AKSARBEN Burlesque

When we think about the great civic organizations that have shaped regional identity, few stand out as uniquely as the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben—which spells “Nebraska” backwards. Since their founding in 1895, the Knights have left an enduring mark on the state’s history.

At the turn of the 20th century, Omaha was striving to establish itself as a hub of commerce and culture. The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben emerged as a response to a very real concern: ensuring the Nebraska State Fair remained in Omaha and didn’t shift to another city. Though the fair eventually moved, the organization’s influence extended far beyond its original purpose. The Knights became key players in economic development, investing in infrastructure projects, supporting industry, and bolstering civic pride.

AKSARBEN has played a significant role in Omaha’s entertainment and civic history, hosting a variety of events that shaped the region’s cultural landscape. Here are some key highlights:

Racetrack & Coliseum

For much of the 20th century, the AKSARBEN Racetrack was one of the top horse racing venues in the United States, drawing large crowds and high-stakes betting. The AKSARBEN Coliseum, opened in 1920, hosted concerts, ice hockey games, and major entertainment acts, including Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra (Oh My! Omaha).

Stock Show & Rodeo

Since 1928, the AKSARBEN Stock Show has been a major event, showcasing youth livestock competitions and agricultural exhibitions. The rodeo was also a staple, celebrating Nebraska’s ranching heritage.

Racial Exclusivity

Historically, the Knights of AKSARBEN mirrored the racial exclusivity seen in similar organizations of its time. It was modeled after groups like the Veiled Prophet in St. Louis, which were known for their elite, predominantly white membership. This exclusivity reflected broader societal norms and systemic barriers that marginalized non-white communities in civic and social spaces during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

If you’d like to learn more about groups created by African American Omahan’s, please visit the North Omaha History website by Adam Fletcher Sasse. Learn about Omaha’s Urban League here.

The Pageantry & Coronation

A notable contribution to Omaha’s cultural landscape was the AKSARBEN Coronation Ball, an annual spectacle that celebrated community leaders and reinforced a tradition of service and philanthropy. The event, which crowned a King and Queen of AKSARBEN, became a staple of Nebraska society for decades. However, as times changed, the organization adapted. In 2018, the coronation was replaced by the Most Honored Citizens award, shifting the focus to recognizing individuals who have shaped the region through leadership and dedication.

AKSARBEN Den Shows

The AKSARBEN Den Shows were a unique part of Omaha’s entertainment history, blending theatrical spectacle with civic engagement. From 1895 to 1943, AKSARBEN also put on weekly “Den Shows” for members from June through August. (Spencer)

These productions were held at the AKSARBEN Den, a venue that hosted elaborate performances featuring music, dance, comedy, and variety acts. The Knights of AKSARBEN entertained presidents, princes, diplomats, and generals with lively musical burlesques and vaudeville shows. All den show workers participated voluntarily and without pay. The show was often called “the AK Den Show” in newspapers.

While the Den Shows were primarily community-driven productions, they incorporated elements of vaudeville-style entertainment, including musical numbers, comedic sketches, and theatrical performances. Names included East Indian Romance, The Discovery of the North Pole, Paprika Schnitzel, Halley’s Pug-Nosed Comet, and Coronado’s Hysterical Bull. (Spencer)

Vaudeville and burlesque had distinct roles in American entertainment—vaudeville was family-friendly variety entertainment, while burlesque evolved into a more risqué, satirical art form. The Den Shows, given AKSARBEN’s civic mission, likely leaned more toward vaudeville-style variety performances rather than full-on burlesque. AKSARBEN hosted Den Shows starting in 1895. “The Den” was also the venue used for the performances. This was created before horse racing came into play. (Spencer)

“A Midsummer Knight’s Scream” Den Show | 1921

The 1921 Den show was the first time the Ladies of AKSARBEN were allowed to accompany their husbands to the den show as apart of the coronation ceremonies. However, there was not a concensus among membership as to whether the Omaha women would be allowed again to see the “traditional den show.”

