posted by corporate_sunshine #
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In 1977, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager transformed a theater in midtown Manhattan into a nightclub. The club was called Studio 54, and the rise of disco music, use of drugs, and open nature of sexuality at the location helped it become the preeminent den of iniquity that it is so fondly remembered for.
It was a natural meeting place for artists and celebrities, and the interior was constantly changed to match the theatrical setting. The doorman was instructed to "cast a play" among the people clamoring to get in so that "nobodies" could party with celebrities.
The club closed in 1980, with Schrager and Rubell sentenced to 13 months in prison for tax evasion. There is now a bar called Studio 54 in Las Vegas, where everything is fresh and original.