The Stephen Foster Story (outdoor drama here in Bardstown) used to have a long portion in the middle of it which was a minstrel show. As the story goes, and you can read about it at this link, E.P. Christy of the Christy Minstrels obtained the rights to "Old Folks at Home" (Swanee River) which Stephen lived to regret.

Besides jazzing up that song, they had lots of jokes and slapstick similar to the Vaudeville tradition. ie. a character would ask a question/joke, another character would repeat it just in case the audience didn't hear it, then the first would answer with the punch line.