11,745 stories by "Trav S.D."
I made my first silent films in 1984 (on actual film) and have made several forays into the form over the ensuing decades — a new batch is in the works in conjunction with my new book …
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players production of Pirates of Penzance will run for 6 performances only at Symphony Space (tonight December 28 through January 1). They are offering some s…
Here now, the seventh installment in our Vaudephone series: storyteller Art Wallace regaling us with an account of his inebriated trip to Baltimore. It spools out at over eight minutes, but …
Much beating of breasts and gnashing of teeth recently at the passing of Christopher Hitchens. Knowing little about the man, I found myself little moved. He seemed to have an open mind, not …
Today is the birthday of Evelyn Nesbit Thaw, about whom it might be said she was a beautiful enough to drive a man to murder — except for the fact that he was already crazy. (See full …
Today is the birthday of the great Belle Baker (full bio here). Here she is singing “Hard-Hearted Hannah” (1924): To find out more about the history of vaudeville, consult…
Born this day in 1890, Eddie Rector was considered by many to be vaudeville’s best soft shoe dancer and the principle rival to Bill Robinson at tap. He was also one of the first dancer…
Today is the birthday of Cab Calloway (1907-1994). Here’s his nutty turn in International House, one of my favorite 30s comedies, which also features W.C. Fields, Peggy Hopkins Joyce, …
To help us get into a festive  spirit, the Countess and I watched this charming holiday movie the other night. In all earnestness, I was looking to switch it up a little (we̵…
Vaudeville’s premiere jazz banjoist Brooke Johns (born this day in 1893) was already playing and singing in small time when the First World War broke out. He entertained in the Navy du…
I snuck away and recorded this at lunch yesterday in a single take like a Thief in the Night. Â My gift to you — the musical equivalent of a fruitcake! Have a happy holiday!
Lillian Kiernan Brown informs me that today would have been the 100th birthday of her mom, vaudeville and burlesque performer Margie LaMont. You can read all about Lamont, her sister Lillian…
Today is the birthday of Ann Pennington (full bio here) Here’s a clip of her dancing from 1929: To find out more about the history of vaudeville, consult No Applause, Just Throw…
Let this serve as entry #12 in our holiday gift suggestion series. Three shopping days left! The song above was written when my book came out; the clip above was shot by Bryan Enk and/or Chr…
Tonight at Le Poisson Rouge at 7pm: The New York Burlesque Festival Presents Martinis N’ Mistletoe An evening of live jazz & burlesque for the holidays! w/ Angie Pontani , Shelly &…
Today is the birthday of Paul Winchell (see full bio here). In honor od the day, ere is an amazing clip, the opening minutes of an episode from his show “Toyland Express” To find…
Here now, the sixth installment in our Vaudephone series: The Amazing Amy: Vaudephone is a co-production of Travalanche/ the American Vaudeville Theatre, and Vaudevisuals.com. To find out ab…
For the huge vaudeville fan in your life: Frank Cullen’s 2007 masterwork, co-authored with Florence Hackman and Donald McNeilly Vaudeville Old and New: An Encyclopedia of Variety Perfo…
Charles Gilpin (born this day in 1878) was best known, and achieved his greatest acclaim for playing the title role in Eugene O’Neill’s The Emporer Jones (a role that went to Pau…
Today is the birthday of music hall comedian Dan Leno (see here for full bio). Here’s a 1902 clip of him singing “The Grass Widower”: To find out more about the history…
Here’s a great gift for that certain person who has everything! This DVD from reelclassicdvd.com of obscure but extremely charming-looking Christmas themed silent films. The line-up in…
NYC’s longest running all-clown variety show is back for its 5th Season! As seen in American Theater,The Village Voice Choice, New York Times, The Villager, Spectacle Magazine, Variety…
Today is the birthday of Tess Gardella (see earlier post here). Here she is in her Aunt Jemima guise singing “Can’t Stop Lovin’ Dat Man” from Showboat. The recording …
Born this day in 1896, Enrico Rastelli was a third generation Italian acrobat and aerialist who grew up in Russia. He took up juggling on his own initiative at age eight; going solo with his…
So you think you’ve done everything, do you? How about A John Water Christmas — live? And you don’t even have to go to Baltimore for it. I got to wondering..what is it? Kit…
