History

At the close of the 19th century, Colonel Edward Butler, a St. Louis businessman, commissioned what would become one of the Midwest’s most intriguing performance venues. Originally opened as the Standard Theater, the project was a gesture of generosity inspired by his son’s love for vaudeville. From the very beginning, the theater had a flair for the unexpected. Opening night raised a few eyebrows; very few women were in attendance, as discretion (and perhaps curiosity) shaped the audience of the era. Cheeky? Absolutely. But even then, the stage welcomed bold expression in all its forms.

 

Over the decades, this Kansas City landmark evolved alongside the city itself. Known by many names—the Standard, the Century, the Missouri, the Folly Burlesque—the theater hosted everything from vaudeville and burlesque to classical music, jazz, film, and legitimate theater. Its spirit has always balanced elegance with edge, making it a destination for live entertainment in Kansas City that refuses to be boxed in.

 

That sense of character extends beyond the stage. Among its most devoted stewards was Joe Donnegan, a beloved former manager who led the theater (then the Century) from 1902 to 1922. Today, some say he never quite left. Stories from patrons and staff hint at a lingering presence—an extra “volunteer” offering impromptu history lessons or a figure spotted in the lobby after hours. Whether folklore or fact, the Folly’s legacy is alive in every corner.