Mrs. John Gamble was quoted in the Omaha Daily News, ‘Wives will be much easier in their minds. So many women have had the impression that the Den show was a rough affair. Now they know that it’s a nice clean show, and worth while, and they’ll get behind the men and boost. Personally, I’d like to see the show every year. I don’t see why they couldn’t have just one Monday night, ladies’ night. But I think it would get rather monotonous if it were always a part of the coronation ball.’ (“Ladies of Court of Quivera Witness King Ak’s Den Show for First Time.” September 24, 1921)

The 1921 Den Show was visited by more than 23,000 men. (Charles Gardner; Omaha Sunday Bee) The Den Show was entitled “A Midsummer Knight’s Scream.” A saxophone band also played, as did the “royal ballet.”

“Kingdom of Quivera” Den Show | 1922

600 out of town guests attended the 1922 Den Show in Omaha, entitled the “Kingdom of Quivera.” Many of the patrons were golf enthusiasts and veterinarians, attending a nearby tournament. Inside the Ak Den hall, patrons were escorted through the halls of a “most glitteringly gorgeous realm” where they were then entertained by “The Shriek of Araby.”

The Oakland Independent and Republican wrote, “This year again those Omaha men put on a very fine show. The singing of the choruses and soloists is superb and the costumes gorgeous. And of course there are a lot of new stunts to delight the audience.” (Oakland, NE; June 23, 1922)

One performance ended in a period of darkness after a fuse had blown during an electrical storm. The show had to go on though! The Knights rallied and “heroic efforts” were made to continue the show by candle light.

“Chimes of Normandy” Den Show | June 1923

A Brief Note on Blackface

Blackface is a racist practice rooted in the minstrel shows of the 19th century, where white performers darkened their skin with makeup to mock and stereotype Black people. These performances reinforced harmful caricatures and justified systemic racism, portraying Black individuals as inferior, ignorant, or overly exaggerated figures for entertainment. The legacy of blackface continues to be deeply offensive, as it perpetuates historical oppression and dehumanization. Today, it is inappropriate and unacceptable, as society moves toward a more respectful and accurate representation of diverse cultures and identities.

The June 1923 den show was full of local talent in addition to national and international musical talent. Dancers from a Russian ballet Theater performed for AKSARBEN members from all over Nebraska and Iowa.

“Samson’s King Full” Den Show | September 1923

The cast consisted of 65 members of AKSARBEN. They were accompanied by a 55 piece orchestra. Men played all roles, regardless of gender–even the Merry Maidens were played by men. Singing and dancing soon unfolded as they performed to an average house of between 3,000-5,000 people.

By 1925, the Knights of AKSARBEN membership reached 12,559 people from 9 foreign countries and 28 states.

Den Show | 1926

The 1926 summer Den Show focused on the “crime wave” and “the epidemic of reform and sob-sisterhood.” The Show was separated into two acts with a tableau in between. The tableau was described as reformers emptying the jail and taking the prisoners to “The Isle of Utopia” to be treated. A full chorus sung accompanied by Randall’s Royal Fontenelle Orchestra. Parts of the show were broadcast on radio.

One evening, during a performance of the 1926 Den Show, an electrical storm hit and blew out the lights in the “Old Ak Den” providing suspense and excitement for the viewers.

“Christopher Columbus, the Gold Digger” Den Show | 1927

The 1927 den show was entitled “Chris, the Gold-Digger, or Columbus Rediscovered.” The show reached its climax at the very of the story where a rolling panorama of the “middle West” is shown to Columbus–allowing him to locate all of America’s gold. The show featured an all-male cast of 136, including 50 chorus singers. The “moral” of the story was suppose to be “Boost Omaha and Nebraska.” The plot was, basically, Columbus going West to search for gold and finding out it was growing in Nebraska.

The panorama-puller consisted of a traveling belt, mounted on a truck. Over the belt ran 800 feet of panorama background and another amount of foreground cutouts, synchronized in such a way that the subjects traveled with the background. Such as polar bears traveling along with icebergs or the steamboat “Omaha” traveling along a river.

This Den Show was publicly broadcasted on the WOW radio station for the first time in AKSARBEN history. This was in correlation with the 3rd Annual Radio Show of the Radio Trade Association. The entire cast appeared in front of the crystal studio microphone at the radio show.

After the first showing, many rumors of a woman’s voice brought questions about the cast. It was revealed that there was a secret woman in the show. At the closing night show, patrons could hear a soprano singing. It was rumored that the stage manager escorted a girl soprano to the Brandeis Theater roof, where she was allowed to sing through the skylight for the den show. Rumors spread it was Irene Cole of Omaha.

