Queens Theatre to celebrate 60th anniversary of the World’s Fair with special tours, food tastings

A new event series celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York is set to kick off later this month. Queens Theatre on Thursday announced Theaterama!, a monthly series of special events looking back at the wonders of the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadow Corona Park. Starting in April and running through October, the events include historical tours, pop-up performances, film screenings, food tastings, and more.

“The 1964/65 World’s Fair was magnetic, international, and inspiring – sparking the imaginations of everyone who attended. Ten years ago, Queens Theatre’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary drew an incredible community response,” Taryn Sacramone, executive director of Queens Theatre, said. “The deep affection and curiosity that people have about the Fairs was striking. Enthusiasm for commemorating the anniversary was not limited to those who had attended the Fairs themselves. Younger generations were intrigued and inspired.”

Sacramone continued: “With the 60th anniversary, we know our community members would be eager to mark the occasion, and we wanted to provide a range of artistic and joyful experiences, which gave us the perfect opportunity to partner with other organizations. Music, film, theater, history, storytelling, food – we have something for everyone to enjoy – just as the Fair did!” 

Theaterama! pays homage to the original name of the Queens Theatre, one of the three structures built on the New York State Pavilion for the World’s Fair.

The series starts on Sunday, April 28 and runs through October 27th. Theaterama! is presented in partnership with the Queensboro Dance Festival, the Louis Armstrong House Museum, the Queens World Film Festival, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses.

The event schedule can be found below:

Remembering the 1964 New York World’s Fair
Sunday, April 28 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Queens Theatre Cabaret
To kick off Theaterama!, author and presenter Trav S.D. will follow up his 2019 program about the 1939 World’s Fair with a three-part exploration of the 1964/65 Fair. The presentation will delve into the rich history of the Fair, followed by recollections from those who worked and attended it. Audience members will also have the chance to share memories. Tickets cost $17 and can be purchased here.

1964/65 World’s Fanfare, Part 1
Sunday, May 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Unisphere
Embark on a free tour of historical sites throughout the park, stopping at sites like the Fair’s Avenue of Flags, the Fountain of Planets, and more. The special event will feature pop-up dance performances along the way, with dance companies representing countries present at the World’s Fair, including China, the Philippines, Greece, Ireland, and more. The tour will also stop at the Queens Theatre, where guests will be treated to a special demonstration of Aikido, a Japanese martial art first introduced to the United States at the fair.

Armstrong at the World’s Fair Revisited
Sunday, June 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Queens Theatre’s Shulman Theater
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of legendary jazz trumpeter and long-time Queens resident Louis Armstrong’s performance at the World’s Fair. As part of this special musical event, Alphonso Horne and the Gotham Kings will showcase their love of Armstrong’s music. Presented in partnership with the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Horne will take audience members on a journey through the history of jazz and the trumpet through “rags, stomps, shouts, and funk.” Tickets cost $17 and can be purchased here.

Modern Ruin
Sunday, July 14 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Queens Theatre’s Shulman Theater
Sit down for a screening of Matthew Silva’s “Modern Ruin,” a documentary film that dives into the history of the New York Pavilion and follows it from its glory days of the Fair to its decrepit state following 50 years of deterioration. The film touches on the Pavilion’s use as a concert venue in the 60s and as a roller rink in the 70s.

Following the screening, Silva will sit down with Bill Cotter, author of “The 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair” moderated by Katha Cato, for an engaging panel discussion. Tickets cost $17 and can be purchased here.

1964/65 World’s Fanfare, Part 2
Sunday, August 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Unisphere
The celebration of the Fair continues with an evening of free outdoor dance performances presented by the Queens Dance Festival. The performances will feature Queens-based dance companies representing countries present at the Fair.

Taste the World’s Fare!
Sunday, September 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Queens Theatre
Take a bite of the culinary delights offered at the World’s Fair, some of which were introduced to the U.S. for the first time. Featured items include falafel, waffles, sangria, and more. Food will be available for purchase, and a donation is suggested for admission.

World’s Fair Plays – A Theatrical Eevent
Sunday, October 27
Queens Theatre
For this event, the Queens Theatre will present play readings inspired by the World’s Fair and originally written for the Theatre’s 2014 World’s Fair Play Festival. More information about this event will be released this summer.

Learn more about Theaterama! and the event schedule here.

RELATED:

• Queens’ iconic New York State Pavilion will be illuminated every night
• Mist garden from 1964 World’s Fair restored at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
• NYC Parks breaks ground on $24M project to restore Philip Johnson’s 1964 World’s Fair Pavilion