They were temptresses of tease, specialists in seduction, and experts at twirling their tassels. They were comics in outlandish garb, straight men and women working the scenes, singers with perfect pitch, and yes, even acrobats got into the act. Yet no matter what their role, burlesque performers took their cues from their predecessors who worked the various vaudeville and variety show stages; and they strove to maintain a high level of artistry and professionalism in the face of change and controversy in the industry. Remembering the time when burlesque was a larger theatrical arena...

Typically, comedy skits performed on the burlesque stage were handed down from one generation to the next. Comics, straight men, and talking women who performed in these scenes usually learned them from others by word of mouth. The material was frequently changed to best fit the local theatre, the audience, or even the situation. Burlesque: A Collection Of Comedy Blackouts helps us to remember just some of these forgotten routines.

Whatever you want to call them; skits, scenes, routines, bits, or blackouts - if you like comedy from legendary burlesque, this is the book for you!

This is the HARDBACK edition. Join the journey-discover burlesque when it was part of a large theatrical world filled with dance, comedy, and live music. BURLESQUE: A Living History captures the spirit of this unique art form through hundreds of photographs and stories from many who were a part of America's most colorful past. This book highlights the careers and contributions of selected artists, many of whom were the nuts and bolts of burlesque. It also acknowledges just some of the young performers of today who are diligently working to remember the days of old. When burlesque theatres and...