You’ve heard the name, but what does it mean? Vaudeville was a staged live variety show that included various acts (some really being quite wild) that was America’s first mass entertainment venue. Many of the stars that we know today (Stan Laurel, W.C. Fields, Eubie Blake, Fanny Brice, James Cagney, Bob Hope, Burns and Allen, June Havoc, The Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton - just to name a few) all appeared in Vaudeville. From small, medium and big time vaudeville, it was designed to be family entertainment that everyone could enjoy. Strict rules prohibited swearing, off color material and too much female skin. Violate the rules and your career was over! With this presentation, you will learn the history of Vaudeville, why the acts were presented in a certain order (there was a science to the shows), how the actors lived, the discrimination experienced by black performers as well as the many factors that brought about Vaudeville’s demise. For over fifty years, Vaudeville entertained America, and, surprisingly, many of its terms and entertainment styles are still with us today! Actual original vaudeville programs, autographs, books and other memorabilia is included with this unique presentation. For more information, please contact the Merrick Library at 516 377 5112