Description
Here are the stories of 80 women who were among the top vaudeville acts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when entertainment was often live variety shows in theaters across the country. Singers, singer-comediennes, comediennes, dancers, sister acts, actresses, male impersonators and novelty acts are covered as separate categories. Biographies of the performers in each category appear in order of the date they entered vaudeville, an arrangement that allows the reader to trace the history of vaudeville itself. A final section concentrates on the headliners' heritage, taking a broad look at the group according to ethnic background, socioeconomic background, family life, and other factors, including what happened to them after vaudeville died.
About the Author
The late Armond Fields was a social historian specializing in American popular theater. The author of numerous books about vaudeville and other early theater figures, he lived in Culver City, California.
Reviews
"a must...highly informative"-ARBA; "well researched...insightful examination. This is one book you won't easily put down"-In the Groove Magazine; "provides a missing link in the history of American theater"-Feminist Collections; "for more than a decade, Mr. Fields has blessed showbiz aficionados with a series of exceptional biographies"-Vaudeville Times.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786469161
Author Armond Fields
Format Paperback
Page Count 279
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 490g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 14mm
