Some may find the heart of New York the ideal place for entertainment. Manhattan is filled with great places to see some of the best performances in the nation. New York’s Radio City Music Hall is one such place where one can enjoy a variety of concerts, dance performances, and special events. The hall also has its own group of dance performers with poise and much talent - the Rockettes. Radio City Music Hall, located in the heart of New York, offers a selection of high quality entertainment.
Known as the showplace of the nation, Radio City Music Hall opened on December 27, 1932. The hall was a project of Samuel Roxy Rothafel. The opening production featured dancer Martha Graham and actor/dancer Ray Bolger. In the years following, numerous acclaimed shows were performed on Radio City's stage.
The first film to be shown on its giant screen was “The Bitter Tea of General Yen”. It was difficult to book seats for films in the 1970’s due to changes in film distribution. It was also preferred to show G-rated movies. This preference wore off with time, and the showing of films ended in 1979. In its beginnings, the music hall was not as successful as it is now.
Today, the hall seats more than 1 million visitors each year and has many attractions. It is the world’s largest indoor theater, with 5,933 spectator seats and an advanced system of elevators. Its ceiling is as long as a full city block and is 84 feet high. The interior of the theater was designed by Edward Durrell Stone and is managed by Cablevision. Donald Peskey created it using a variety of materials: glass, aluminum, chrome, and geometric ornamentation. The hall’s Great Stage resembles the setting sun and is 144 feet wide and 66.5 feet deep. Today the hall is used for both stage shows and occasional movie shows.
The hall also hosts many special events. The MTV Video Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, the Tony Awards, and the Daytime Emmy Awards usually take place in Radio City Music Hall. Barney Live! took place in the hall and was the fastest sellout kid show in Radio City’s history.
The Christmas Spectacular is a New York Christmas tradition since 1933. It is an eight week long show that has been a sellout success. One hundred and forty people comprise the Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes, who take part in this great show, perform it in Boston, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Toronto. The performance is filled with beautiful costumes and holiday music made exclusively for the show.
Today’s Rockettes, around since 1933, are famous for their eye-high kicks and precision dance. They are a line of 36 women all between 5’6” and 5’10” ½” and arranged with the tallest in the middle and the shortest on the ends. They perform in many special events and television productions sponsored by Radio City. They take part in The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Columbus Day Parade, and NBC's Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. They appear annually in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and all around North America. They also present The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Dancing in Diamonds, and Carol of the Bells. There are new scenes, music, and choreography added to their productions each year. The Rockettes attract many people who enjoy their breath-taking performances.
Radio City Music Hall has been an entertainment venue for more than 300 million people. For more than 75 years now, the hall has offered exceptional stage shows, movies, concerts, and special events for the public. Radio City Music Hall continues to awe its audiences. Their talented Rockettes are sure to brighten up any audience with their unison dancing, radiant smiles, and enthusiasm. Radio City will continue to dazzle audiences for many years to come!