New York City has long been considered the leading American center for arts and culture. The arts, especially theater, constitute one of New York’s primary economic forces. Throughout the 20th century, the LGBT community has had a significant and disproportionate impact on the Broadway stage, even as the New York Legislature-enacted Wales Padlock Law (1927-1967) made it illegal for theaters to show plays that featured gay and lesbian characters (though some productions managed to get around this restriction). This curated collection spotlights the Broadway Theater District and its associations with major LGBT performers and creators.

Longacre Theater ARCHITECT: Henry B. Herts DATE: 1912-13 The design of the auditorium incorporates a configuration notable for its intimacy, including an unusual square proscenium opening, and a two balcony arrangement. The Longacre was built to house the productions of Broadway producer and baseball magnate Harry H. Frazee, at one time the owner of the Boston Red Sox.