing in Blackface and embraced her own identity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sophie Tucker achieved much greater success in vaudeville after she stopped performing in Blackface and embraced her own identity, particularly with her song 'Some of These Days.'
Moms Mabley and blues singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith all began their careers in vaudeville.
Answer: True
Explanation: Comedienne Moms Mabley and blues singers such as Ma Rainey, Ida Cox, and Bessie Smith all began their careers in vaudeville.
Women in vaudeville were limited to performing roles and did not participate in the business or management aspects of the industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: Some women, such as Amanda Thorpe and the Griffin Sisters, played significant roles on the business side of vaudeville, establishing theaters and managing touring companies.
Black performers in early vaudeville shows for white audiences were typically limited to one act per show and faced discrimination.
Answer: True
Explanation: In early vaudeville shows for white audiences, Black acts were typically limited to one per show, and Black performers faced discrimination in lodging and restaurants.
African Americans in vaudeville primarily reinforced existing Blackface stereotypes rather than challenging them.
Answer: False
Explanation: African Americans actively challenged Blackface stereotypes by bringing their own authenticity and composing original music, comedy, and dance routines, laying groundwork for American cultural phenomena like blues and jazz.
Vaudeville primarily catered to the upper class, offering sophisticated entertainment that avoided ethnic stereotypes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville reflected urban inner-city culture, often perpetuated ethnic stereotypes, and the working class constituted two-thirds of its typical audience, not primarily the upper class.
Irish Americans in vaudeville used self-deprecation and interpreted immigrant cultural images for American popular culture, sometimes promoting black-face minstrelsy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Irish Americans in vaudeville leveraged their position to use self-deprecation and interpret immigrant cultural images, and unfortunately, also promoted black-face minstrelsy.
How did vaudeville cater to specific demographic groups beyond the white middle class?
Answer: It offered houses and circuits tailored to groups like Black patrons, Italian, and Yiddish speakers.
Explanation: Vaudeville adapted its offerings to specific audiences, featuring houses and circuits tailored to groups like Black patrons, Italian, and Yiddish speakers, and the working class constituted two-thirds of its typical audience.
What did the concept of 'blue material' refer to in vaudeville performances?
Answer: Provocative subject matter, often involving suggestive lyrics or unclad bodies.
Explanation: The concept of 'blue material' in vaudeville referred to provocative subject matter, often involving suggestive lyrics or unclad bodies, sometimes used as a marketing tool.
What significant change occurred for women in vaudeville during the 1920s?
Answer: Their roles expanded significantly, with all-girl bands gaining publicity.
Explanation: In the 1920s, women's roles in vaudeville expanded significantly, with all-girl bands gaining publicity and many women achieving success on stage, challenging traditional gender roles.
What was Trixie Friganza known for in vaudeville?
Answer: Her catchphrase, 'You know Trixie with her bag of tricks,' and advocating for women's equality.
Explanation: Trixie Friganza was known for her catchphrase, 'You know Trixie with her bag of tricks,' her bold stage persona, and her advocacy for women's equality and self-acceptance.
Which of these notable 20th-century women performers started their careers in vaudeville?
Answer: Moms Mabley and blues singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith
Explanation: Comedienne Moms Mabley and blues singers such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith are among the prominent 20th-century women performers who began their careers in vaudeville.
How did some women contribute to the business side of vaudeville?
Answer: They established black theaters and managed touring companies and circuits.
Explanation: Some women, such as Amanda Thorpe and the Griffin Sisters, contributed to the business side of vaudeville by establishing black theaters and managing touring companies and circuits.
What specific challenges did Black performers face in early vaudeville shows for white audiences?
Answer: They were limited to one act per show and encountered discrimination in lodging.
Explanation: Black performers in early vaudeville shows for white audiences were typically limited to one act per show and encountered discrimination in restaurants and lodging.
How did African Americans challenge Blackface stereotypes through their performances in vaudeville?
Answer: By bringing their own authenticity and composing original music, comedy, and dance routines.
Explanation: African Americans challenged Blackface stereotypes by bringing their own authenticity and composing original music, comedy, and dance routines, laying the groundwork for distinctly American cultural phenomena.
Which of the following Black entertainers were notable comedians in vaudeville?
Answer: Bert Williams and George Walker
Explanation: Bert Williams and George Walker were notable Black comedians in vaudeville, among other prominent Black entertainers and songwriters.
The primary reason for vaudeville's decline was a sudden lack of talented performers who chose to retire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The most significant factor contributing to vaudeville's decline was the continuous growth of lower-priced cinema, particularly talking pictures, not a sudden lack of talented performers.
Many vaudeville performers transitioned to cinema, attracted by higher salaries and less demanding working conditions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Many vaudeville performers, including notable stars, were indeed lured to cinema by higher salaries and less demanding working conditions.