“Omaha Preferred” Den Show | 1930

The 1930 Den Show was declared the “greatest show in Ak-Sar-Ben’s history by the Omaha Bee News. Men played all the roles, including a character named “Senora Gonzales.” Membership was at 4,260 men by 1930.

Den Show | 1933

1933 marked the first year that women played roles in the Den Show. That’s 38 years of den shows with only cismen playing all roles, regardless of the character’s gender. In fact, women were not allowed to attend the Den show until 1929. The rules were modified to accommodate members’ wives attending the performances.

The 1933 show was directed by Oscar Lieben. John Jacob Isaacson was quoted,

‘The chorus, too, will be augmented by some of the finest among the ‘weaker’ sex, and principal roles of the show that call for women will be played by real women this year, instead of by impersonators. To some persons this announcement maybe commonplace news.’

Miss Goldie Thestrup was the first to be a soloist at the Den Show. Miss Adelaide Fogg, a dancer and teacher, assisted Director Oscar Lieben cast and choreograph the dancers.

Den Show | 1934

The 1934 den show broke attendance records with their final Monday evening performance reaching 8,000 patrons.

“Ballyhoo in Bagdad” Den Show | 1936

The 1936 Den Show promised to be the best show yet. The satirical musical, “Ballyhoo in Bagdad” was set in “the Orient”. Veteran actors performed as did many wives of AKSARBEN members. Mrs. John R. Munro played Fatima, the wife of the Caliph, and Gracie Levin played Zeerah, an oriental snake dancer. The cast included 200 people. Cora Quick was the director of the dance routines. By this point, Oscar Lieben had directed 3 den shows since 1925.

Den Shows | April & June 1937

In April 1937, the AKSARBEN Knights hosted a Den Show featuring Ted Healy’s three stooges comedy act, Ada Brown, a Black singer, and “Sandra”, an exotic dancer performed.

The title of the 1937 AKSARBEN Den Show was “Historical Hysteria” and featured Melva Gerard. In June 1937, a large fire broke out at the McClure’s stables, which was just a short distance from the coliseum and caused a delay in rehearsals of the Den Show. 2 people ended up dying, 8 people injured, while 75 horses burned to death.

“The White Spot” Den Show | 1938

The 1938 Den Show was centered around a “typical farm auction” though not much else is mentioned of the story line. The script was written by Robert Manley.

“The Dictator” Den Show | 1940

“Trouble in the Tropics” Den Show | 1941

The 1941 Den Show featured a 50-piece band from the Nebraska City High School’s orchestra. The show was set in Puerto Rico and featured Latin music. A dance group performed Spanish and “military” dances. The script of the show was written by Ken Stuart, of the radio station KOWH. Bob Manley, the Den show script writer for years, graduated to the role of stage manager.

“Hi-Jinx in Hades” Den Show | 1942

The 1942 Den Show was especially important as WWII was raging on and the Knights of AKSARBEN felt a patriotic call for the show.

“This year..its production takes on added importance in the light of Ak-Sar-Ben’s response to appeals from high government and civic leaders to carry on all normal activities in order to maintain strength and good cheer on the home front.” (The Edgar Sun. June 19, 1942)

“Hi-Jinx in Hades” included a cast of 100 and was a “beauty & dance-packed revue depicting a hot spot reception arranged for Herr Hitler and his cohorts.”

AKSARBEN Carnivals

AKSARBEN hosted carnivals during the summers of 1898-1921.

Oriental Dancers | Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition | 1898

In the summer of 1898, the Knights of AKSARBEN hosted a den show for the delegates of the National Convention of the Building and Loan Associations. The performers were none other than the “oriental dancers” from the “Streets of All Nations.”

Zara, Sultana, & Cora Beckwith | 1900

In 1900, the Carnival was slated to be bigger and better than ever. The streets were wired for illumination in both public and private spaces, and large gates were constructed for patrons to enter through. A wild animal show was one of the latest attractions on the carnival grounds. No Midway was complete without “oriental” dancers performing at an “oriental theater.”

Zara, an Algerian belly dancer performed the “hoochie coochie” at the Carnival. Sultana was advertised as “the queen of the Midway at the World’s Fair and since then the winner of the fresh laurels all over the world.”

