Located in Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, nicknamed the ‘Showplace of the Nation’, is one of the hottest entertainment venues in New York City. It was for a time the leading tourist destination in the city, and its history has played host to some of the most prestigious artists and events in the country. In 1978 it was declared a city landmark, guaranteeing its spot in the future while solidifying its position in the past.
A Noteworthy Past
When it originally opened as the International Music Hall back in 1932, it was meant to be a return to high-class entertainment. Unfortunately, the new format was not a success, and in 1933 the Music Hall converted to feature film, starting with “The Bitter Tea of General Yen” and becoming the premiere showcase for films from the TKO-Radio Studio for years. The films were accompanied by a stage spectacle, and continued that way until 1979. As the film popularity waned, the Music Hall began to lose some of its appeal. A large part of this was the fact that only G rated movies were shown, which did not allow for a large enough audience. In 1979, the Music Hall almost met a tragic end, when plans were made to convert the theater into office space.
Incredible Support
Despite the waning popularity in 1979, no one wanted Radio City Music Hall to close. There were very few who thought it would be better closed, and they had started plans to convert the Music Hall into office space. However, there was an outburst at this plan. Many people found that they cared only about the history of the Music Hall, and about keeping that history alive. Eventually a combination of preservation and commercial interests ended with the Music Hall being preserved, renovated, and reopened to the public in 1980.
Since the theater was reopened, over 30 years ago, the Music Hall has presented most of the leading pop and rock performers. Not only has it been home to many concerts and music performances, it has also played host to multiple televised events. While the Tony Awards is the only major televised awards ceremony that will be held at Radio City in 2013, in the past it has been the venue for the Grammy Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, and many other prestigious events.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a stage musical held annually at Radio City Music Hall. Produced by MSG Entertainment, it has been a Christmas tradition since 1933. Each year it is an important part of the New York holiday, features the Rockettes, and appearances of Santa Claus.
As a city landmark, the Radio City Music Hall offers a beauty and a connection to history. As a theater, the Radio City Music Hall offers an experience unlike any other, one that has evolved with the times and encompassed every generation of entertainment. It is well loved and it isn’t difficult to see why. The Radio City Music Hall is a venue like no other, with a proud history and an even brighter future.