Reception Tonight for Vintage Costumes of Burlesque

The exhibit commemorates Boston's burlesque era and "The Old Howard" through displays of vintage costumes, ephemera and memorabilia. Mina Murray, New England's leading burlesque performer and headmistress of The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education, curates the show.

"Burlesque was an important part of the entertainment in the Old West End and Scollay Square dating back to the transition from 1920s vaudeville and playhouses like The Old Howard, so we definitely wanted to capture and incorporate that entertainment component into this show," said West End Museum Executive Director Duane Lucia.

The Old Howard (officially known as The Howard Athenaeum) was one of Boston's most famous theaters between 1845 and 1953. Located in Scollay Square, the playhouse featured performances of opera, ballet, dramas, comedy, vaudeville and burlesque. By the end of the 19th century, the theatre switched over entirely to burlesque and featured such performers as Sally Rand, Fanny Brice, Gypsy Rose Lee and Sophie Tucker. The city of Boston denied the theater's license renewal in 1953 due to claims of indecency, and the playhouse closed. A 1960 push for the renovation and reopening of the theater was quashed by a small fire which, while not devastating to the entire structure, led the city to tear down the building.

Music, Entertainment and Refreshments provided.

For more information and to register.

Event info and text provided to Patch by the West End Museum.