The National Theater
The National was an 800-seat theater designed by Albert Kahn. Built in 1911, The National was originally a movie theater, later converting over to a vaudeville format. Vaudeville didn't last long either, and by the 1940's "burlesque" was in. A live orchsetra would as ladies would get nearly undressed, with comedy acts between sets.
In the National's waning days burlesque went out of style too, and for a brief time the theater converted over to showing adult films. The theater closed for good in 1975.
As part of the redevelopment of Monroe Avenue, the National was partially demolished in 2023 except for the facade, which will be used as a pedestrian gateway.
