Classic Burlesque Comedy

Classic Burlesque Comedy

Burlesque What it was.

The Definition

The Merrian-Webesters Dictionary defines Burlesque: "Too make ludicrious; To mock; Broadley humorous theatrical entertainment consisting of several items such as song, skits and dance."

The Start

American burlesque was first introduced in 1886 by Linda Thompson "British Blondes", is a hodge-podge of song and sketches, variety acts, chorus girls, spoofs, or "Burlesque".

The Comedy

Many talents that were developed due to burlesque such as Weber & Feilds, James Barton, Fanny Brice,and Sophie Tucker, to leading men Robert Alda, Al Jolson, W.C. Fields, Buster Keaton, Ed Wynn, Will Rodgers, Joe E. Brown, Eddie Cantor, all had there roots in the burlesque business. The baggy pants college continues with such favorites as Pinky Lee, Jimmie Durante, Danny Thomas, Burt Lahr, Abbott & Costello, Phil Silvers, Red Buttons, and Red Skelton comedians all who learned in burlesque. Another well known comedian got his start at the Empire Burlesque Theatre in Newark, New Jersey appering in a skit called the "Friendly Neighbors", that later became the basis of his hit T.V. show of the 50's. The show, of course, "The Honeymooners"; the comedian, Jackie Gleason.

The Dance

A comparatively recent addition to burlesque was the strip tease dancer. Among them were Lili St.Cyr, Gypsy Rose Lee, Margie Hart, Losi De Fee, Georgia Sothern, Faith Bacon, Pepper Powell, Sally Keith, Rose LaRose, Sherry Britton, Yvette Dare, Roseita Royce,Blaze Starr,Candy Barr,Dixie Evans,Jenny Lee,Hope Diamond,Val De Val, Myrna Dean, Hinda Wassu, Tempest Storm, and Ann Corio. Sally Rand, despite popular belief, was never a stripper but a well renowned fan dancer and, in fact it was Sally and her famous fan dance that saved the day at the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair.

Ann Corio caused a burlesque revial with her off Broadway hit "This was Burlesque". As Ann was preparing to bring Burlesque back to Broadway she visited some of the current clubs. In her words, "I was appalled. I couldn't believe what had happened. No longer was the strip tease the removal of garmets in a sexy way. Now all of the girls were working with props, most of which were so obscene, I won't even describe them. Some people feel the Burlesque shows of yesterday are tame and passe'. Well I have news for those who feel that way. The power of sex is the power of suggestion. Take a glove off in the right manner, and a man will ask you to marry him. A woman's greatest asset is a man's imagination.

The great girls of my time didn't need any obscene props to to get their messags across. They came out from the wings and transfixed the audience in a hypnotic state of adornation, anticipation, and golden dreams. Yes, they were great girls."

The Fall

The bright star was extinguished in the 40's when Mayor La Guardia of New York closed down the theaters by ruling that Burlesque was indecent and degrading. Through WW II the sleazierside of the art form continued, however, it became 2nd class junk, with rather shop worn girls, trying but not succeding, in dance, while slowly removing skimpy items of clothing down to a G-string; all in all quite vulgar. Gone were the comics, the novelty acts, and the chorus girls.

The Rebirth

Although Burlesque is vanishing it has not disappeared completely. "Classic Burlesque Comedy" brings you back to the Great days of Burlesque, with thier reinactments of the great skits, along with variety acts. Burlesque will never die as long as producer Mike Lamp is around and it will stay alive and well for many years to come.

If you have any information on Burlesque Mail Me!!

Any questions or comments please feel free to reach me at Email

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page