I was an usher at Radio City Music Hall in 1971 when the Service Staff was photographed in the Grand Foyer ( as they were whenever a new souvenir book was in the works!) We wore the exact same uniforms (Summer Evening (white) as opposed to Summer Matinee (light dusty blue) or Winter Evening or Winter Matinee (dark grey)! 4 uniforms each!)
There WAS a cartoon made for the opening of the R.K.O. Roxy in 1932 (Cubby Bear in “OPENING NIGHT” .. Van Beuren productions). It was listed and credited in the program.
This GREAT ad in the opening souvenir book is a mystery! There is no mention of a Fleischer “SONG CARTUNE” in the opening program. It may have been included in the unit marked “MAGAZINE” (usually a melange of newsreels) The Roxy usually credited cartoons in their subsequent programs. Any ideas?
No line of precision dancers appeared opening night. It was not until October 1927 that “Russell E. Markert’s 16 American Rockets” were booked for a one week run. They of course eventually became a permanent attraction as “The 32 Roxyettes”.
Mark: I’m fascinated by this photo and wonder what you know of its provenance. I recently acquired a cache of nearly 200 similar “snapshots” of performers and staff, all taken on or about the roof of the Roxy between 1927 and ca.1930. Thats’s the good news. The bad news: only a handful are identified! I’d appreciate any info you have.
Bill Savoy
P.S.: I’m flattered that two pix of my Roxy model are among your favorites!
moviebear1
Just figured out how to post a photo of my model! I have more, but this website tells me they’re too big to post! I’ll keep trying (I’m computer-challenged … wish me luck) Thanks for your request!
Bill
Thanks, Ed, for your nice compliments about my Roxy model! I have not been back to look at it for years, but have been told that it is no longer enclosed in glass. If you do visit again, please give me an update! Meanwhile, I have to get back to work on Model Number Five!
Tinseltoes: Sorry, I just realized that I’d already commented, a year ago, regarding our mutual interest. Hoping to share more with you!
My name is Bill Savoy and I am fascinated with (and a little bit jealous of) your knowledge of the Roxy (until now, I thought I was the only one so obsessed). I was a friend of the late Ben Hall’s: he befriended me at age 16 and shared his vast collection of Roxy memorabilia with me. During the last 46 years I have added to this archives (a vast collection of programs from opening to closing, photos from excavation to demolition, over 100 photos of staff and performers, etc., etc., and last, but not least, the original blueprints from 1925 (later to be slightly revised … which, once-and-for-all clear-up the seating capacity mystery!). I have built four scale models of the place (including one commisioned by The Museum Of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York, where it is currently on display) and am now starting my fifth … (sooner or later, I’ll get it right!). I worked at Radio City Music Hall from 1969 until 1983, where I met many surviving Roxy alumni (Leonidoff, Markert, Kilduff, Parmentier, etc., etc., ) and had full access to the building and archives!
I live and work (as a scenic artist) in New York City and would love to communicate with you further on our shared obsession. If you are also interested please contact me at .
I have to sign off now because I see, by the program, that the prologue “DESTINY” is starting … to be followed by THE LOVE OF SUNYA!
Thanks so much for sharing your memories! I own 6 programs from 1938, but unfortunately, not your’s! I’ll keep searching!
Bill
P.S.: What was it like working for Fanchon & Marco?
Dear Shanvdk, A shot in the dark: When I was an usher at Radio City Music Hall (1969-73), LEO Doughtery was the kindly, old, (70+) 50th -Street stage doorman (“Pops”). A million Doughtery’s in the the Naked City … but, you never know …!
Still working on it,
Bill!
Lew White recorded organ music from the Roxy in 1927-28 for the Brunswick label. Unfortunately they were played on the 2-manual instrument in the broadcasting studio (not the auditorium’s) and are definately lackluster (compared to Jesse Crawford’s Victor, Paramount Theatre recordings from the same era). There were only a dozen or so made and occasionally come up on EBAY. The label must read: “Recorded at Roxy Theatre, N.Y.” otherwise, they read: “Recorded at "Lew White Organ Studio, N.Y.”… Know the difference! They are not great, but for Roxy historians, are a must! A recording also exists of “Teddy Bear’s Picnic”, recorded by Ben Hall ca. 1958-9 (I don’t own it, nor know where to get a copy). By that time the organ was piped through a P.A system and sounded
like “death-warmed-over”… but, again, a must for Roxy or theatre organ fans. Try contacting the “AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY” Good luck!
