Cost: $10.00 for BHS members; $15.00 for non-members

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.

About the author:

Rosemary Novellino-Mearns is an author, lyricist, playwright, and retired dancer whose career began with the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company, where she danced for 12 years and served as Dance Captain. She is the author of Saving Radio City Music Hall: A Dancer's True Story, a memoir recounting her role in the effort to preserve the iconic Art Deco landmark.

Following her dancing career, Rosemary collaborated with Broadway choreographer and director Tony Tanner and performed in the touring company of Michael Bennett's Ballroom. She later turned to songwriting, collaborating with her husband, composer William Mearns, on several musicals, including Ebenezer, based on Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol; A Patch of Life, based on Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch; and The Haunted Bookshop. Her contributions to the history and preservation of Radio City Music Hall have also earned her recognition among the "Great Women of Rockefeller Center."

Purchase tickets below or call 718-352-1548.

This event is part of the Bayside Historical Society's Author Talk at the Castle Series.