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No one was prepared in early 1978 when it was announced that Radio City Music Hall — NYC's great art deco masterpiece and iconic cultural landmark — would close its doors for good and be demolished by year's end. But for one of the theater's top ballet dancers, the idea that the "Showplace of the Nation" would be reduced to rubble wasn't just devastating, it was sacrilege — something had to be done. This is the incredible true story of how that dancer and a small coalition of colleagues and friends took on one of America's most powerful families to save one of the country's most revered landmarks.
Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the captivating David and Goliath story surrounding Radio City Music Hall in the late 1970s — a battle that pitted a small group from the Radio City Music Hall community against the Rockefeller establishment to save one of the world's premier theaters from the wrecking ball.
Led by Rosemary Novellino-Mearns — author of Saving Radio City Music Hall: A Dancer's True Story — this theatrical documentary-style webinar surrounding her fight to save Radio City Music Hall will include:
Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Rosie — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!
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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
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About Rosemary
Listed among the "Great Women of Rockefeller Center", Author, Lyricist, Playwright & Retired Dancer Rosemary’s career began in Radio City Music Hall’s Ballet Company where she danced for 12 years and became the Dance Captain.
Author of the book SAVING RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL : A Dancer’s True Story, she reveals her amazing David and Goliath battle to save that magnificent Art Deco theater.
After leaving the Music Hall, she worked with Broadway choreographer/director Tony Tanner at Westbury Music Fair and her final professional dancing was in the Touring Company of Michael Bennett’s “BALLROOM” where she was a featured dancer in the role of Marie.
Since retiring from the dance world she has become a lyricist with her composer husband William Mearns who she met on The Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall where he was a soloist singer.
Testimonials
"Wonderful presenters" -Barbara
" Absolutely fabulous presentation! I had no idea the music hall had ever been endangered (I was in college at the time). I am so grateful to Rosemary Novellino-Mearns and Bill Mearns for leading the fight to save it at such a large personal cost. Every time I go to the music hall, I will remember that, absent the protest, this gorgeous building would not exist. Thank you!!! The video segments from the protest enhanced the presentation. Highly recommended." -Martha
" Presenter’s passion and personal connection to the events discussed." -Scott
" Thank you for presenting this story of the beautiful Radio City Music Hall ….. Thankfully not lost to real estate development . I wish I could say the same of the lost MGM backlots in California . They needed a Rosie ." -Bill
" Was very thorough about what happened and why. Also presenters were very responsive to questions. They are really unsung heros. Their hard work left this city with a real treasure." -Paula
" Great presenter and interesting content." -Mike
" Brought back memories of seeing the Christmas spectacular show every year as a kid. And many years later as an adult." -Janet
"The presenters were so passionate about the subject. The material was well organized, and they stuck to the time allotted. I had context for the subject as I grew up outside NYC, went to Radio City for many programs, and my grandmother was good friends with a retired Rockette!" -Laurie
"I did not know the story of Radio City Music Hall. I knew it had been threatened, but not these details. It was absolutely fascinating. I appreciated learning about the mechanical methods of bringing the aspects of performance with all the elevators in movable stage parts. I took both my daughters to the Christmas and Easter shows in the 1980s and a few other shows as well that offered at backstage tour but not as extensive is your program here. I congratulate the two of you for all the work that you did to preserve the theater, but I am sad that you were not allowed to continue working there." -Sharon
"Amazing what one person can do!" -Carol
"The speaker was fascinating!" -Patricia
" The energy and commitment of the presenter. She and her husband are clearly passionate about Radio City and I loved hearing from someone who organized and lived through the events. The content was fascinating and I loved all the photos and videos. The best program I have watched from your organization." -Rhonda
"Rosie was adorable!" -Pete
" I Loved It As A Member Of The Show Peoples Committee To Save Radio City It Was The Definitive Story On What It Took To Save The Music Hall!! Rosie And Bill Deserve Our Thanks!!" -Frank
" It was perfect! a FASCINATING story and very engaged presenters. More content like this please!" -Beverley
" All the information about Radio City Music Hall that I didn’t know. Especially interesting was about the possible tearing down of it. The attempt to not show good movies etc. so it would fail just out of greed. And not being able to work there again because they saved it!" -Marie
" Everything -- excellent webinar & terrific presenter. She is a true hero for saving radio city music hall in 1978." -Steven
"Seeing Rosie and Bill and hearing first hand their accounts of other aspects of their efforts that were not included in Rosie's book. They were so personable that I felt I was part of a small group discussion." -Julie
"It was very informative and the presenter was great. It really was wonderful and allowed me to learn more about the history of Radio City Music Hall." -Denise
"The presenter's first-hand experiences and stories. Complete gratitude to the presenter, her husband, and all the committee in saving Radio City Music Hall, a real gem." -Moira
Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
This educational webinar is organized by New York Adventure Club and is centered around the book Saving Radio City Music Hall: A Dancer’s True Story. It is not affiliated with Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG), or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates. The event is an independent discussion led by the book’s author, celebrating the historical and cultural legacy of this iconic venue. Any references to Radio City Music Hall are made purely for educational and entertainment purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. Radio City Music Hall and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks
97 tickets available
Tuesday, June 24
08:00 PM - 09:30 PM