The Old Howard Theatre: From Virtuoso to Vaudeville and Vice

The Old Howard Theatre witnessed more than a century of history, and now it’s your turn to experience its storied past like never before. Join us for a special live performance featuring Dan Gabel with Josiah Reibstein and the Hubtones that takes you through the vibrant history of this iconic venue, blending music, storytelling, and a bit of vaudeville “schtick” to bring the theater’s rich legacy to life.

Not long after it was built for a church congregation anticipating the end of days, the Howard Athenaeum became a theater for opera, ballet, and drama. Over time, it shifted to vaudeville and eventually became Boston’s most famous burlesque house. The Howard featured famous comedians and boxing demonstrations from legendary fighters. Raided by the vice squad in 1953, the Old Howard was shuttered and destroyed by a mysterious fire in 1961.

This one-of-a-kind performance will pay homage to the unforgettable acts that once graced its stage, and give you an intimate look at the always fascinating, sometimes surprising, and occasionally sordid stories behind the theater's history—you won’t want to miss it!

Limited seating. Age 21+

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Host or Publisher The West End Museum