Overview

This work examines the dramatic changes in America women''s comedy performance in the years 1955-1995.

Focus of the Study

The study focuses on the standup of Phyllis Diller and Roseanne and on the character comedy of Lily Tomlin.

Historical Arc

As the historical arc of women''s comedy unfolds, it outlines a change from the traditional vaudevillian style of standup, as represented by Diller (50s-70s), to a more satiric comedy represented by Tomlin (60s-80s) and Roseanne (80s-90s).