Who is recognized as the creator of Vaudeville?

Tony Pastor is recognized as the creator of Vaudeville due to his significant contributions to the development of this popular form of variety entertainment in the late 19th century. He is known for establishing the first modern Vaudeville theater in New York City, which showcased a range of acts including comedians, musicians, dancers, and other specialty performers. Pastor's vision was to create family-friendly entertainment that could appeal to a wide audience, departing from the more risqué slate of acts often found in earlier forms of variety shows.

The Vaudeville format became a cornerstone of American theatre, influencing a myriad of entertainment forms that followed, including musical theatre and modern variety shows. Pastor's role as a pioneer in the movement helped to institutionalize Vaudeville as an integral part of early 20th-century theatrical culture, paving the way for future entertainers and theatrical styles. Therefore, identifying him as the creator is grounded in his foundational contributions to the structure and appeal of Vaudeville as we recognize it today.