Folly Theatre Records (KC0121)

Originally constructed in 1900 as a theater for comic opera, the Standard soon became a burlesque and vaudeville house. After a fire in 1923, it was renovated and became a home for legitimate theater from 1923 to 1932. The effect of the depression caused the theater to close in 1932 until 1941, when it reopened as the Folly Theater. From 1941 to 1969, the Folly operated progressively as a burlesque house, strip tease show and adult movie theater. It closed in 1969.

When the building was threatened with demolition, the Standard Redevelopment Corporation, a non-profit entity which the Kansas City Performing Arts Foundation formed, purchased the Folly with the intention of restoring the structure to its original splendor. That task was completed for a grand reopening in November 1981.

This collection includes business records for the theater from 1953 to 1957. Information on salaries paid, utilities costs, commissions paid for securing entertainers, advertising expenses, and general operating expenses is included in the files. The records do not include data on box office receipts, income, or correspondence with entertainers. 1953-1957.

66 folders.

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