Happy Anniversary To Radio City Music Hall

It was at the height of the Great Depression when what is still the largest indoor theater in the world opened its doors for the first time and it’s the cornerstone of the Rockefeller Complex in New York City. Radio City Music Hall was the brainchild of billionaire John D. Rockefeller. His idea was to build a spectacular theater where everyday people could go and enjoy top quality shows. And since its opening more than 300-million people have been there to see movies, stage shows, concerts and other events.

Radio City Music Hall was built in what had been a rundown neighborhood in Manhattan. The stage measures 100 feet by 60 feet and was the first to have an elaborate system of elevators that could move sets and props onto the stage quickly and many of the original pieces of equipment are still being used today.

More than 700 movies have premiered at Radio City Music Hall, but since 1978 it features strictly stage shows. The biggest of its annual shows is The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular that draws more than a million people featuring the high-kicking Rockettes. During the Christmas season the Rockettes perform five times a day, seven days a week. To audition for the Rockettes, women must be between 5’6” and 5’10 ½” tall. Each year they audition between 500 and 600 dancers.

Radio City Music Hall opened on this date in 1932.