Vaudeville Wars: How the Keith-Albee and Orpheum Circuits Controlled the Big-Time and Its Performers : Book Review

"Vaudeville Wars: How the Keith-Albee and Orpheum Circuits Controlled the Big-Time and Its Performers" by Arthur Frank Wertheim provides a captivating and comprehensive account of the rise and fall of two influential vaudeville circuits in the United States. Wertheim takes readers behind the scenes to explore the power struggles, rivalries, and creative battles that shaped the vaudeville industry in its golden era.

Wertheim begins by delving into the innovative methods used by the Keith-Albee circuit, led by Edward F. Albee and B.F. Keith, to revolutionize the vaudeville industry. They implemented a centralized booking system that brought together a diverse range of acts into cohesive variety shows. The author examines the challenges faced by the Orpheum circuit as it tried to compete with the Keith-Albee circuit, often resorting to aggressive tactics to secure talent. This rivalry between the two circuits forms the core theme of the book, providing readers with an understanding of the complex and cutthroat nature of the vaudeville industry.

One of the strengths of "Vaudeville Wars" is Wertheim's vivid descriptions of the performances, theaters, and larger-than-life personalities that dominated vaudeville. Through his engaging narrative style, readers are transported back in time, experiencing the showmanship and spectacle of this era. Wertheim also explores how vaudeville both reflected and challenged societal norms, shedding light on its cultural significance.

While the book celebrates the glitz and glamour of vaudeville, it also confronts the darker aspects of the industry. Wertheim addresses the exploitative practices of the circuits, such as unfair contracts and low wages for performers. He also examines the impact of technological advancements, like the rise of cinema, which ultimately led to the decline of vaudeville.

In conclusion, Arthur Frank Wertheim's "Vaudeville Wars" offers a meticulously researched and engaging exploration of the power struggles and inner workings of the vaudeville industry. It provides a captivating glimpse into a bygone but influential era of American entertainment. Whether you have a fascination with history, a love for theater, or simply a curiosity about the evolution of entertainment, this book will captivate and inform you.

What are readers saying?

"Vaudeville Wars: How the Keith-Albee and Orpheum Circuits Controlled the Big-Time and Its Performers" by Arthur Frank Wertheim received a range of reviews from readers. The book delves into the history and influence of the two major vaudeville circuits in the early 20th century and their control over the industry and performers. While some readers found the book informative and engaging, others felt that it was overly detailed and lacked a clear narrative structure.

One aspect of "Vaudeville Wars" that received consistent praise was its comprehensive exploration of the history of vaudeville. Many readers appreciated the level of research done by the author as it shed light on a largely forgotten era of entertainment history. The book was commended for its thorough examination of the Keith-Albee and Orpheum circuits and their significant impact on the industry.

However, some readers felt overwhelmed by the excessive level of detail in the book. They found that the information became repetitive at times and struggled to follow the organization of the chapters. Several reviews mentioned a lack of a clear and cohesive narrative structure, making it challenging to fully engage with the material. It was suggested that the book could benefit from more concise storytelling and a clearer focus on key themes.

Other readers commented on the book's writing style. While some found it accessible and easy to read, others considered it somewhat dry and overly academic. Some felt that the author's writing placed too much emphasis on the business aspect of vaudeville, neglecting to delve into the lives and experiences of the performers themselves. This left some readers wanting a more comprehensive exploration of the subject matter that would encompass all perspectives.

In conclusion, "Vaudeville Wars" by Arthur Frank Wertheim received a mixed response from readers due to its in-depth research and historical value. Some appreciated its comprehensive examination of vaudeville history and its impact, while others felt overwhelmed by the level of detail and lacking narrative structure. The book's writing style and focus on business aspects also proved controversial for some readers. Overall, it seems that the book will appeal more to readers with a specific interest in the history of vaudeville rather than those seeking a more engaging and narrative-driven read.

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