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Revue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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revue

re-vue

🇺🇸 /ɹɪvˈju/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹɪvjˈuː/

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

theatre performance

A revue is a type of multi-act theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance, and sketches. It often features a series of short performances that may be humorous or satirical in nature. Revues are typically presented with a loose theme, allowing for a range of subjects to be explored.

Synonyms

cabaret, spectacle, variety show.

Examples of usage

  • The annual revue showcased local talent.
  • We attended a hilarious revue at the theater last night.
  • The revue included a variety of musical performances and comedy sketches.

Translations

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Quick facts about “revue”

Revue is a 2-syllable noun (re-vue). It is pronounced /ɹɪvˈju/ in American English and /ɹɪvjˈuː/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #24,982 among the most common English words.

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“revue” in historical context

  • Revues flourished in the early 20th century, particularly in France, with famous examples like 'La Revue de l'Opéra'.
  • These shows often satirized current events and societal norms, making them a platform for political commentary.
  • By the 1920s, revues were a staple in New York City, influencing the development of Broadway and musical theater.

“revue” in pop culture

  • Revues often feature famous stars, some starting their careers in these productions before rising to fame.
  • The format has influenced various modern television shows that blend comedy, music, and celebrity appearances.
  • World-renowned revues like 'The Ziegfeld Follies' and 'The Black and White Revue' set standard for theatrical spectacles.

“revue” in theatrical elements

  • Typically structured with multiple acts, each showcasing different talents, including dancers, singers, and comedians.
  • Costumes and sets in revues are often extravagant and colorful, aiming to captivate the audience's attention.
  • The music in revues can range from popular hits to original compositions, making them diverse and engaging.

“revue” in influence on arts

  • Revues have significantly influenced modern musical theatre, often incorporating spontaneous humor and social commentary.
  • Many elements of revue are echoed in contemporary variety shows and sketch comedy programs.
  • They opened doors for integrating various artistic expressions, paving the way for experimental theater.

Origin of 'revue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'revue' comes from the French word meaning 'to see again', highlighting its reflective nature as performances revisit popular themes.
  • Originally, the term referred to literary and theatrical reviews, evolving to denote a specific type of entertainment.
  • It became popular in the late 19th century, representing a shift towards performance art that entertained a variety of audiences.

The term 'revue' originates from the French word 'revue', meaning 'review'. It was first used in the theatre context in the late 19th century to describe a show that provides a commentary on current events, often through satire and humor. Revues gained prominence in Europe and North America, becoming a staple of vaudeville acts and cabaret performances. The format was popular for its ability to blend different performance styles and engage audiences with topical humor, which is still a characteristic feature of modern revues. Over the years, revues have evolved to include various themes and styles, reflecting cultural shifts and audience preferences.

Rhymes

Revue rhymes with achoo, babu, beaucoup, bleu, coups, cpu, deux and do.

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Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,982, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.