The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered: Reviving Cleveland’s Burlesque Past
Bob Perkoski2015-06-06T13:26:23-04:00June 1, 2015|
The Roxy Theater back in it's heyday - photo Jim Marcus/American Classic Images
Old advertising clips from the Roxy
Back stage at the Roxy Theater in 1954
Burlesque memorabilia on display at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland
Cece Noir backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Ellie St Cyr backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Host Abbey Downtown backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Drag performer Lady J backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Performer Daphne Dangerfield signing posters backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Musician Miss Alexandra Huntingdon getting help with her outfit backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Drag performer Lady J backstage at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Burlesque performer Eliza Sidecar before the show in Beachland Ballroom bar
Burlesque legend Toni Elling being escorted in to the show by Cleveland Burlesque Queen and show producer Bella Sin
5th Annual Roxy Remembered show hosts Ken Schneck and Abby Downton
Cleveland Burlesque Queen Bella Sin performs at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque Queen Bella Sin performs at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque Queen Bella Sin performs at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque Queen Bella Sin performs at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque Queen Bella Sin performs at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
5th Annual Roxy Remembered show host Ken Schneck
Burlesque performer Lushes LaMoan from Detroit at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Burlesque performer Lushes LaMoan from Detroit at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Burlesque performer Lushes LaMoan from Detroit at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Burlesque performer Lushes LaMoan from Detroit at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Cleveland Burlesque performer Doll Bambino at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque performer Doll Bambino at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque performer Doll Bambino at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque performer Eliza Sidecar at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque performer Eliza Sidecar at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque performer Eliza Sidecar at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Cleveland Burlesque performer Eliza Sidecar at the 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Bella Sin presents 1960’s burlesque performer Toni Elling a “Certificate of Recognition” welcoming her back to Cleveland, signed by Mayor Frank Jackson
Toni Elling, burlesque performer in the 1960's
1960's burlesque performer Toni Elling honored at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
1960's burlesque performer Toni Elling honored at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Daphne Dangerfield and Charlotte (Slim) Pastie, Tap Duet at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Daphne Dangerfield and Charlotte (Slim) Pastie, Tap Duet at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Drag performer Lady J performs at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Drag performer Lady J performs at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Charlotte (Slim) Pastie performs ballet at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Belly Dance performer Mahsitti Jade at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Belly Dance performer Mahsitti Jade at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Miss Alexandra Huntingdon and The Gentleman's Intermission perform at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Miss Alexandra Huntingdon and The Gentleman's Intermission perform at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Miss Alexandra Huntingdon and The Gentleman's Intermission perform at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Eliza Sidecar and Doll Bambino after the show at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
Lushes LaMoan and Lady J after the show at The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered
The 5th Annual Roxy Remembered at the Beachland Ballroom
Cleveland’s Roxy Burlesque Theater first opened its doors in 1931 on E. 9th Street, showcasing such risque performers as Blaze Starr, Irma the Body, and Tempest Storm — to name just a few. Also featuring famous acts like Phil Silvers, Red Buttons, and Abbott & Costello, the Roxy quickly became a nationally known hub for the best in burlesque.
In 1956 the theater was remodeled by new owners. Short Vincent, a street only one block in length between E. 9th and E. 6th, where the Roxy was located, became a center of Cleveland nightlife — a gathering place for gamblers, sport figures. racketeers, lawyers, and newspapermen. Offering good food and underworld gossip, Short Vincent became the place to be for some and the place to play for others.
Celebrity performers like Dean Martin, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Gruppa, and Oscar Peterson played clubs like the Theatrical on the Short Vincent strip. Other celebrities who visited the clubs include Frank Sinatra, heavyweight champ Joe Louis, Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren, Don Ameche and Yul Brynner, and even sports figures Boog Powell, Blanton Collier, and Billy Martin.
As times changed, however, live shows dropped in popularity and the Short Vincent area became known more for X-rated movies and strip shows. During those years the Roxy changed hands again and a bomb destroyed the lobby. In 1977, after years of bad management and in disrepair, the Roxy closed its doors forever. As the other clubs along Short Vincent slowly shut as well, the once-vibrant block went silent. The buildings on the street were later razed to erect a 35-story skyscraper that now houses PNC bank.
Over the last several years Bella Sin, Cleveland’s “Burlesque Queen” (an honor bestowed by Mayor Frank Jackson), has been instrumental in reviving burlesque in Cleveland, staging monthly performances and a three-day international show each year in August. She has also been raising funds to put in a historical marker at the location where the Roxy once stood. Part of that fundraising includes a yearly show that she stages with her troupe Le Femme Mystique Burlesque at the Beachland Ballroom.
This year was the fifth for her “Roxy Remembered” event, which took place Saturday, May 23. Belt photographer Bob Perkoski captures the evening here with images from the show as well as backstage candids and vintage photos from the Roxy’s past. As a special feature the show also included 1960’s burlesque performer Toni Elling, a Detroit legend, who was on hand to receive a special recognition certificate signed by Mayor Frank Jackson.
So sit back, learn a little Cleveland history, get lost in the rhinestones and tassels and enjoy the show!
Short Vincent in its heyday in Cleveland – Image courtesy of Special Collections, Cleveland State University Library www.ClevelandMemory.org
I was working there in the late 60’s, early 70’s. There were so many strip clubs back then. So much vice I remember. I am almost 70 yr. old and still miss the good old days of Cleveland. The money was really good. For 17 yr. I made a living dancing/stripping. I got out before my looks or my legs gave out. In hindsight, I should have gone to Vegas to be a showgirl. This wasn’t a business for the faint of heart though. Thanks for the memories.
I was working there in the late 60’s, early 70’s. There were so many strip clubs back then. So much vice I remember. I am almost 70 yr. old and still miss the good old days of Cleveland. The money was really good. For 17 yr. I made a living dancing/stripping. I got out before my looks or my legs gave out. In hindsight, I should have gone to Vegas to be a showgirl. This wasn’t a business for the faint of heart though. Thanks for the memories.