Definition of vaudeville

The word "vaudeville" originated in France during the 17th century as a type of theatrical entertainment that featured a variety of performances, including dance, music, acrobatics, and comedy skits. The term "vaudeville" came from the old name of the street "Rue des Vaudeurs" in Paris, where these performances were initially held. The name "Vaudeurs" referred to street entertainers who performed songs and dances. The popularity of vaudeville spread to the United States in the late 19th century and evolved into a more commercialized form of entertainment. It became a major industry, with vaudeville theaters, known as "skyscraper theaters," appearing in major cities across the country. These played a vital role in the spread of cinema, as many vaudeville theaters later became cinemas when the demand for live entertainment declined. The heyday of vaudeville was between the late 1800s and the early 1920s when it served as a stepping stone for many famous performers, such as Al Jolson, Charlie Chaplin, and Fanny Brice. The term "vaudeville" eventually fell out of use, but it remains an essential part of American popular culture, as many modern entertainment genres, such as variety shows, stand-up comedy, and Saturday Night Live, owe their origins to the legend of Vaudeville.