One of the biggest stars of the earliest 20th century was Julian Eltinge. Whereas many drag queens played on the fact they were men in women’s clothing, Eltinge (as she was often known ...

Here’s a sneak peek at a recent rehearsal: The following is an excerpt from “Beautiful: The Story of Julian Eltinge, America’s Greatest Female Impersonator” by Andy Erdman.

Al Woods built the Eltinge 42nd Street Theatre in 1912 for the female impersonator Julian Eltinge. Clark Gable and Alice Brady starred here in the 1930s production of Love, Honor, and Betray.

One of the biggest stars of the earliest 20th century was Julian Eltinge. Whereas many drag queens played on the fact they were men in women’s clothing, Eltinge (as she was often known ...