Marion O'Neill "STEP ALONG" Burlesque Show 1925 Reading, Pennsylvania Flyer

Description

This is a rare four page advertising herald (flyer) promoting the two-night
engagement of the "Combination of Beauty, Speed, Song, Laughs and Girls!" Burlesque Show "STEP ALONG" at the Orpheum Theatre in Reading, Pennsylvania beginning October 9th, 1925 ..... The show starred MARION O'NEILL "The Modern Venus" (the Gilda Gray of Burlesque), MAX COLEMAN, CLAIRE STONE ("The Sophie Tucker of Burlesque"), HARRY JACKSON ("Eccentric Dutch Comedian"), AGNES NICHOLS ("Prize Winning Perfect Form Beauty") and the "Step Along" Bathing Beauties" ..... Historical note: American Burlesque
is a genre of variety show
derived from elements of Victorian burlesque, music hall and minstrel shows.. Burlesque
became popular in America in the late 1860's and slowly evolved to feature ribald comedy and female nudity
. By the late 1920's, the striptease element overshadowed the comedy and subjected burlesque to extensive local legislation. Burlesque gradually lost popularity beginning in the 1940's. A number of producers sought to capitalize on nostalgia for the entertainment by recreating burlesque on the stage and in Hollywood films from the 1930's to the 1960's. There has been a resurgence of interest in this format since the 1990's. (Wikipedia)
..... CREDITS: Produced by SAM MORRIS
..... DETAILS: Handbills and heralds were often distributed or inserted into the playbills of other productions to help generate ticket sales for upcoming shows and events. This four page herald measures 6 1/4" X 9" inches and includes individual photos of each of the stars and chorus girls, promotional text and performance dates ..... CONDITION: (Please Note!) The year (1925) is written on the front, there is a small tear in the outside edge, slight discoloration at the seam, moderate creasing and minor edge wear. Despite these flaws, this rare flyer will make a wonderful addition to the collection of any musical theatre aficionado or historian. This item will be carefully packaged in a protective, carded sleeve and backed by stiff cardboard.