What is the origin of the idiom "bring the house down" and when to use it?

The origin of this phrase is thought to come from the world of theater. In the early days of theater, the buildings were often poorly constructed and had weak foundations. When the audience became very excited and started to stomp their feet, clap their hands, or otherwise show their appreciation for the performance, it would sometimes cause the building to shake and the ceiling to collapse, hence "bringing the house down". It is used to describe a situation where a performer or entertainer is extremely successful and receives a lot of applause or cheers from the audience.