Which of the following is the best description of vaudeville?

Vaudeville is best described as a popular theatrical form in which a diverse array of performers, including comedians, musicians, dancers, and specialty acts, presented their work in succession, typically on a single stage. This format emphasized variety and entertainment rather than a cohesive storyline, allowing each act to stand alone and appeal to different audience tastes. The presentation of multiple acts within a single performance made vaudeville a significant cultural phenomenon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a platform where various performance styles could be showcased.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of vaudeville. For instance, formal performances featuring patriotic songs and marches are more aligned with civic or military events rather than the variety act structure of vaudeville. Miniature operas with politicized messages relate to a different tradition of performance, focusing on narrative and thematic coherence rather than the variety presentation style of vaudeville. Lastly, while studio recording is crucial in the evolution of modern music, it does not convey the live performance essence and variety characteristic of vaudeville.