Category Archives: Donna Montran

Donna Darling at the Bucklen Theatre (Elkhart, Indiana) – 1923

In March 1923, Donna Darling headlined the Bucklen Theatre in Elkhart, Indiana, in her singing and dancing revue “As You Like It.” Advertised as a New York Hippodrome beauty contest winner, she led a full vaudeville bill combined with a feature motion picture. Continue reading

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Donna Darling at the Strand Theatre, Pontiac, Michigan (June 22–24, 1925)

Newspaper advertisements confirm Donna Darling’s June 22–24, 1925 appearance at the Strand Theatre in Pontiac, Michigan. Promoted with her Bathing Girl Revue and “Comedy Life Guards,” this engagement strengthens the reconstruction of her 1925 Midwestern vaudeville tour between Ohio and Detroit. Continue reading

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Happy Birthday Grandma Donna

Happy Birthday rememberance of my grandmother, Madonna “Donna” Mae Montran (1893–1976). She lived a complex and fascinating life that extended far beyond her vaudeville years. Born in Albion, Michigan, she married several times, later settled in Michigan and Minnesota, and ultimately donated her body to science. This remembrance reflects both documented facts and the enduring personal legacy she left to her family. Continue reading

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Donna Darling at the Heilig Theatre (Eugene, Oregon) – 1926

In November 1926, the Donna Darling Revue appeared at the Heilig Theatre in Eugene, Oregon, as part of the Western Vaudeville Managers’ Association circuit. Contemporary coverage in The Eugene Guard identified Donna as the “heading act” and described a visually ambitious production featuring song, dance, and a striking “radium coat” finale, offering rare insight into her touring career. Continue reading

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Donna & Sammy — Rockford, Illinois (Dec. 1926)

In December 1926, Donna Darling and Sammy Clark appeared at the Palace Theatre in Rockford, Illinois, as part of a lively year-end vaudeville program. Contemporary Register Star articles describe their “brisk revue,” combining comedy, song, and dancing, and identify Darling as “The Musical Comedy Beauty.” These notices document another confirmed Midwestern engagement late in Darling’s touring career. Continue reading

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