Final answer:
Theatre gained popularity in the US as it transitioned to more realistic themes that resonated with the rising middle class, along with an expanded variety of performances catering to different tastes and the introduction of new theaters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Rise of Realism in Theatre and its Popularity
Theatre has always been a reflection of society and its changing patterns. By the mid to late 19th Century, significant shifts in societal norms led to new forms and popularity of theatre. The once dominant noble class, literate yet economically declining, and the rise of the middle class—comprising 'self-made men'—required theatre content that resonated with their experiences and aspirations.
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, common people found ways to improve their socioeconomic status, propelling the middle class to seek representation in cultural domains, including theatre. They showed a stronger preference for realistic stories over classical tragedies featuring royalty and supernatural elements. Realism in theatre thus became a mirror of society, with plays providing direct observations of human behavior, themes relevant to the middle class, and scenery and costumes reflecting historical accuracy.
Variety also played a major part in theatre's attractiveness. Touring troupes would perform an array of shows ranging from Shakespeare to vaudeville-style entertainment, catering to a wide audience. Melodramas, featuring exaggerated morality tales, and traveling circus acts like those of P.T. Barnum further helped in capturing the public's interest. Theatre History saw a transformation not just in content but also in accessibility, with new theaters emerging to cater to the tastes of a more diverse audience.
The transition to realistic theatre marked a profound shift in the way stories were told on stage, aligning the art form more closely with the evolving themes of the time. It was these changes that helped theatre gain popularity among the masses and secure its place as a significant form of entertainment.