Cora Beckwith was a champion swimmer and was secured for performance at the Carnival. The newspapers in the area raved about her performances. She performed feats underwater that were “startling” and “extreme” and were deemed difficult even for “male swimmers.”

Muscle Dancers | 1913

In 1913, the AKSARBEN Carnival attractions were extravagant. A Turkish show, advertised as an “oriental show”, was held on the carnival grounds. Muscle dancers or belly dancers, performed to full audiences. A Christian pastor made a huge stir about their existence at the Carnival as he was a part of the “social service board” that walked the grounds to censor attractions. The Omaha Daily News stated,

“He [the pastor] does not question that the dances may require skill and of their kind are all that could be wished, but he would not invite his congregation to a muscle dance party.”

However, other members of the social service board applauded the belly dancers and overall the dances were not censored and approved by the board.

1921 AKSARBEN Carnival

The 1921 AKSARBEN Carnival featured an array of shows at the Ak Den. Almost all attractions were new that year, including 7 rides and a Ferris wheel. The shows “Springtime” and “Sea-Beauty” were mentioned frequently in papers. “Sea-Beauty” was described as the following, “a mysterious woman who sleeps beneath real water and doesn’t seem to mind it a bit.”

The show “A Day and Night in the Alps” was shown for the first time since its debut at the Chicago Exposition of 1921. It was a duplicate miniature of Alpine country with tiny trains, carts, automobiles and people. There was also an “Old Plantation” attraction that featured Black performers. Lastly, a performer named Lanorr struck poses during “the Key Hole show.”

The AKSARBEN Empire Exposition | 1933-1934

The AKSARBEN Empire Exposition was held April 3-8, 1933 in Omaha, Nebraska. The big entertainment revue was called “Personality on Parade” which featured vaudeville and burlesque acts. The company was composed of 42 actors and singers.

Alvira Morton, a “prima donna” of the musical “Hitchy Koo” also performed. Sister act “Eileen and Eileen” performed as well. Bessie Love was a featured “personality” at the show. Bessie Love was also a featured artist.

Neryda | The Snake Dancer

Neryda was an exotic dancer who performed with a 6-foot python named “Allah.” She danced in night clubs in New York City and Chicago during the 1920s. In 1926 she went on a national tour showcasing her snake dance as the “Maiden of the Mist.” She was an excellent dancer and contortionist who utilized snakes in her unique acts. She performed an exotic dance at the AKSARBEN Empire Exposition in April 1933.

Sources

• “The Best Of Aksarben Village (Plus A History Lesson)” Oh My Omaha! https://ohmyomaha.com/aksarben-village/
• The AKSARBEN Foundation. “History” https://aksarben.org/history/
• Thomas M. Spencer, “Everything Seems to be Going Backwards These Days”: The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben in Omaha,” Nebraska History 96 (2015): 54-65

Newspapers – Carnivals

• Omaha World Herald. “Now for the Fun.” Page 1. September 23, 1900
• Omaha World Herald. “Ministers See Muscle Dance.” Page 1. September 28, 1913
• Omaha World Herald. “Jolly Season at the Den Where AK-SAR-BEN Spirit Truly Begins.” Page 33. September 18, 1921

