March 11

On March 11, 1851, Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto, one of his most acclaimed operas, debuted at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Commissioned for its innovative score, the opera introduced audiences to Verdi’s dramatic mastery and bold thematic content. The tragic tale of the jester Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda captivated listeners with its haunting arias and powerful orchestration. Its premiere success established Verdi as a leading force in Italian opera and influenced countless composers. Rigoletto’s themes of vengeance, love, and corruption resonated with 19th-century audiences and continue to enthrall opera lovers today. The work remains a staple of the international repertoire, celebrated for its emotional depth and musical brilliance.

On March 11, 1927, Samuel ‘Roxy’ Rothafel inaugurated the Roxy Theatre on Broadway in New York City, hailed as the ‘Cathedral of the Motion Picture.’ The lavish venue featured a grand auditorium, ornate décor, and a state-of-the-art Wurlitzer organ for live musical accompaniment. Roxy’s innovative programming blended silent films with stage performances, elevating movie-going to a spectacular event. The theater’s luxury amenities and marketing genius set new standards for entertainment during the Roaring Twenties. Across its heyday, the Roxy hosted film premieres, concerts, and lavish galas, drawing celebrities and socialites. Though demolished in 1960, its influence persists in theater design and the evolution of cinematic presentation.