Suez Comes to Broadway

 Motion Picture Herald, October 22, 1938:

"Experienced in handling tremendous crowds, New York City's 5886-seat Roxy Theatre keeps on call extra ushers, cashiers, doormen for emergencies.

But even the Roxy's elaborate plans were inadequate when the 20th Century Fox hit 'Suez' in its world premier run, blasted 'In Old Chicago' sensational records." 

"The waiting line a half-hour before the New York Roxy doors opened. 3,089 people stretched along 50th Street a quarter of a mile."

"Usually four boxoffices are sufficient for the biggest attractions. But even the Roxy's full battery of six boxoffices (largest in the world) were swamped." 

"Every one of the Roxy's 5,886 seats is filled and more than 500, under Capt. Walter  Darrah's watchful eye wait in the Rotunda."

"Waiting line breaks through, fills huge Roxy rotunda."

Hundreds stand in back of orchestra hopefully waiting for a seat. They are lucky. This, their fifth wait, is their last." 

Suez

Theatre Talks-Roxy

New York Tours by Gary

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

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