Before talking pictures and radio, the most popular live entertainments were the variety shows of vaudeville and burlesque. Stars such as Al Jolson, Burns and Allen, the Marx Brothers, Houdini and the Four Cohans often headlined in vaudeville while the likes of Gypsy Rose Lee and Bert Lahr (the Cowardly Lion) started in burlesque, with its leggy chorines and baggy-pants comics. Piccolo Theatre combines the best of both worlds in Vaudeville & Vixens, a variety show of music, magic acts, bawdy comedy and curvaceous flirtatious girls staged in an intimate cabaret-style setting. Vaudeville & Vixens runs through Oct. 4; Piccolo Theatre at the Art Depot (the old Metra train station), 600 Main, Evanston; 847-424-0089; $25.
THEATER Spotlight
