Getting the Blue Envelope
B. F. Keith opened up a new world of entertainment for the middle classes before the turn of the 20th century. Called The Father of Vaudeville, he provided variety shows that were "clean" - clean enough that he was able to get the financial backing of the Catholic Church. A blue envelope from a theater manager meant a performer was going over the line. Some expressions that were frowned upon: slob, son of a gun, saying pants instead of trousers. Performers who disobeyed were blacklisted. Using risque material came to be known as "working blue."
Eva Tanguay, the biggest star in vaudeville, could get away with pushing the envelope.
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