LGBTQ+ art and culture is thriving on the stage in New York City this season. With new shows and old classics to see, you can fill up your calendar in the coming months with queer stories, musical masterpieces, and hilarious performances from the best of the best. Here are six of the most exciting LGBTQ+ shows to see on the stage in New York City now.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody
If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t had the chance to watch epically steamy gay hockey drama Heated Rivalry on HBO Max, then we suggest you sneak in a binge watch before you grab tickets for the off-Broadway “Unauthorized Musical Parody” from director Alan Kliffer. The story follows the show’s Shane Hollander “on his journey from power center to power bottom.” This show has it all, cameos from the show, steamy scenes, and “time jumps absolutely no one can keep track of.” Fans of the show are sure to enjoy this continuation of the Heated Rivalry universe on the stage. Performances start May 12 and run for 8 weeks only at The Club in NYC. Click here for Tickets.
Oh Mary!
Magnificently written and originally performed by Cole Escola in 2024, this show continues to feature some of the most iconic LGBTQ+ figures as the leading lady. The show follows Mary Todd Lincoln’s life based on “a third grade understanding” of its occurrences. Mary is hysterically funny, loud and unabashedly self-consumed in this comedic not-to-miss masterpiece. Playing at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City this 80-minute one act play will have you in hysterics. Tickets.
Can I Be Frank
This critically-acclaimed show is returning to the stage for six weeks only between May 21 and June 27. Written and performed by Morgan Bassichis Can I Be Frank is an investigation into the work of queer comedian, musician and performance artist Frank Maya, one of the first out gay comedians on network television. Maya was on the precipice of mainstream success before dying of AIDS-related complications in 1995. Bassichis’ performance preserves Maya’s legacy, and observes the “bottomless queer search for fame and for father figures, and for laughter in times of crisis.” The 70-minute show is directed by Oh Mary!’s Sam Pinkleton. It’s on at the SoHo Playhouse this summer. Tickets.
La Cage Aux Folles
The revival of this Tony-winning musical, features themes of love, family, and acceptance, as well as “the greatest drag show on the French Riviera,” with Billy Porter starring as Albin. Georges and Albin, a happily married couple for over 20 years, co-own La Cage aux Folles, a drag nightclub in St. Tropez. A wrench is thrown in their daily goings ons when their son Jean-Michel invites his fiancee’s conservative parents over. This production, which first hit the stage in 1983, features an all-Black cast and can be seen at the New York City Center in Midtown between June 17-28. Tickets.
The Rocky Horror Show
Another interpretation from director Sam Pinkleton, LGBTQ+ cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the stage for a spooky, creepy, and invigorating retelling of the interactive musical that touches themes from queer identity to sexual liberation, all via the stories of these “strangely irresistible characters who’ve been captivating audiences around the globe for over 50 years.” Comedy legend Rachel Dratch narrates and fan-favorite Rocky Horror songs are included in this reimagined show which has already garnered nine Tony award nominations. See it at Studio 54 through November. Tickets.
Titanique
A parody spinoff of the iconic 1997 film Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, Titanique shares with viewers what really happened to Jack and Rose on that fateful night. The story kicks off with Celine Dion hijacking a Titanic Museum tour with music and new lore that retells the evening of the famous ship’s sinking. What ensues is a “one-of-a-kind musical voyage bursting with nostalgia & heart.” This show is playing now and runs through September 20 at the St. James Theatre in Midtown. Don’t miss performances from big names like Jim Parsons, Deborah Cox and more. Tickets.
