Book Comment: No Applause - Just Throw Money

The title of this book is from a famous quip by the Vaudevillian jazz dancer Joe Frisco, "No applause, folks, just throw money." The same named book is a fascinating and sometimes humorous historical accounting of the birth, meteoric surge, and dwindling of Vaudeville, the precursor of the modern radio, theater, television, and film industries as well as such regional phenomena as Branson, Missouri, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the many shows at night clubs and amusement parks around the country. At its height, some of the Vaudeville performers were making as much as $4000 per week, equal in modern dollars to about $40,000.

What does this have to do with Christianity? Actually, quite a lot. The author, Trav S.D. (Travis Stewart) believes that the early assessments of entertainers, traveling showmen, actors and actresses, etc. were accurate. Many were thieves, shysters, and prostitutes. He sides with the entertainers.

Trav S.D.'s assessment of Christianity is at best skeptical and, at times, hostile. He opposes what he understands to be prudery and close-mindedness while detailing how Vaudeville left behind its raunchy, sometimes racist, roots to become squeaky-clean and family friendly even as, behind the scenes, politics and dirty tricks raged. He shows how the organizations and networks developed for the live stage shows formed the basis of the modern entertainment industry.