The Great Stage is 66 feet deep and 144 feet wide, but more impressive is the system of hydraulics hidden under the stage. The system, designed by Peter Clark, is comprised of four separate and mobile platforms, each resting on two enormous pistons. One platform holds the entire orchestra and can raise them 13 feet above stage, drop them 27 feet below stage and even move them under the stage to appear again in the back of the stage. The orchestra platform travels as much as 200 feet per show. The original hydraulic system pumped treated water into the pistons at 400 psi. The pistons in turn could draw from the 20,000 gallon tank and lift a staggering 190 tons of stage and 96,000 pounds of performers and equipment. The design and execution worked so well it became one model upon which the United States Navy drew when creating the aircraft lifts on carriers. In fact, the Navy rated the Music Hall system Top Secret and posted a special agent to guard it during the war.


The other three platforms measure 70 feet wide by 16 feet deep and can be combined to form a single 43 foot wide rotating section. The stages are also equipped to produce atmospheric effects like rain and fog. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) was so taken by the complex hydraulics that they named them an engineering landmark.

On the tour you will also meet a gracious and friendly Radio City Rockette, but there is something incongruous about chatting with a young, attractive person who is about 45 years too young to have been a part of the original Music Hall experience. And, of course, there are shopping opportunities after the tour at the Radio City Avenue Store.