Born to a family of equestrian circus performers in the early 19th century, Tony Pastor seemed predestined for a life in show business. True to his upbringing, Pastor lived his life on or at least very near the stage, making unparalleled contributions to the early success of American vaudeville as a songwriter, variety performer, and theater owner. From his early success as the owner of Tony Pastor's Opera House to his role as Little Man Tony following the advent of traveling vaudeville circuits, this work offers a touching but straightforward look at Pastor's rise and fall from fame, and examines his contributions to vaudeville and the performing arts in general.