Makayla White
The 1967 holiday season at Radio City Music Hall centered around the feature film The Happiest Millionaire and the world-famous “Nativity” stage show. Throughout December, thousands of people lined up along 50th Street and Avenue of the Americas. Men wore heavy wool overcoats and fedoras, while women dressed in festive hats and gloves to endure the cold New York City wind.
The Grand Foyer and Atmosphere
Inside the lobby, the gold-leaf ceiling reflected the light from massive 24-foot chandeliers. The air smelled of expensive perfume and damp wool coats drying in the heat. Huge velvet curtains draped over the windows, and the Grand Staircase acted as a backdrop for families taking photos with Kodak Instamatic cameras. Ushers in crisp, gold-trimmed uniforms directed the crowds toward the 5,900 seats in the auditorium.
The Rockettes and the Stage Show
The highlight of the live performance was the Rockettes’ “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” This routine had remained virtually unchanged since 1933. The dancers wore tall hats and white pants with red stripes. They performed precise, military-style movements in perfect unison.
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The climax of the dance featured a slow-motion collapse. As the “cannon” fired, each dancer fell backward against the next one. They maintained a rigid, straight line until the entire row rested on the floor. This maneuver required extreme core strength and coordination to ensure no one broke the sequence or fell out of alignment.
The Living Nativity
The “Living Nativity” followed the dance numbers. This portion of the show utilized the theater’s massive elevator stage system. Real camels, donkeys, and sheep walked across the stage, led by actors in biblical robes. The animals were kept in basement stalls and brought up to the stage level specifically for this segment.
The production used a full orchestra located in the pit. The musicians played traditional carols while the cast reenacted the story of the First Christmas. The lighting focused on deep blues and bright golds to create a reverent atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes Technology
The 1967 show relied on a complex “contour” curtain that could be adjusted into different shapes. It weighed several tons and used 13 separate electric motors to move. Below the stage, three hydraulic sections allowed the scenery to rise or sink during the performance. This technology meant the show never had to stop for scene changes. Everything moved seamlessly while the audience watched the performers.
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