Vaudeville entrepreneur Alexander Pantages resisted incorporating films into his shows, believing live performance was superior.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville entrepreneur Alexander Pantages quickly recognized the importance of motion pictures and began incorporating films into his shows as early as 1902.
According to historian John Kenrick, the introduction of talking pictures in 1926 was the critical development that sealed vaudeville's fate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historian John Kenrick identified the introduction of talking pictures in 1926 as the critical development that sealed vaudeville's fate, removing the primary advantage live performance held over silent films.
The rise of broadcast radio and the economic pressures of the Great Depression also contributed to vaudeville's decline.
Answer: True
Explanation: In addition to cinema, the increasing availability of inexpensive radio receiver sets and the economic pressures of the Great Depression in the 1930s significantly contributed to vaudeville's decline.
The shift of New York City's Palace Theatre to an exclusively cinema presentation in 1932 is often considered the symbolic 'death knell' of vaudeville.
Answer: True
Explanation: The shift of New York City's Palace Theatre, once the center of vaudeville, to an exclusively cinema presentation on November 16, 1932, is widely regarded as the symbolic 'death knell' of vaudeville.
A large-scale renewal of vaudeville was deemed unrealistic primarily due to a lack of audience interest in live performances.
Answer: False
Explanation: A large-scale renewal of vaudeville was deemed unrealistic primarily due to the demise of its supporting infrastructure, such as touring circuits, and the higher costs associated with live performances compared to film and radio.
Vaudeville had no significant influence on the development of newer media like film, radio, and television.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vaudeville played a crucial role in the success and development of newer media such as film, radio, and television, providing talent and a multi-act format.
Words like 'flop' and 'gag' originated during the vaudeville era and are still common American idioms today.
Answer: True
Explanation: Words like 'flop' and 'gag' originated during the vaudeville era and continue to be common American idioms, illustrating vaudeville's lasting cultural imprint.
Vaudeville Con, a gathering celebrating vaudeville history, was founded in 2018 by film director Christopher Annino.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vaudeville Con, a gathering dedicated to celebrating vaudeville history, was founded in 2018 by film director Christopher Annino.
What was the primary reason for vaudeville's decline in the early 20th century?
Answer: The continuous growth of lower-priced cinema, especially talking pictures.
Explanation: The most significant factor contributing to vaudeville's decline was the continuous growth of lower-priced cinema, particularly after the introduction of talking pictures in 1926.
How did the advent of cinema impact many vaudeville performers?
Answer: They were lured to cinema by higher salaries and less demanding working conditions.
Explanation: Many vaudeville performers were lured to cinema by the promise of higher salaries and less demanding working conditions, leading to a significant transition of talent.
According to historian John Kenrick, what critical development specifically sealed vaudeville's fate?
Answer: The introduction of talking pictures in 1926.
Explanation: Historian John Kenrick states that the introduction of talking pictures in 1926 was the critical development that sealed vaudeville's fate, as it removed the primary advantage live performance had over silent films.
Besides cinema, what other significant factors contributed to vaudeville's decline in the late 1920s and 1930s?
Answer: The increasing availability of inexpensive radio receiver sets and the Great Depression.
Explanation: In addition to cinema, the increasing availability of inexpensive radio receiver sets and the economic pressures of the Great Depression also contributed to vaudeville's decline.
What event is often considered the symbolic 'death knell' of vaudeville?
Answer: The shift of New York City's Palace Theatre to an exclusively cinema presentation in 1932.
Explanation: The shift of New York City's Palace Theatre to an exclusively cinema presentation on November 16, 1932, is often regarded as the symbolic 'death knell' of vaudeville.
Why was a large-scale renewal of vaudeville deemed unrealistic after its decline?
Answer: The supporting infrastructure, like touring circuits, had dissolved, and live performances were more costly.
Explanation: A large-scale renewal of vaudeville was deemed unrealistic due to the dissolution of its supporting infrastructure, such as touring circuits, and the higher costs associated with live performances compared to film and radio.
How did vaudeville significantly influence newer media like film, radio, and television?
Answer: It provided a rich repertoire of talent and a multi-act format that was adopted by these new forms.
Explanation: Vaudeville played a crucial role in the success and development of newer media like film, radio, and television, providing a rich repertoire of talent and a multi-act format that was widely adopted.
Which of the following words originated during the vaudeville era and are still common American idioms?
Answer: Flop and gag
Explanation: Words like 'flop' and 'gag' originated during the vaudeville era and have become common American idioms, demonstrating its lasting cultural imprint.
Who founded Vaudeville Con, a gathering dedicated to celebrating vaudeville history, in 2018?
Answer: Christopher Annino
Explanation: Vaudeville Con, a gathering dedicated to celebrating vaudeville history, was founded in 2018 by film director Christopher Annino.
Where is the American Vaudeville Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of vaudeville memorabilia, located?
Answer: The University of Arizona
Explanation: The American Vaudeville Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of vaudeville memorabilia, is located at the University of Arizona.