Overview

By tracing the effects of unprecedented immigration, the advent of the new woman, and the little-known vaudeville careers of performers like the Elinore Sisters, Buster Keaton, and the Marx Brothers, DesRochers examines the relation between comedic vaudeville acts and progressive reformers as they fought over the new definition of ""Americanness.""

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9781137357427

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Reviews

First and foremost, The New Humor in the Progressive Era is marvelously entertaining and honors the riotous spirit of some of the greatest performers of the early twentieth century. At the same time, Rick DesRochers makes an important contribution to theatre and performance scholarship, American cultural studies, and histories of comedy and clowning. Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, this book is a seriously good read. - James F. Wilson, City University of New York, USA

Finalist for the 2014 George Freedley Memorial Award First and foremost, The New Humor in the Progressive Era is marvelously entertaining and honors the riotous spirit of some of the greatest performers of the early twentieth century. At the same time, Rick DesRochers makes an important contribution to theatre and performance scholarship, American cultural studies, and histories of comedy and clowning. Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, this book is a seriously good read. - James F. Wilson, City University of New York, USA The New Humor in the Progressive Era vividly illuminates a critical era in America's social and cultural history that might also shed light on our own. DesRochers writes in clear, accessible prose, and this book will be of interest to those interested in America's social and cultural history, as well as specialists in theatre history and popular entertainment. (Cheryl Black, The Journal of American Drama and Theatre, jadtjournal.org, Vol. 28 (2), June, 2016)

Author Information

Rick DesRochers is Associate Professor and Director of Theatre and Multi-Media Performance at Lehman College, City University of New York, USA.

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