In this episode, we explore the history of the wild west variety shows, including Dodge City in 1878 and beyond. The podcast is based on the work provided by the Kansas Historical Society and the research of Dr. James C. Malin, along with our producer and historical writer Mike King. The first part of the podcast, narrated by Brad Smalley, tells how Variety was a popular form of American stage entertainment in the mid-1800s. First conceived as saloon shows, these revues were anything but refined. Instead, circus acts, singers, dancers, chorus girls, and bawdy comics were presented in whatever proportion each bar owner preferred. The second part of the podcast presented by director Doug Austen provides a historical account of the Dodge City Variety Show from 1878 to its present day.
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