Radio City Music Hall is an iconic venue that truly lives up to its reputation as one of the premier places for live entertainment in New York City. I had the incredible opportunity to see Joe Hisaishi conduct and perform his works from the Studio Ghibli movie franchise, and it was an unforgettable experience.
From the moment I stepped inside, the grandeur of the venue took my breath away. The Art Deco design is stunning, with intricate details and beautiful lighting that create a magical atmosphere. The seating is comfortable, and the layout ensures that every seat offers a great view of the stage, making it easy to immerse yourself in the performance.
Joe Hisaishi's concert was nothing short of mesmerizing. His ability to evoke emotion through music is unparalleled, and hearing his compositions from beloved films like "Spirited Away," "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Princess Mononoke" performed live was a dream come true for any Studio Ghibli fan. The orchestra was exceptionally talented, and the synergy between Hisaishi and the musicians created a captivating experience that resonated with the audience.
The acoustics in Radio City Music Hall are fantastic, allowing each note to ring clear and true. The sound quality enhanced the performance, making it feel as if we were being transported into the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli. The audience was completely engaged, with moments of silence that amplified the emotional weight of the music, followed by enthusiastic applause that filled the hall.
The staff at Radio City Music Hall were friendly and efficient, helping to create a smooth experience from entry to exit. I appreciated the organization in managing the crowd, which made the whole evening stress-free. The venue also offers a range of food and beverage options, ensuring that you can enjoy a snack or drink while waiting for the show to begin.
Overall, my experience at Radio City Music Hall for Joe Hisaishi's concert was nothing short of magical. The combination of the stunning venue, exceptional performance, and the enchanting music from Studio Ghibli made for an unforgettable evening. I highly recommend attending a show at Radio City Music Hall—it's a remarkable venue that should not be missed by anyone visiting...
Read moreThis is truly THE GREATEST PLACE TO TOUR IN NYC.
First, let me establish that I work as a lighting designer in a theater and I could talk on and on about the amazing old school technology they keep here. Long story short, I know my stuff about theaters and that the backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall really shows you almost every nook and cranny of the theater.
When booking your tour, in order to experience every part of the theater to your money’s worth, you will need to do some research to find the best time and day to book your tour. Knowing the entertainment industry, there is no way you will be walking on the stage and backstage if you book your tour in the afternoon before a show taking place there that same evening. It is best if you can book your tour on a day with no shows in the theater. I personally had my tour the morning after a big show because I knew that the show would be loaded out the night prior and they usually wouldn’t host an event in the morning.
In the beginning of the tour, you will go through the necessary security precautions in the entrance lobby which is good because they are keeping you safe so be compliant. You will then move to the grand lobby where you will meet your lovely tour guide. They are always very nice and very good at keeping the audience engaged, likely because they tried to get into the acting field.
Your tour group of 15ish might appreciate you more if you often ask your tour guide interesting questions about the different parts of the theater because 1) the tour guides really do know what they’re taking about and can probably answer most of your questions and 2) if your group isn’t asking questions, the tour guide may move the group along suddenly and you may not get to fully take in every part.
One interesting part of the tour is when your tour guide might offer for you to use the bathrooms in a dark lounge. As weird as it sounds, I encourage you to go in and take a look at the bathrooms that still have some of the same vintage 1920s art and amenities that still work like hand dryers.
This building is truly and Art Deco marvel of the 20s and if you have to pick between a tour of RCMH and NBC studios, definitely choose the tour...
Read moreI had an excellent experience attending The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King with a live orchestra at Radio City Music Hall on March 2, 2025. The combination of the breathtaking film and the live orchestral performance was absolutely magical. The venue itself, with its grand and historic atmosphere, made the experience even more memorable. The orchestra’s performance of Howard Shore's iconic score was flawless, bringing new life to a movie I’ve loved for years. It was a truly unforgettable evening, and I’m already looking forward to attending more events at Radio City. As the film began, it was immediately clear that the live orchestral score added an entirely new layer of depth to the movie. The score, which was performed by a full orchestra, was conducted beautifully, with every note perfectly timed to the action on screen. Howard Shore's masterpiece of a score is one of the most iconic in film history, and hearing it live in such an iconic venue was an emotional experience. Every battle scene felt more intense, every moment of triumph felt more inspiring, and every quiet, emotional scene felt more poignant. The musicians, many of whom were clearly passionate fans of source material, performed flawlessly. Their synchronization with the film was nothing short of magical, with the music rising and falling in perfect harmony with the story’s pacing. The sound quality was incredible, filling the venue with rich, sweeping sounds that enveloped the audience. In particular, the moments where the score swelled to its fullest, such as during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields or the final moments of Frodo and Sam's journey, left a lasting impression. I would love to see Radio City continue hosting common events, but also branch out and try new movies. It would be fantastic to see live orchestras accompanying other beloved film franchises like Harry Potter, ET, Resident Evil, Saw, Jaws. These movies have iconic scores and moments that would be elevated by a live performance, and it would be amazing to experience them in such a legendary venue. Overall, Radio City Music Hall offers an unparalleled experience, and I can't wait to return to their venue for...
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