On this day in 1932, Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City. Philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. partnered with Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and architect Donald Deskey to deliver an iconic Art Deco event space. It was the height of the Great Depression. The Music Hall was a stunning distraction from the Hoovervilles and breadlines caused by a third of the city’s population being unemployed.
The venue was in great demand and soon became one of the largest tourist attractions in the city. Having a film open at Radio City Music Hall in the 30s virtually guaranteed nationwide success for a new movie. Along with films, concerts, award shows, and galas, the 100-foot long Great Stage was home to the annual Christmas Spectacular, starring the Radio City Rockettes, a performance that drew a million visitors each year. The Rockettes were America’s premier dance crew with their signature precision high kicks and dancers proficient in tap, jazz, modern dance, and ballet. They rehearsed and performed around the clock. The Hall was equipped with a dormitory, cafeteria, tailor shop, and a staffed hospital just for the dancers.
Music Du Jour:
Films Du Jour:
- 75 Years of Radio Music Hall and the Rockettes
- Holiday Spectacular (2022)
- The Producers (2005)
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
- Annie (1982)
- Dance, Girl, Dance (1940)
- Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976)
- Rockettes Audition Footage
Snacks du Jour: The Rockettes burn a lot of calories and typically strive for a well-balanced diet, supplemented by snacks like protein bars and applesauce squeeze pouches. Some dancers have admitted to snacking on pizza and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Cocktail Du Jour – Manhattan Cocktail
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Chill a Nick and Nora or couple glass in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes. Stir all ingredients with ice to chill and strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with speared cherry or lemon twist.
Mocktail Du Jour – Manhattan Mocktail
- 2 oz non-alcohol bourbon
- 1 oz Lyre’s non-alcohol sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Chill a Nick and Nora or couple glass in the freezer or refrigerator for a few minutes. Stir all ingredients with ice to chill and strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with speared cherry or lemon twist.
Beer Du Jour
The typical beer menu at Radio City Music Hall features:
- Bud Light
- Goose Island IPA
- Stella Artois
- Modelo
- White Claw (hard seltzer)
Wine Du Jour
The typical wine menu at Radio City Music Hall features:
- Woodbridge Chardonnay
- Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Project Pinot Noir
- Pinot Project Pinot Grigio
- Prosecco
- Chandon Rosé
- Moet Champaigne
Use freshly squeezed citrus in your cocktails and mocktails when called for – It makes such a difference! Here’s a reliable and inexpensive juicer.
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Photo credit: “New York City, Manhattan, Midtown West, Radio City Music Hall, 1932. 1260 6th ave (aka Avenue of the Americas )” by (vincent desjardins) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
