Re-Connecting with Roxy
A New Generation Discovers Samuel Lionel (Roxy) Rothafel.
Los Angeles (PRWEB) November 27, 2007 -- By invitation, Art Rothafel (53), grandson of impresario S.L. (Roxy) Rothafel, recently attended the 75th Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Beyond marveling at the highly technical revitalization of the Christmas Classic he discovered something else -- a new generation of Roxy enthusiasts.
"I am very grateful to Madison Square Garden Entertainment for its restoration of Radio City Music Hall and its continued recognition of my grandfather's achievements," says Rothafel. "What's so different today is the number of young people including performers, musicians, writers and technicians who are acutely aware of, and enthusiastic over, Roxy's accomplishments more than 70 years after he died."
It's fitting that Roxy, who by today's standards would be considered a "techie," is being rediscovered by a new generation of creative artists who embrace technology. It may, in fact, be this appreciation of technology and its use in theatre arts that is causing the spark.
During the 1920's Roxy was known for pushing technology beyond what was believed possible. From lighting, music and film to microphones, radio broadcasts and hydraulics, Roxy combined his era's state-of-the-art technologies to build massive theatres, present enormous productions and create, even to this day, the ultimate "audience experience." He was often dubbed the "greatest showman on earth."
"There's a family story that claims Roxy died peacefully with a faint smile on his face," comments Rothafel. "After witnessing the incredible technology involved with the 75th Christmas Spectacular as well as shaking hands with so many new Roxy enthusiasts, I think I know why."
Art Rothafel currently resides in Villa Park, California with his wife Laura and daughters Roxanne and Chelsea.
For more information regarding the life and career of Samuel L. (Roxy) Rothafel, please contact historian Ross Melnick, author of Cinema Treasures and a forthcoming book about Roxy's long and incredible career, at 310-951-4842.
Contact:
Ross Melnick
310-951-4842
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