Nikita Fyodorovich Balieff[a] (c. 1873 – September 3, 1936, born Mkrtich Balyan)[b] was a Russian Armenian vaudevillian, stage performer, writer, impresario, and director.

Between 1922 and 1929, Balieff returned to America to tour six times, appearing on Broadway in 1922, 1923, 1925, 1927, and 1929, with one final show billed as New Chauve-Souris in 1931.

The legend claims the Tsar left his parade grounds without issuing a "halt" order to the marching soldiers.

His monologues and introductions were delivered in a mix of Russian, French, and English language and slang coupled with much gesticulation.

The fall of that year marked his final stage appearance: Continental Varieties, a revue at the Helen Hayes Theatre, which featured Lucienne Boyer.

The signed drawing is now housed in the Billy Rose Theatre Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.