The Empress "Burlesk" was a lesbian hotspot, where performers were romantically involved while working the crowds for money. The burlesque scene declined quickly after WWII.

In 1950, the 1,500 seat theater shifted from all-girl to all-drag. The clientele changed too: from randy soldiers to curious gays hate-watching the shows. To quote George "Bunny" Opper, "those girls weren't even trying."

The theater was demolished in 1955. Oddly enough, a ground floor retail space was carved out of the original building and survived for nearly 30 years. Later Central Danish Adult Books, the business was repeatedly raided for selling gay pornography.