Newspapers – Den Shows

• Omaha Evening Bee News. “AK-SAR-BEN’s Latest Levee.” Page 5. July 19, 1898
• Daily Drovers Journal Stockman. “Vast Assemblage at the Coronation Ball.” Page 4. September 24, 1921
• Omaha Daily News. “Ladies of Court of Quivera Witness King Ak’s Den Show for First Time.” Page 7. September 24, 1921
• Oakland Independent and Republican. “Went to the Den Show.” Page 1. June 23, 1922
• Omaha Daily Bee. “Pilgrimages to Den Show Planned by Envoys of Ak.” Page 1. May 7, 1922
• Omaha World Herald. “‘Hot Dog’ Stampede Takes Place at Ak’s Den Show.” Page 4. June 13, 1922
• Omaha World Herald. “Veterinarians and Golfers Among King Ak’s Guests.” Page 1. July 22, 1922
• Evening World Herald. “Local Talent to Give ‘Chimes of Normandy.” Page 1. May 30, 1923
• Omaha Daily Bee. “Out-State Men See Den Show.” Page 3. June 19, 1923
• Omaha World Herald. “Southwestern Iowa Is Coming to the Den.” Page 3. June 17, 1923
• Omaha World Herald. “Walter Head Addresses Title Men’s Convention.” Page 7. September 5, 1923
• Omaha World Herald. “Here are the Principals in Cast at Ak-Sar-Ben Den Show.” Page 79. September 30, 1923
• Omaha World Herald. “AK-SAR-BEN Den Unifying Force Among All Classes.” Page 83. March 28, 1926
• The Omaha Evening Bee News. “Secret of Den Show to be Revealed at Closing of Radio Exposition.” Page 5. August 11, 1927
• The Omaha Evening Bee News. “Record Crowd is Predicted at Radio Show.” Page 1. August 29, 1927
• Omaha Morning Bee. “Plays Lead ‘Roll’ in Den Show; Gus Turns the Crank and the Rest of the World Rolls By.” Page 3. May 29, 1927
• The Omaha Evening Bee News. “Ak Den Show is Greatest, says Huston.” Page 24. June, 24, 1930
• The Syracuse Journal Democrat. “Monday Syracuse Nite at Ak-Sar-Ben.” Page 1. July 15, 1932
• Omaha Sunday Bee News. “Expected to Draw Record Crowds to Ak-Sar-Ben Den Show.” Page 9. June 11, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Real Women for Den Show.” Page 12. January 29, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Pick Cast for Den Show.” Page 7. February 5, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “It’s a Real Chorus at Den This Time.” Page 3. February 13, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Knees to Dimple Before Your Very Eyes!” Page 4. June 4, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Girls to Give Away Nebraska Apples at Den Show.” Page 8. June 11, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Den Show Flouts Tradition.” Page 3. June 13, 1933
• Omaha Evening Bee. “8,000 See Den Show.” Page 2. June 26, 1934
• Omaha Sunday Bee News. “Den Show Performers Prepare for ‘Ballyhoo in Bagdad.” Page 11. June 7, 1936
• Valparaiso Visitor. “June 22 Val Night at ‘Ak’ Den Show.” Page 1. June 18, 1936
• Omaha World Herald. “Praises Track–and How!” Page 1. April 19, 1937
• Omaha Evening Bee. “In Den Show.” Page 4. June 7, 1937
• Stockman’s Journal. “Ak-Sar-Ben’s Novel Den Shows Have Entertained Presidents.” Page 39. October 6, 1937
• Beatrice News. “Ak-Sar-Ben Den Show Monday Night, June 13.” Page 1. June 10, 1938
• Omaha World Herald. “Iowans Guests as Curtain Falls on 1940 Den Show.” Page 6. July 30, 1940
• Omaha World Herald. “’41 Den Show Bows Monday at Coliseum.” Page 5. June 8, 1941
• The Edgar Sun. “Edgar Citizens Invited as Guests of Ak-Sar-Ben at Its 1942 Den Show June 22.” Page 1. June 19, 1942
• The Valley Enterprise. “N.E. Johnson Ambassador of the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben.” Page 1. July 9, 1942

Newspapers – Empire Exposition of 1933/1934

• Omaha World Herald. “Personality Will be on Parade at Ak-Sar-Ben Empire Exposition.” Page 2. March 15, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Expect Exposition to Aid in Recovery.” Page 15. March 19, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Stockman Endorse ‘Empire’ Exposition.” Page 10. March 22, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Bring Theater Talent to Empire Exposition.” Page 4. March 25, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “One of the Personalities.” Page 8. March 30, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. Ak-Sar-Ben Empire Exposition advertisement. Page 8 and 9. April 1, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Exposition Recalls ‘Transmississippi’” Page 36. April 2, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “They’re Just a Part of the Empire Exposition’s Big Kick!” Page 38. April 2, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “From the Pyramids.” Page 46. April 2, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Hail ‘New Deal’ At Big Exposition Beginning Tonight.” Page 1. April 3, 1933
• Sherman County Times. “Ak-Sar-Ben Empire Exposition to Open April 3.” Page 3. March 24, 1933
• Omaha World Herald. “Side-Lights at the Empire Exposition.” Page 7. April 18, 1934