Christmas Isn't Christmas Without It

Best bit? My eye popping moment was when the three wise men walk on stage, WITH THEIR CAMELS! One of which was loving every minute in the spotlight!

Any boring bits? This show is nonstop glitz, cheer and fun!

Who would like it? The whole fam-damily!

Who wouldn't like it? Even the musical haters should find this show a fun way to celebrate the festivities of the holidays.

Morning after effect: Wondering if it's too late to become a Rockette auditions are in April. I just need to learn and perfect ballet, jazz and tap.

Verdict: Snowflakes, stars and mistletoe for this one!

The weather in New York City has been delightful and warm, which throws off the Christmas countdown somewhat, as there is no snow in sight for a white Christmas. However, the lights all over the city have yet again set a magical paradisiacal tone for anyone celebrating the Holiday season on the bustling island. The sounds of bells can be heard on the streets, happy shoppers whizzing by, and of course, many families making their way to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes and, featuring a 60 foot Christmas tree on the marquee.

Celebrating its 83rd year, the acclaimed production has evolved to keep up with its young audience; incorporating a 3D animation with Santa Claus and special effects throughout the show-- on the world's largest LED wall. However, it would not be the Christmas Spectacular without the iconic precision dance number, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", performed by the 36 remarkable Rockettes, and the full-cast performance of the 'Living Nativity' scene, both featured in the 1933 debut. The audience erupts with joyful applause after each of these traditions play out. I wondered how many adults in the audience had seen this show growing up, only to return and share it with children of their own.

The Rockettes celebrate their 90th Anniversary this year, and they continue to build upon their legacy in this ever changing world of theatre. They are perfectly uniformed with not a fault to be found, performing routines which are virtually unchanged since their Christmas Spectacular debut in 1933. The production tries to out do the year before aesthetically, and with more than 1300 costumes crossing the stage, The Rockettes have as little as 75 seconds for changes. The staging is elaborate and magical, a choreography in its own right. Both the costumes and sets are glitzed to the max, making for a very shiny, sparkly, and seamless show! Rehearsals begin in September with 80 Rockettes, seven days a week from 10am to 6pm (that's 56 hours a week of dancing). Once the shows commence they are split into groups and perform 17 shows a week at Radio City, which hosts 6000 seats! Thus, allowing over 1 million audience members to see the magic every year.

As the auditorium is transformed into a winter wonderland with a pine tree aroma filling the air, the weight of the world lifts and we are reminded of the magic of Christmas, and the end of another year. A time to spend with family and friends, to give thanks for all we have, and why not, kick your legs up and dance!

There sure is nothing like a cast of; 150 people, 36 Rockettes, 3 camels, a few sheep and a donkey, to get you in the spirit of Christmas! As Andy Williams would sing... "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! I hope a ticket to this show finds a way into your Christmas stocking.

Reviewed by Nicola Quinn

Tuesday 15th December 2015
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Find me on Twitter: @newyorktheatre

View our show pages for more information about Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall.