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[[Image:OZ-1903.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Poster for 1903 Broadway version features an adult Dorothy for an adults-only audience; the show toured vaudeville nationwide from 1908 to 1920]]

[[Image:OZ-1903.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Poster for 1903 Broadway version features an adult Dorothy for an adults-only audience; the show toured vaudeville nationwide from 1908 to 1920]]

'''Vaudeville''' is a type of theatrical performance which consists of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on one bill. It was the dominant form of entertainment before radio and movies became popular in the late 1920s. Singing, dancing, and acrobatic acts toured the nation appearing in small concert halls and "museums".  They grew in popularity  and became known as ''variety shows''. By 1860 there were theaters devoted to such programs in most major cities. Many noted legitimate actors first appeared in variety, most notably [[Will Rogers]].

'''Vaudeville''' is a type of theatrical performance which consists of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on one bill. It was the dominant form of entertainment before radio and movies became popular in the late 1920s. Singing, dancing, and acrobatic acts toured the nation appearing in small concert halls and "museums".  They grew in popularity  and became known as ''variety shows''. By 1860 there were theaters devoted to such programs in most major cities. Many noted legitimate actors first appeared in variety, most notably [[Will Rogers]].

It was late in the 19th century that the French word ''vaudeville'' came into use to describe these programs—the British called them [[Music hall|music halls]]. B. F. Keith, who began managing a music hall in [[Boston]] in 1883, acquired a number of vaudeville theaters. Combining with rival F. F. Proctor in 1906, he became the leading figure within the vaudeville community. Marcus Loew, Alexander Pantages, and the firm Sullivan, Considine, and Orpheum were also operating large vaudeville circuits at that time.  

It was late in the 19th century that the French word ''vaudeville'' came into use to describe these programs—the British called them [[Music hall|music halls]]. B. F. Keith, who began managing a music hall in [[Boston]] in 1883, acquired a number of vaudeville theaters. Combining with rival F. F. Proctor in 1906, he became the leading figure within the vaudeville community. Marcus Loew, Alexander Pantages, and the firm Sullivan, Considine, and Orpheum were also operating large vaudeville circuits at that time.