Standard Theatre
Opened in 1900 as a vaudeville and burlesque house, the theatre on the corner
of 12th and Central was a grand showpiece of Kansas City architect Louis
Curtiss’s work. The Standard was built by Colonel Edward Butler for
$250,000 as a place for his son James J. Butler to house shows on the Empire
Circuit of vaudeville.
Century
Theatre
Just 11 months after opening as the Standard Theatre, the theatre changed
names and its brand of entertainment. Manager Joe Donegan brought the greatest
show people to Kansas City to perform at the theatre, and they also gave
impromptu performances in the Edwards Hotel grill.
Shubert’s Missouri Theatre
The Shubert family leased the theatre from 1923 – 1929 and brought acts
that went on to tremendous international fame including the Marx Bros., Humphrey
Bogart, and Shirley Booth.
Depression
Years
As expendable dollars dried up like the farmer’s fields, theatres were
forced to close their doors and many faced the wrecking ball.
Folly
Burlesque
The entrance of soldiers into World War II saw the emergence of a new form
of entertainment with an old name: Burlesque. No longer chorus lines of dancing
girls and blue humor, burlesque was striptease. And all the big names took
a turn on the Folly stage including Tempest Storm, Ann Corio, and the indomitable
Gypsy Rose Lee.
Restoration/Renovation
After decades of neglect, misuse and abuse, the Grand Old Lady of Twelfth
Street became a community project in urban renewal.
Re-Opening
Once again the premier showplace for Kansas City audiences to see the best
touring entertainment the world has to offer, the Folly re-opened in November
of 1981 and continues to be a strong presence in the arts community.
The Future
