Vibrant Casino Theater Scene from 1919 Musical

This photograph captures the Casino Theater in the midst of a vibrant performance of the musical The Little Whopper during its run from 1919 to 1920. The Casino Theater, located in New York City, was known for showcasing popular musicals and vaudeville acts during the early 1900s, contributing significantly to the era’s entertainment scene. Photographed by the Bain News Service, this glass negative serves as a window into how theater performances were produced and enjoyed in the post-World War I United States.

The Little Whopper was one of the many shows that delighted audiences in this bustling theater, reflecting the changing tastes and cultural dynamics of the time. The production highlighted the nations burgeoning interest in lighthearted, accessible entertainment as people sought escape from the trials of wartime and embraced the Roaring Twenties. This image not only illustrates a specific moment in theatrical history but also offers insight into the social atmosphere of an era characterized by rapid change and burgeoning creativity in the arts.