Gaiety Burlesque

1930

Gaiety Burlesque, 1930. Reginald Marsh (American, 1898–1954). Etching; platemark: 30.2 x 25 cm (11 7/8 x 9 13/16 in.); sheet: 38.1 x 28 cm (15 x 11 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1948.436 © Estate of Reginald Marsh / Art Students League, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York In addition to the grand opera houses and symphony halls that attracted new audiences in New York City, burlesque theaters and dance halls offered a less expensive and seamier side of entertainment that was just as popular, though with a primarily male crowd. The Gaiety Theatre opened in Manhattan's midtown in 1909. Its burlesque shows featured comedy acts, skits, songs, and, increasingly by the 1920s, a striptease. In this image, the female dancer wades across a narrow stage while navigating the men’s leering gazes. The Gaiety Theater, seen here, hosted the Minsky Burlesque show featuring the famous Gypsy Rose Lee during the 1930s.