I always know when the holiday season is coming in–when the opening night for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is announced, which happened last week. It is always a pleasure to walk down the street on the way to the theater and see the spotlight flashing in the sky, then the bright tree, and just viewing the decorations by Radio City. When you walk in the theater, you are impressed by the lovely colorful chandeliers, the beautifully decorated lobby and the many souvenirs. This year, the production is celebrating its 85th anniversary, and it is stunning to behold.
The first thing the audience experienced was a ceremony saluting Madison Square Garden’s Garden of Dreams Foundation. This foundation works with young people who are ill, homeless, in foster care or whose families are financially challenged. The foundation helps kids realize their dreams, including meeting one of MSG’s celebrities, from the Rockettes to the Rangers, or getting to play with professional basketball players. This organization does an amazing job.
Then it was time for the beloved Christmas tradition, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes and Santa Claus. The production was all you could want and more. The Rockettes of course performed their beloved and familiar dance routines. Their synchronized dancing is phenomenal to watch. These ladies are amazingly well trained and dedicated to their craft and the 85-year-old tradition it represents.
From the wearing of the 3D glasses for “Santa Flies to New York,” to my favorite moment, “The Nutcracker,” this show has lasted the test of time and will continue for some time to come. You have beloved selections like “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” “New York at Christmas,” “Here Comes Santa Claus”–a splendid number–“The Living Nativity” and “Joy to the World.” There were so many moments during the show when I could feel what I expected: the chill throughout my body of seeing a production that has scenes that touch not just the main senses of seeing and hearing, but also the heart.
“Santa’s Video Game” tells the story of the holiday season as a means for a mother and daughter to reconnect with each other. It’s also another chance to put on the 3D glasses. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular just has it all–the Rockettes, the incredible costumes, stunning synchronized dancing and singing that is on a high level.
The production is conceived, directed and choreographed by Linda Haberman. Go and enjoy a tradition 85 years in the making–and have a happy holiday season.