Will Jim Dolan Do Away With The Rockettes?

James Dolan, chairman of Cablevision and Madison Square Garden, has been reviled for years for running the Knicks into the ground. And now rumor has it he wants to get rid of a beloved part of New York City—the Radio City Hall Rockettes! Dolan also owns Radio City Cityfile reported, "Much like other pricey productions—ticket sales [for the Christmas Spectacular] have fallen flat given the state of the economy," leading workers to worry. A former cast member told Cityfile, "I've spoken with people who work at the Radio City box office and they say they've never seen it this bad." Plus, "The temperamental Cablevision chief has intimated that he's prepared to scrap the Rockettes altogether and install an entirely new show in the famed venue during the holiday season. One idea he's reportedly batted around: Bringing a version of Cirque du Soleil to Radio City." Egads! Dolan's spokeperson later caught up with Cityfile, "This story is fundamentally false. We anticipate 2009 will be another successful season and look forward to creating memories for families for many years to come," but didn't say how well tickets were selling.

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By Jen Chung in News on July 25, 2009 8:57 AM

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whitecastlerock

The Dolans should just do away with the Knicks–the team they have run into the ground

AHT

Honestly, the Rockettes are a shadow of their former selves since they began opening to auditions for every show. The precision is lacking.

That's not to say I want to see the Rockettes disappear -- quite the contrary, I think they're a terrific surviving piece of NY history. An old boss of mine once told me the tale of getting scolded at his first job for watching the Rockettes sunbathe on the roof of Radio City from his office window.

But I can't afford what the Dolans are asking, and the Rockettes are not as good as they used to be. More money for less show? No, thanks. Bring back the old Rockettes and I'll think about it.

abc427

wow i can't disagree more. the rockettes have never looked better. since the new director came in they have never looked so precise. and the show itself has never been more entertaining. it would break so many hearts if the rockettes came to an end.