Bill Savoy (508 612 5669)
Dear shanvdk, I have lists of various Roxy staff members over the years, but, unfortunately, none from the orchestra during the era you mention. When I have access to my files later this week, I will
look again, with your requests in mind. Hopefully, I can come up with something!
Dear Tinseltoes, I am intrigued by your knowledge and fascination with the Roxy (Until now, I thought I was the only one so obsessed!). I saw the place only once … when I was 9 years old, my parents brought me to see THE GAZEBO because they knew it was soon to close and wanted me to see the theatre. The irony is this: I remember NOTHING of the theatre … only the movie … but have gone on to build 4 (count ‘em 4) models of the place (one on display in the MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE in Queens) and am planning a 5th! ( a case for the Subliminal??). I worked as an usher at Radio City Music Hall in the early seventies, finding my way into the design department and am now a scenic artist, living in N.Y.C.. I have an extensive Roxy collection (much of it given to me by the late Ben Hal) and I own the original 1925 blueprints. I would love to share our mutual interest, if you are so inclined. Pease feel free to email me: P.S.: Would love to hear from ALL with Roxy memories to share!
Sorry, Richka, I am Computer-challenged (to say the least) and will answer every email or snail mail I know of! Forgive me and please try again: Bill Savoy, 2 West Main St. P.O.Box 428, Brookfield MA 01506, 508 612 5669 or 615 East 14th St. Apt 10-A, N.Y., N.Y. 10009. 212 505 6254. As I shuttle back-and-forth between N.Y.C. and my compter-less country house, some things get lost in the shuffle! Apologies, and I hope to connect with you soon,
Bill
Do any ex-Roxy ushers remember a DON REGAN who worked as an usher at the theatre in the late fifties? He was a manager at the Music Hall in 1969, when I was hired there, as an usher. I would like to contact him, if possible, as I am preparing to write a book about the Roxy. Thanx, in advance, for any leads.
Bill Savoy
So how come YOU won a prize … and I didn’t??? (I ONLY donated my
Roxy model No. 3 , and the orginal blueprints … ) Just kidding, Richka and Karen!! (Seriously, Richka, would love to compare Roxy/Music Hall Service Staff stories!) Bill!
My name is Bill Savoy. I was a friend of the late Ben Hall’s, who befriended me because of my (inexplicable) passion for the Roxy Theatre (I had been there only once, when I was 9-years-old, and remember only the film, THE GAZEBO and someone singing I LOVE PARIS in the stage show). Apparently my subconscious took over because in the the last 40+ years, I’ve built 4 models of the Roxy (including the one currently on display in The Museum Of The Moving Image, in Astoria, New York). I own the original blueprints and boxes of programs, photos and memorabilia (many given to me by Ben Hall).
I worked at the Radio City Music Hall from 1969 (on-and-off) until 1980, starting as an usher and finishing as an assistant art-director. I now work as a scenic artist in New York City, designing and painting scenery for Broadway shows, movies and television. It is time I write the definitave book on the Roxy. I would appreciate
ANY and all help from anyone with memories or information to share!
I can be reached through this site, my email: or through Facebook. Thank You.
input
See my post of same view … December 1927!
I was an usher at Radio City Music Hall in 1971 when the Service Staff was photographed in the Grand Foyer ( as they were whenever a new souvenir book was in the works!) We wore the exact same uniforms (Summer Evening (white) as opposed to Summer Matinee (light dusty blue) or Winter Evening or Winter Matinee (dark grey)! 4 uniforms each!)
There WAS a cartoon made for the opening of the R.K.O. Roxy in 1932 (Cubby Bear in “OPENING NIGHT” .. Van Beuren productions). It was listed and credited in the program.
This GREAT ad in the opening souvenir book is a mystery! There is no mention of a Fleischer “SONG CARTUNE” in the opening program. It may have been included in the unit marked “MAGAZINE” (usually a melange of newsreels) The Roxy usually credited cartoons in their subsequent programs. Any ideas?
Roxy model built by BILL SAVOY
No line of precision dancers appeared opening night. It was not until October 1927 that “Russell E. Markert’s 16 American Rockets” were booked for a one week run. They of course eventually became a permanent attraction as “The 32 Roxyettes”.
Installation of CINEMIRACLE screen, 1958. Photo by Ben Hall.
Mark: I’m fascinated by this photo and wonder what you know of its provenance. I recently acquired a cache of nearly 200 similar “snapshots” of performers and staff, all taken on or about the roof of the Roxy between 1927 and ca.1930. Thats’s the good news. The bad news: only a handful are identified! I’d appreciate any info you have. Bill Savoy P.S.: I’m flattered that two pix of my Roxy model are among your favorites!
moviebear1 Just figured out how to post a photo of my model! I have more, but this website tells me they’re too big to post! I’ll keep trying (I’m computer-challenged … wish me luck) Thanks for your request! Bill
Thanks, Ed, for your nice compliments about my Roxy model! I have not been back to look at it for years, but have been told that it is no longer enclosed in glass. If you do visit again, please give me an update! Meanwhile, I have to get back to work on Model Number Five!
Tinseltoes: Sorry, I just realized that I’d already commented, a year ago, regarding our mutual interest. Hoping to share more with you!
Bill
Tinseltoes:
My name is Bill Savoy and I am fascinated with (and a little bit jealous of) your knowledge of the Roxy (until now, I thought I was the only one so obsessed). I was a friend of the late Ben Hall’s: he befriended me at age 16 and shared his vast collection of Roxy memorabilia with me. During the last 46 years I have added to this archives (a vast collection of programs from opening to closing, photos from excavation to demolition, over 100 photos of staff and performers, etc., etc., and last, but not least, the original blueprints from 1925 (later to be slightly revised … which, once-and-for-all clear-up the seating capacity mystery!). I have built four scale models of the place (including one commisioned by The Museum Of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York, where it is currently on display) and am now starting my fifth … (sooner or later, I’ll get it right!). I worked at Radio City Music Hall from 1969 until 1983, where I met many surviving Roxy alumni (Leonidoff, Markert, Kilduff, Parmentier, etc., etc., ) and had full access to the building and archives!
I live and work (as a scenic artist) in New York City and would love to communicate with you further on our shared obsession. If you are also interested please contact me at .
I have to sign off now because I see, by the program, that the prologue “DESTINY” is starting … to be followed by THE LOVE OF SUNYA!
Happy Roxy day! Hope to hear from you! Bill Savoy
Thanks so much for sharing your memories! I own 6 programs from 1938, but unfortunately, not your’s! I’ll keep searching!
Bill
P.S.: What was it like working for Fanchon & Marco?
Dear Shanvdk, A shot in the dark: When I was an usher at Radio City Music Hall (1969-73), LEO Doughtery was the kindly, old, (70+) 50th -Street stage doorman (“Pops”). A million Doughtery’s in the the Naked City … but, you never know …!
Still working on it,
Bill!
Dear Shanvdk, Sorry, no luck yet in finding Jim Dougherty. Don’t give up hope … you’d be amazed what Roxy factsI I can find, give the time!
Lew White recorded organ music from the Roxy in 1927-28 for the Brunswick label. Unfortunately they were played on the 2-manual instrument in the broadcasting studio (not the auditorium’s) and are definately lackluster (compared to Jesse Crawford’s Victor, Paramount Theatre recordings from the same era). There were only a dozen or so made and occasionally come up on EBAY. The label must read: “Recorded at Roxy Theatre, N.Y.” otherwise, they read: “Recorded at "Lew White Organ Studio, N.Y.”… Know the difference! They are not great, but for Roxy historians, are a must! A recording also exists of “Teddy Bear’s Picnic”, recorded by Ben Hall ca. 1958-9 (I don’t own it, nor know where to get a copy). By that time the organ was piped through a P.A system and sounded
like “death-warmed-over”… but, again, a must for Roxy or theatre organ fans. Try contacting the “AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY” Good luck!
