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HERE.
Unlike what many people think today,
"burlesque" did not begin with female strippers, bumping and
grinding to loud music, when it first appeared. Though it headed that
direction in its declining years, it began in the 1840's as a wide range
of theatrical productions, including comic plays and musicals for the
entertainment starved lower and middle classes. Generally, these
productions made "fun" of the operas, plays and social habits of the upper
classes and were extremely popular among their laughing audiences.
Suggestive rather than bawdy, these shows relied less on strong scripts or
songs than on the popularity and talents of their stars.
However, in the saloons of the West, the
patrons were often just excited by the scantily dressed women as any
talent that may have been displayed. Production posters and advertisements
often decorated the walls long after the stars had taken their productions
elsewhere.
burlesque (ber lesk) - n. 1. an
artistic composition, esp. literary or dramatic, which vulgarizes lofty
material of treats ordinary material with mock dignity, 2.
a humorous and provocative stage show featuring slapstick humour, comic
skits, bawdy songs, striptease acts, suggestive dances, and a scantily
clad female chorus, 3. to make ridiculous by mocking
representation.
- Webster's Dictionary
Return to Old
West Saloons
Return to Vintage Photographs
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From the Rocky Mountain General Store
 Saloon
Style Tin Signs - Decorate with
saloon-like
decor with these nostalgic tin signs. Find
saloons,
restaurants, liquor and beer, including Budweiser, Coors, and more.
All signs are made of heavy gauge metal and have rolled edges for
safe handling. Great for hanging or framing!
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