Burlesque Brothers Shows Theater Minsky's Stage Minsky Began

American "burlesque" is a kind of "variety show" (entertainment on a stage with live actors, singers, and dancers performing many "acts" (small parts or short scenes)). Minsky's Burlesque was a type of burlesque created by the four Minsky brothers in New York City. The shows began in 1912 and "lasted" (continued) until 1937. At the time, the shows were considered "obscene" (vulgar; inappropriate) and they were "outlawed" (forbidden or prohibited under law).

The brothers owned a theater and soon "turned to" (began using or relying on) burlesque to attract a larger audience. The poor "immigrants" (people who come from another country) liked "risqué" (shocking, especially in a sexual way) shows, and the Minsky brothers "obliged" (did what the audience wanted them to do).

Their theater was the first one in the United States to have a "runway" (a long walkway that goes from the stage into the center of the audience, often used in fashion shows), where the brothers "featured" (put a lot of attention on) attractive young women. They advertised their shows as "Burlesque as You Like It - Not a Family Show," meaning that audiences would see things that are not appropriate for children.

The audiences loved the shows, but other people were shocked to learn that women were removing their clothes in front of the audience and walking around "topless" (without a shirt on). Citizens' groups began "rallying" (protesting) against the theater, and in 1937 the theater lost its "license" (permission to operate) and had to "close its doors" (go out of business).