From the depression up until the 1980s the Stone Burlesk was Detroit's most infamous burlesque theater. It was featured in National Geographic in the 1940s; singer Johnnie Ray was arrested by the vice squad in its bathroom in the 1950s, prompting a decline in his career and leading to him being referenced in the song Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners ("Poor old Johnny Ray..."); goth band the Sister's of Mercy shot their publicity photo in front of the theater in the 1980s; and shortly thereafter it burned to the ground. In 1999 cult musician Momus immortalized its owner, Milton Jacobson, in a song on his album Stars Forever.
The city block where the Stone Burlesk once stood is now a small landfill a couple of blocks north of Detroit's Comerica Park. But the spirit that existed there in years past was recreated in full on Saturday, October 7, 2006 inside Chicago's Lakeshore Theater where "An Evening at the Stone Burlesk" allowed patrons to enter a world in which vaudeville met vintage erogeneity. A choice selection of spicy 16mm film clips were screened in between performances by feisty burlesque dancers, an honest to god mind reading act, a fat girl lap dance, music that would have made even you want to get up and strip, sultry cigarette girls selling authentic bits of 16mm porno film strip and vintage smut DVD's, and so much more.
Our sizzling girl review featured Chicago's own Maiden Sacrifice, Bloody Belle, and Bit O'Honey.
Patrons who brought produce (apples, bananas, peppers, etc) to the theater had a chance to win prizes from Early to Bed, Lover's Playground, and Tulip Toy Gallery!
We wish you could have joined us for a night we assure you would have been your pleasure. We'll definitely let you know about the next one!