Bill Savoy (508 612 5669)
Good luck!
Dear Shanvdk, Your information in hand … will check my files and get back to you. Meanwhile, feel free to email me, any time, at:
Dear shanvdk, I have lists of various Roxy staff members over the years, but, unfortunately, none from the orchestra during the era you mention. When I have access to my files later this week, I will
look again, with your requests in mind. Hopefully, I can come up with something!
P.P.S. to hdtv267: They’re accurate.
Dear Tinseltoes, I am intrigued by your knowledge and fascination with the Roxy (Until now, I thought I was the only one so obsessed!). I saw the place only once … when I was 9 years old, my parents brought me to see THE GAZEBO because they knew it was soon to close and wanted me to see the theatre. The irony is this: I remember NOTHING of the theatre … only the movie … but have gone on to build 4 (count ‘em 4) models of the place (one on display in the MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE in Queens) and am planning a 5th! ( a case for the Subliminal??). I worked as an usher at Radio City Music Hall in the early seventies, finding my way into the design department and am now a scenic artist, living in N.Y.C.. I have an extensive Roxy collection (much of it given to me by the late Ben Hal) and I own the original 1925 blueprints. I would love to share our mutual interest, if you are so inclined. Pease feel free to email me: P.S.: Would love to hear from ALL with Roxy memories to share!
Sorry, Richka, I am Computer-challenged (to say the least) and will answer every email or snail mail I know of! Forgive me and please try again: Bill Savoy, 2 West Main St. P.O.Box 428, Brookfield MA 01506, 508 612 5669 or 615 East 14th St. Apt 10-A, N.Y., N.Y. 10009. 212 505 6254. As I shuttle back-and-forth between N.Y.C. and my compter-less country house, some things get lost in the shuffle! Apologies, and I hope to connect with you soon,
Bill
Do any ex-Roxy ushers remember a DON REGAN who worked as an usher at the theatre in the late fifties? He was a manager at the Music Hall in 1969, when I was hired there, as an usher. I would like to contact him, if possible, as I am preparing to write a book about the Roxy. Thanx, in advance, for any leads.
Bill Savoy
Wait a minute ….
So how come YOU won a prize … and I didn’t??? (I ONLY donated my
Roxy model No. 3 , and the orginal blueprints … ) Just kidding, Richka and Karen!! (Seriously, Richka, would love to compare Roxy/Music Hall Service Staff stories!) Bill!
Hello, Richka! Would love to hear more of your memories! (I worked at the Music Hall, not the Roxy … was only 9-years old at its demise). Please feel free to contact me: Bill Savoy, 655 East 14th St. Apt. 10-A, N.Y., N.Y. 10009, 212 505 6254 (H), 508 612 5669 ©,
Will happily share photos of (all) my models with you.
Looking forward!,Bill
My name is Bill Savoy. I was a friend of the late Ben Hall’s, who befriended me because of my (inexplicable) passion for the Roxy Theatre (I had been there only once, when I was 9-years-old, and remember only the film, THE GAZEBO and someone singing I LOVE PARIS in the stage show). Apparently my subconscious took over because in the the last 40+ years, I’ve built 4 models of the Roxy (including the one currently on display in The Museum Of The Moving Image, in Astoria, New York). I own the original blueprints and boxes of programs, photos and memorabilia (many given to me by Ben Hall).
I worked at the Radio City Music Hall from 1969 (on-and-off) until 1980, starting as an usher and finishing as an assistant art-director. I now work as a scenic artist in New York City, designing and painting scenery for Broadway shows, movies and television. It is time I write the definitave book on the Roxy. I would appreciate
ANY and all help from anyone with memories or information to share!
I can be reached through this site, my email: or through Facebook. Thank You.
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