Definition

Noun: 1. A theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short, often satirical sketches, songs, and dances on topical themes: A revue is a type of live stage show that combines comedy, music, and dance to comment on current events, politics, and popular culture. It is distinct from a traditional play with a single narrative.

Usage

A revue is a form of variety show. It is typically performed in a theater. The content is often humorous and aims to provide social or political commentary through its sketches and songs.

Examples

• The small theater downtown is famous for its annual political revue.
• She got her start in show business as a dancer in a Broadway revue.
• The comedy revue featured sketches about modern technology and social media.

Advanced Usage

• "to put on a revue": to produce and perform a revue.
  • The drama club decided to put on a revue instead of a classic play this semester.

Variants and Related Words

• Review (noun/verb): While pronounced similarly, this is a different word meaning an assessment or examination (e.g., a book review, to review for a test). Do not confuse it with "revue."

Synonyms

• Variety show: A more general term for a performance with a mixture of different acts.
• Burlesque: A literary, dramatic, or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. Historically, some burlesque shows evolved into revues.
• Sketch show: A show comprised of short comedy scenes (sketches), which is a core component of a revue.

Idioms and Phrases

• In the style of a revue: Describing something that has the eclectic, topical, and fast-paced character of a revue.
  • The charity gala was structured in the style of a revue, with short performances about the year's major events.

Noun

1. a variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians