This book features written work by graduate students in popular music studies.
#695846 in eBooks 2015-10-08 2015-10-08File Name: B016CMON7K
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A Beautiful and Inspiring True StoryBy Mark M.I read this beautiful book from cover to cover in one sitting and couldnt put it down. It is a true story and I remember very well when it all happened. Not only does this book evoke everyones own personal memories of Radio City Music Hall. it reveals for the very first time the actual behind-the-scenes story of Rosemary Novellino-Mearns. who led the valiant fight by the Showpeoples Committee To Save Radio City Music Hall from almost certain demolition in 1978. There were many roadblocks along the way. but ultimately. the Music Hall was declared first a New York City landmark. then a New York State Landmark and finally a National Landmark which guaranteed this iconic theatres survival. This would not have happened without Rosemarys efforts. The book also includes some informative history of the Music Hall and its resident Ballet Company; descriptions of the Great Stages unique effects; pictures of onstage performances and backstage activity; as well as a detailed listing of every motion picture and stage show that played in the theatre up until 1979. when the movie and stage show format ended; and of course. a history of the Rockettes. Today. Radio City Music Hall continues to present outstanding shows featuring the Rockettes and Guest Artists. and it is also the prime New York City venue for concerts and other events. Every theatre has an angel. but Rosemary Novellino-Mearns is Radio City Music Halls Archangel!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Moving and MemorableBy TravelhoundSaving Radio City Music Hall. A Dancerrsquo;s True Story by Rosemary Novellino-Mearns is far more than a preservationistrsquo;s tale or a real-life David and Goliath battle. as the author occasionally terms it. This is a compelling. very personal account of the heroic 1978 battle to save the ldquo;Showplace of the Nationrdquo; from the wreckerrsquo;s ball. Never a champion of historic preservation. New York City is infamous for tearing down so it can build up. literally. The Metropolitan Opera House and Pennsylvania Station are forever lost. and it took a Supreme Court ruling to save Grand Central Station in 1978. When Rockefeller Center. Inc. announced the Music Hall was to be shut down and demolished. New Yorkers shrugged off the news. but Ms. Novellino-Mearns. appalled and angered. refused to buckle under without a fight. Driven by love for a place where she had worked for years as a ballet dancer (not a Rockette. as she makes clear). she waded into dangerous. unknown waters leading to a confrontation with the supposedly omnipotent Rockefeller Center forces. The details of her victories. defeats. humiliations and ultimate triumph are the fabric of this fascinating book which happily includes vintage photographs. a brief history of Radio City and a listing of the shows and films playing there since its opening in December. 1932. This book is testimony to one personrsquo;s passion to do the right thing and proof positive that you can not only fight city hall but win. The author. graciously acknowledges those who helped turn her one-woman campaign into a national crusade. especially a Radio Center singer named Bill who became her husband in 1980. As a result of their efforts. they are permanently banned from working at the Music Hall. A petty and disappointing action. yes. but. in my mind. something the author should wear as a badge of honor.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I loved reading all about Radio City and the story behind ...By Donna EBravo!! Spectacular book!!! I loved reading all about Radio City and the story behind it being saved. The pictures were incredible really added so many dimensions to the story. It is very clear to see Rosies true love of dancing and the Music Hall! I am thankful for the fight they put up and that it is still alive well. Having gone there as a kid I am so happy it was saved for many more generations to enjoy appreciate the shows!!
