Saving Radio City Music Hall: An Author Talk with Rosemary Novellino-Mearns
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For our final author talk of 2026, the Bayside Historical Society ventures beyond the borders of Queens for a fascinating presentation about a New York City landmark that is near and dear to many of our hearts.
In her book, "Saving Radio City Music Hall: A Dancer’s True Story," Rosemary Novellino-Mearns recounts the fight to save Radio City Music Hall from demolition in 1978. Drawing on her experiences as a dancer at the iconic Art Deco theater, she tells the story of how she helped organize a campaign that brought together fellow performers, employees, the media, cultural leaders, and politicians. In just four months, their efforts helped secure Radio City Music Hall's designation as a National Historic Landmark, preserving not only an architectural treasure but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Novellino-Mearns offers a personal account of the campaign, including the challenges, unexpected turns, and behind-the-scenes drama that accompanied the effort.
Rosemary Novellino joined the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company in 1966 and danced there for 12 years, eventually becoming Dance Captain and assistant to choreographer Peter Gennaro. In early 1978, employees were stunned by the announcement that the Music Hall would close and be demolished that April. Novellino became president of the Showpeople's Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall, rallying support from colleagues, fans, journalists, cultural figures, and political leaders. Her memoir offers an insider's perspective on the campaign to preserve one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks, recounting the people, events, and conflicts behind its successful fight for survival.
ADMISSION: $10.00 for BHS members and $15.00 for non-members
BUY TICKETS: www.baysidehistorical.org/events-1/saving-radio-city-music-hall-an-author-talk-with-rosemary-novellino-mearns
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Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series
In her book, "Saving Radio City Music Hall: A Dancer’s True Story," Rosemary Novellino-Mearns recounts the fight to save Radio City Music Hall from demolition in 1978. Drawing on her experiences as a dancer at the iconic Art Deco theater, she tells the story of how she helped organize a campaign that brought together fellow performers, employees, the media, cultural leaders, and politicians. In just four months, their efforts helped secure Radio City Music Hall's designation as a National Historic Landmark, preserving not only an architectural treasure but also the livelihoods of thousands of employees. Novellino-Mearns offers a personal account of the campaign, including the challenges, unexpected turns, and behind-the-scenes drama that accompanied the effort.
Rosemary Novellino joined the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company in 1966 and danced there for 12 years, eventually becoming Dance Captain and assistant to choreographer Peter Gennaro. In early 1978, employees were stunned by the announcement that the Music Hall would close and be demolished that April. Novellino became president of the Showpeople's Committee to Save Radio City Music Hall, rallying support from colleagues, fans, journalists, cultural figures, and political leaders. Her memoir offers an insider's perspective on the campaign to preserve one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks, recounting the people, events, and conflicts behind its successful fight for survival.
ADMISSION: $10.00 for BHS members and $15.00 for non-members
BUY TICKETS: www.baysidehistorical.org/events-1/saving-radio-city-music-hall-an-author-talk-with-rosemary-novellino-mearns
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Part of Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series
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Where is it happening?
208 Totten Ave, Bayside, NY 11359-1014, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherBayside Historical Society
