LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Beacon
Theatre

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay trib-
ute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose commitment to
promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and entertainment world
has contributed to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of
their communities and the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it gives this Legislative Body great pleasure to
commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the Beacon Theatre; and
WHEREAS, The Beacon Theatre, located in New York City, is the "older
sister" to Radio City Music Hall; both legendary venues were the
creation of Samuel "Roxy" Rothafel, the great theatrical impresario and
visionary of his time; and
WHEREAS, Roxy Rothafel had identical dreams for both theaters; he
believed that both the Beacon Theatre and Radio City Music Hall should
become an International Music Hall theater, to present live enter-
tainment acts as well as present cultural and popular events; and
WHEREAS, Designed by Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager in the Art
Deco style, the Beacon Theatre opened in 1929 as a forum for vaudeville
acts, musical productions, drama, opera, and movies; in 1979, the
historic venue was designated a national landmark and is on the National
Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, The 2,600-seat, three-tiered theatre has been host to many of
the greatest names in music including the Rolling Stones, Jerry Garcia,
Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Radiohead, and Queen; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Beacon Theatre has hosted such operatic
events as "Madame Butterfly" (1988), "Ballet on Broadway" (1978), and
was the first concert hall outfitted for IMAX for the film "The Rolling
Stones at the Max," in December of 1991; and
WHEREAS, His Holiness the Dalai Lama chose the Beacon Theatre as the
site of his teaching classes in August of 1999, and the Allman Brothers
hold an annual rite of spring concert series at the Beacon Theatre known
as "The Beacon Run"; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2006 the Beacon Theatre joined MSG Enter-
tainment's family of world-class venues; and
WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the imagina-
tion; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations which
further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and appreci-
ation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, As the Beacon Theatre looks back with great pride to its
beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful evolution,
it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic excellence, and its
commitment to the community it has served since 1929, expressing its
appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and enhance it over
the years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the Beacon Theatre; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Beacon Theatre, New York, New York.