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Lillian Russell: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts)
Lillian Russell A BioBibliography - Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts Author:Anne A. Bowbeer, Donald R. Schwartz Lillian Russell was the Victorian era's symbol of talent, charm, and beauty. She was introduced by impresario Tony Pastor in 1880, and was considered an emblem of feminine beauty until the turn of the century. Although her voice still set a standard of excellence, by that time America's vision of loveliness had changed, and her middle-aged body ... more »could not meet the new challenge on the musical stage. Russell responded with extraordinary resilience. She adapted with the times and became the grande dame of the American theatre in non-musical plays, burlesque, variety, and the lecture circuit. She wrote widely-read newspaper columns in which she pioneered an optimistic philosophy of self-help, and she used her numerous connections to champion the causes that she held dear. The volume includes a biography and chapters detailing her many performances. Individual entries provide cast and credit information, plot summaries, review excerpts, and critical commentary of her appearances, and the book includes an extensive annotated bibliography.« less