The Boys in the Band: An Overly Dramatic Reading

When I started writing this play, I was so advised by so many people in positions of power “not to go there.”
 — Mart Crowley, 2019

The Fifth Avenue Hotel is proud to present “an overly dramatic reading” of Mart Crowley’s seminal play The Boys in the Band benefiting the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art followed by a fundraising reception.

The Boys in the Band premiered at Theatre Four in New York City on April 14, 1968—just a year before the Stonewall riots and the rise of the modern gay rights movement. It was revolutionary in its honest portrayal of gay lives at a time when homosexuality was widely stigmatized and forced to be hidden. At the time, homosexual activity was illegal in every state apart from Illinois and punishable with imprisonment.

Inspired in part by film critic Stanley Kaufman’s challenge for queer playwrights to “ditch all the hinting, coding, and veiled metaphor,” Crowley brought gay characters into the spotlight for the first time. Set against the backdrop of a birthday party, Crowley’s narrative weaves a story of humor, vulnerability, and universal truth. As the evening unfolds, secrets emerge, words are spoken that cannot be taken back, and the complexity of each character’s life is laid bare. The Boys in the Band is not just a portrait of queer life, it is a poignant meditation on friendship, identity, and the human condition.

This special reading features an ensemble of influential New Yorkers who are not professional actors but who, in diverse ways, contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of our city. These participants embody the essence of Crowley’s characters—real people grappling with their own complexities, insecurities, and imperfections just as we all do regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and lived experience. As they breathe life into the characters of this iconic work, we invite you to reflect on its enduring relevance and significance. Though written over fifty years ago, The Boys in the Band continues to echo the struggles of the queer community in a world still confronting issues of visibility, acceptance, and truth. In this unique presentation, we honor Crowley’s legacy and the work’s lasting impact, while recognizing the ongoing journey for equality, understanding, and compassion.

Guests are encouraged to make a donation of any amount to support the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art—the only institution in the world dedicated solely to showcasing, preserving, and fostering the work of queer artists. The Fifth Avenue Hotel will match the total amount of donations received at the event.

For more information, write to Joseph Vatter, Director of Cultural Programming, at jvatter@thefifthavenuehotel.com.

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About The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art serves as a platform for artistic exploration through diverse queer perspectives. The museum harnesses the power of art to inspire, foster understanding, and celebrate the rich diversity of LGBTQIA+ experiences. It aims to be a home for queer art, artists, scholars, activists, and allies, while catalyzing discussions about art and queerness. Founded to preserve LGBTQIA+ identity and build community, the museum traces its roots back to 1969 when Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman hosted the first exhibit of gay artists in their SoHo loft. Throughout the 1970s, they continued to support the SoHo art community by collecting and showcasing gay artists. During the height of the AIDS crisis, they rescued the works of dying artists whose families, out of shame or ignorance, sought to destroy them. This effort led to the establishment of the Leslie-Lohman Gay Art Foundation in 1987. Acknowledged for its vital role in preserving LGBTQIA+ history, the organization was accredited as a museum in 2016. Through exhibitions, public programs, publications, and its collections, the Museum examines the intersection of art and social justice, provoking thought and dialogue. For more information, visit leslielohman.org.

About Cultural Programming at The Fifth
With a mission to inspire and enlighten, The Fifth presents elevated cultural and intellectual experiences that are designed to cultivate curiosity and encourage discovery—from live thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, dynamic performances, and beyond. By collaborating with renowned cultural figures and revered institutions, The Fifth blends art, philosophy, performance, and wellness to foster an environment of creative exploration. Housed in a graciously restored landmarked building of the Gilded Age—originally designed by McKim, Mead, and White as the Second National Bank in 1907—The Fifth is rooted in the history of New York City while shaping its future.