Category Archives: Vaudeville

The vaudeville career of Madonna Montran, aka Donna Montran, aka Donna Darling.

 

IN THE NEWS – Harris Grand Theatre, Bloomington, Indiana – April 23–25, 1925

Posted on June 20, 2026 by Don Taylor

In April 1925, my grandmother Madonna Montran — performing as Donna Darling — headlined her “Bathing Girls’ Revue” at the Harris Grand Theatre in Bloomington, Indiana. The three-day Keith Circuit engagement drew five days of advance and review coverage in the local press, naming her seven supporting performers and praising the elaborate production. Continue reading →

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IN THE NEWS – Donna at the Temple Theatre, Bryan, Ohio – June 18–19, 1925

Posted on June 18, 2026 by Don Taylor

In June 1925, Donna Darling headlined at the Temple Theatre in Bryan, Ohio, with her Bathing Girl Revue. Advertised as the “outstanding vaudeville of the season,” her Keith Circuit engagement featured elaborate costumes, stage effects, and six supporting acts, marking another well-documented stop in her expanding Midwestern tour. Continue reading →

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Donna Darling Headlines “Bathing Girl Revue” in Defiance, Ohio (June 10, 1925)

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Don Taylor

A June 10, 1925 newspaper advertisement places Donna Darling headlining the “Bathing Girl Revue” at the Valentine Theatre in Defiance, Ohio. The item confirms a new tour stop, identifies the revue by name, and reveals a full ensemble production featuring themed acts, elaborate costumes, and strong billing as the evening’s principal vaudeville attraction. Continue reading →

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Donna at Fox Washington Theatre, Detroit, MI – Week of June 6, 1926

Posted on June 6, 2026 by Don Taylor

In June 1926, vaudeville performer Donna Darling and her Metropolitan Five headlined the live bill at Detroit’s Fox Washington Theatre, appearing alongside the silent film The Shamrock Handicap. A penciled note in Donna’s own hand — “week June 6, Detroit” — anchors this appearance in her career chronology. Continue reading →

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Donna in the News – Bloomington, IN, April 1925.

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Don Taylor

Donna Darling and her “Bathing Girls’ Revue” brought a Hollywood-organized vaudeville extravaganza to Bloomington, Indiana’s Harris Grand Theatre in April 1925, dazzling audiences and earning recognition as the biggest vaudeville number ever seen on that stage. Continue reading →

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