Powering neon indicator lamp from battery
Here is one more for you to consider.  There are many ways to do this.  Basically you have to convert the 1.5V DC to ac.  Multiply the AC.  If you want, you can convert it to back to DC.  Converting here is done with a multivibrator.  You can probably improve on the one here.  In this circuit there are two methods to multiply the voltage.  One is a transformer.  The other is voltage multipliers.  This circuit will provide DC.





I saw your comment about getting the tansformer in the previous answer.  Jameco is and online electronic parts supplier.  If you search Jameco, you will find that transformer.  The transformer in the circuit here is from Coilcraft.  You may be able to get one as a sample.  If not, I think that cost under two bucks.  If you decide to try to build this, make sure you check the voltage rating on the part on the high voltage side.  I did not.