A Merry "Spectacular"

       

 

 It's that time of year again. Christmas music is back in the airwaves on 106.7 Lite FM, the tree is up in Rockefeller Plaza, the windows are in full display at Macy's on 34th Street, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is back in town at the grand old Music Hall, a tradition as magical as the holidays and the city itself.
       In its 80th year, this splendid entertainment will give you a smile on your face and makes it stays there for the show's 90 minutes.
      The legendary Radio City Rockettes are remarkable on the grand stage, and they seem to have the most sparkling dancing feet in the Tri-State Area. Santa Claus here makes a fine MC for most of the proceedings. Plus, there's the classic Nutcracker dance with plush toys and Clara and the nativity scene at the end with the three wise men and a real-live camel.
      It's also filled with whimsical "how-they-do-that" moments with a parade of santas ringing bells, an sightseeing trip with the dancers seeing the city in holiday style, and two 3D filmed segments featuring Santa's flight from North Pole to Radio City and a video game with the Rockettes controlling the adventure.
     My favorite moment in the show include the legged dancers precision dancing and marching as toy solders, falling down slowly as a rocket goes boom. It was sensational and amazing. Another moment that I liked was the funny and delightful Nutcracker Ballet.
     Also, they added a brand new scene for this version about the magic of snow which felt pleasant to me and a story in between about a young girl looking for a gift and Santa helping her to make it a perfect one. That storyline and the finale both deliver with the moral that Christmas don't come from a mall or a commercial, it comes from peace and pure joy.
    A special thanks here to Director/Choreographer Linda Haberman for a fine job well done and kudos to Scenic Designer Patrick Fahey for the adoring sets including a marvelous look at Santa's toy factory.
      Reserve your tickets now, because if you're missing this, you're close to a Scrooge or Grinch than I am, pal.

   Rating: ***
   Parent Advisory: Suitable for all ages
 
    The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is playing at Radio City Music Hall on 6th Avenue (between W. 50th and W. 51th Streets) now thru December 30th. For tickets, go to radiocitychristmas.com or call Ticketmaster at 866-858-0007

Facts about the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular:

 -The Christmas Spectacular was created by Vincente Minnelli (Judy Garland's second husband and Liza Minnelli's father).
 -The Rockettes was founded in 1925 and has performed at Radio City since 1932.
 -There are 36 Rockettes (72 moving legs!) at every performance.
 -To be a Rockette, you have to be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2.
 -The Rockettes have 1,300 costumes for a 90 minute show!