The Old Howard Theatre: From Virtuoso to Vaudeville and Vice

Schedule

Fri Oct 17 2025 at 06:30 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

The West End Museum | Boston, MA

Advertisement
Step Into Boston’s Legendary Theater with a Night of Music, Stories, Nostalgia…and a little bit of naughtiness.
About this Event

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.


Event Photos
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

The West End Museum, 150 Staniford St. Suite 7, Boston, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 17.85

The West End Museum

Host or Publisher The West End Museum

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Boston

Sheila E and The E Train at City Winery - Boston
Fri, 17 Oct Sheila E and The E Train at City Winery - Boston

City Winery - Boston

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Play It By Fear
Fri, 17 Oct at 06:00 pm Play It By Fear

The Rocks

ART CONCERTS
Wein Bar
Fri, 17 Oct at 06:00 pm Wein Bar

Goethe-Institut Boston

ART
Melissa Villasenor
Fri, 17 Oct at 07:00 pm Melissa Villasenor

Laugh Boston

StayC
Fri, 17 Oct at 07:00 pm StayC

MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park

CALENDAR
Melissa Villasenor at Laugh Boston
Fri, 17 Oct at 07:00 pm Melissa Villasenor at Laugh Boston

Laugh Boston

CONTESTS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Richy Mitch and The Coal Miners at Citizens House of Blues Boston
Fri, 17 Oct at 07:00 pm Richy Mitch and The Coal Miners at Citizens House of Blues Boston

Citizens House of Blues Boston

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Black Diamond Male Revue - Boston
Fri, 02 Sep at 08:00 pm Black Diamond Male Revue - Boston

Black Diamond Male Revue

ENTERTAINMENT PARTIES
Live Music Sundays
Sun, 08 Jan at 02:00 pm Live Music Sundays

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
PASSPORT FRIDAYS [Lit Events]
Sun, 12 Feb at 10:00 pm PASSPORT FRIDAYS [Lit Events]

Icon Nightclub

HOLIDAY
Jeff Jam at the Boston Public Market
Sun, 05 Nov at 11:00 am Jeff Jam at the Boston Public Market

Boston Public Market

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Live Music: Acoustic Thursdays!
Thu, 07 Dec at 05:00 pm Live Music: Acoustic Thursdays!

Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom

MUSIC LIVE-MUSIC
Jazz Night @ Long Live Roxbury
Thu, 01 Feb at 06:00 pm Jazz Night @ Long Live Roxbury

Long Live Roxbury, Hampden Street, Boston, MA, USA

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
VIP Whiskey Tour and Tasting
Sat, 09 Mar at 03:30 pm VIP Whiskey Tour and Tasting

Boston Harbor Distillery

Shellfish Rebellion
Tue, 30 Apr at 05:00 pm Shellfish Rebellion

200 Stuart St

MUSIC LIVE-MUSIC
VENU SATURDAYS (2 Rooms - Hip Hop & Latin)
Sat, 08 Jun at 10:30 pm VENU SATURDAYS (2 Rooms - Hip Hop & Latin)

Icon Nightclub

ENTERTAINMENT DANCE
A Date Night Adventure! - The Story of America
Wed, 30 Oct at 08:00 am A Date Night Adventure! - The Story of America

16 Beacon St

TRIPS-ADVENTURES ENTERTAINMENT
A Date Night Adventure! - Back Bay & Beyond
Thu, 31 Oct at 08:00 am A Date Night Adventure! - Back Bay & Beyond

95 Clarendon St

TRIPS-ADVENTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Boston Cocktail Mocktail Challenge  at Time Out Market
Sat, 23 Nov at 01:00 pm Boston Cocktail Mocktail Challenge at Time Out Market

Time Out Market Boston

CONTESTS FESTIVALS

What's Happening Next in Boston?

Discover Boston Events