Bon Ton Burlesquers, 1898

Entitled Bon Ton Burlesquers 365 days ahead of them all lithograph poster created by H.C. Miner Lithographing Company, 1898. American burlesque is a... more

by Photo Researchers

Title

Bon Ton Burlesquers, 1898

Artist

Photo Researchers

Medium

Photograph

Description

Entitled "Bon Ton Burlesquers 365 days ahead of them all" lithograph poster created by H.C. Miner Lithographing Company, 1898. American burlesque is a variety show derived from elements of Victorian burlesque, music hall "leg shows"and minstrel shows. American burlesque adopted the minstrel show's three part structure part one was composed of songs and dances rendered by a female company, interspersed with low comedy from male comedians. Part two featured various short specialties and vaudeville acts in which the women did not appear. The show's finish was a grand finale. By the 1880s, the four distinguishing characteristics of American burlesque had evolved 1) minimal costuming, often focusing on the female form, 2) sexually suggestive dialogue, dance, plot lines and staging, 3) quick-witted humor laced with puns, but lacking complexity, and 4) short routines or sketches with minimal plot cohesion across a show. Much of the humor and entertainment of later American burlesque focused on lowbrow and ribald (lewd) subjects. The uninhibited atmosphere of burlesque establishments owed much to the free flow of alcohol.

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September 24th, 2014