Video Killed the Radio Repair Shop

When David Rockefeller came up with the idea of a World Trade Center for Lower Manhattan, there was just one obstacle in his way: Radio Row, several jumbled blocks of little electronics stores, where radios, circuity, and miscellaneous used goods piled up on the sidewalks to be picked over. Whatever...

By Penn Bullock

March 18, 2010

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When David Rockefeller came up with the idea of a World Trade Center for Lower Manhattan, there was just one obstacle in his way: Radio Row, several jumbled blocks of little electronics stores, where radios, circuity, and miscellaneous used goods piled up on the sidewalks to be picked over. Whatever was the charm of this electric bazaar, it’s lost to history. In the ’60s, the Port Authority claimed eminent domain and razed the neighborhood to make way for the WTC.

Perhaps Dr. Radio is a eulogy to Radio Row. Written by Chris McGovern, South Florida’s most beloved creator of musical theater, the musical is world-premiering at Florida Stage. It’s about a radio repair store somewhere on the Lower East Side that’s following the radio star into oblivion. Facing foreclosure, the owner decides to divulge what must feel to him like an eon of memories and stories, reminding us that “you can’t get to the future until you know the past.” How musical numbers figure into this, you’ll have to find out.

Dr. Radio previews at Florida Stage (262 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan) Wednesday at 8 p.m. It runs through May 2. Tickets to the preview cost $38. Call 800-514-3837, or visit floridastage.org.
Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m.; Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Starts: March 24. Continues through May 2, 2010

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