Wonder World

The 1964 New York World’s Fair transformed more than 600 acres of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens into an international destination, drawing millions to exhibits representing cultures and industries from around the world. Such fairs—and the lavish live productions created for their audiences—were once major cultural events rarely seen on this scale today.

Among them was Wonder World, a water and stage extravaganza produced by Radio City Music Hall impresario Leon Leonidoff. Its large cast included John Hemmer as a swimmer and performer, alongside other entertainers who would later work at New York’s famed Latin Quarter nightclub.