Category: Burlesque in Douglas County, NE

Mickey Sparano’s A-Go-Go Empire | Omaha, NE

At the height of Omaha’s nightlife boom, Mickey Sparano built an A-Go-Go empire that drew an eclectic roster of performers.… Read more.
History of Angelo’s Cocktail Lounge and the Di Giacomo Venues in Omaha, NE

Angelo’s Cocktail Lounge began its life at 1017 South 10th Street, operating by the early 1950s in the heart of… Read more.
The Life and Career of Alene Hoover

Erna Alene Hoover—born in Harlan, Iowa, on April 12 or 13, 1912—emerged from the Midwest with a determination that would… Read more.
Lestra La Monte

In the world of mid-century burlesque and drag performance, few figures were as visually arresting and artistically daring as Lestra… Read more.
Burlesque in Clubs in Omaha, NE | 1970s-90s

By the 1970s, Omaha’s burlesque scene had begun to evolve alongside changing cultural tides. The glamour of mid-century striptease gave… Read more.
Burlesque in Clubs in Omaha, NE | 1950s-60s

In the smoky glow of downtown Omaha’s nightlife, burlesque found a home in the clubs that lined Howard Street and… Read more.
AKSARBEN Burlesque

When we think about the great civic organizations that have shaped regional identity, few stand out as uniquely as the… Read more.
Harlem in Havana

Leon Claxton’s Afro-Cuban Revue Leon Claxton’s “Harlem in Havana” was a groundbreaking traveling revue that showcased Black and Cuban performers… Read more.
Early Burlesque Theatres in Omaha, Nebraska

The Trocadero Theatre | 419 S 15th St. Omaha, NE The Trocadero Theater opened its first season with the Miaco’s… Read more.
Burlesque at the Town Theatre | Omaha, Nebraska

The Town’s Early Beginnings | The Moon Theatre (The Moon Theatre, 1920. Omaha, NE) The World Realty Company opened the… Read more.
Burlesque at the Orpheum Theatre | Omaha, Nebraska

(Orpheum Theatre. Circa 1890) The original Orpheum building was built at 409 S 16th Street in 1895. By 1898, the… Read more.
The Unsolved Murder of Diana Kay Karnes | 1969

The Crime Scene On July 23, 1969 two teenagers stumbled upon the body of a white, 35-year-old woman, in the… Read more.
Burlesque in Omaha Niteclubs

1930s-1940s In addition to large theatres producing stage burlesques, niteclubs and lounges that served alcohol also began showcasing burlesque and… Read more.
Burlesque at the Rose Theatre

2001 Farnam Street, Omaha, Nebraska For many decades burlesque was a popular form of entertainment the average theater goer in… Read more.
The Cases of Robin S. Hood

On the night of February 11, 1963 members of the Aviation Post 1729, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), gathered at… Read more.
Sammy Kaye’s “Swing & Sway Revue” | Omaha, Nebraska

In 1944 the Sammy Kaye stage show named “Swing & Sway Revue” came to Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Nebraska. Sammy… Read more.
Drag Queens & ‘Girlie Shows’ in Omaha, Nebraska

Burlesque, at its core, deals with gender and ultimately the presentation of gender as entertainment. It should be no surprise… Read more.
Burlesque at the Carnation Ballroom | North Omaha, Nebraska

Before the Carnation Ballroom (Mildred Brown with her three carnation corsage pinned to her coat. c. 1960. Omaha World Herald)… Read more.
Amusements Along the Midway | Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition | 1898

From June to November of 1898 visitors from all over the country came to visit the “Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition… Read more.
“Little Egypt” in Nebraska

This article explores the popular “Little Egypt” dancers in burlesque history. There were several performers at the turn of the… Read more.