Feel like a kid again!
Written: Nov 15 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fun for the whole family
Cons: none that I can tell you
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| sarahgutch's Full Review: Radio City Christmas Spectacular |
By my not-always-accurate calculations, it had been around 30 years since I'd been to see The Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall. It was a school trip to see Herbie the Love Bug. There had been trips with my parents--some of my earliest, happiest memories--traveling by train to the city where my Daddy worked. We stood, all bundled up, on the long line which snaked around the block, then entered the enormous hall, climbed the grand staircase, and wondered at the gorgeous art deco interior, the huge stage and concentrically-vaulted ceiling. We listened to the huge sound of the Wurlitzer Organ, played by two organists, waved to them as they and their twin consoled glided back behind their curtains. The movie was always a good one, projected on the world's largest screen! Then the live show always began with the full orchestra pit rising up to stage level, to many oooh's and aaah's. The amazing Rockettes as Wooden Soldiers, then the Live Nativity, with horses, sheep and camels on stage! Wow!
When my brother-in-law suggested we go to the Christmas Spectacular this year, we didn't hesitate. Our daughter, at two-and-a-half, is the perfect age to be enchanted, and my husband had never seen it! My mother-in-law, like me, hadn't seen it since her childhood. So eight tickets were purchased at the box office (there was a two-for-one deal going on for off-peak shows before Thanksgiving), and we were off!
Radio City Music Hall is just as beautiful as we remembered it. My mother-in-law whispered to me as soon as we got through the doors "I want to see if the bathroom is as grand as I remember it!" so I grinned, told my husband we'd meet him upstairs, and we swept down the staircase to the Ladies' Lounge. Our conclusion: maybe it's because we were smaller then, but it doesn't seem so grand now, but everything else does!
Trust me on this one, you want to ride the elevator, even if you don't have mezzanine seats. The inlaid wood designs are of indescribable craftsmanship, and you have the pleasure of telling the uniformed elevator operator your destination.
The foyer, chandeliers, staircase, balcony views from the mezzanine levels are all scaled to make everyone feel small and full of wonder. The seats are roomy and comfortable, and arranged at an incline so that everyone in the house has a spectacular view.
The show itself begins as it always did, with the two organists at the consoles, and as Radio City Music Hall calls it now, Our Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Mighty indeed.
The feature film portion of the show was eliminated in the late 1970's, but the live show does start with a short film starring Santa Claus introduces the man himself, the Elves and the Rockettes. Other numbers include:
The Nutcracker--a shortened version starring bears of all sizes, cute as can be.
The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers--the classic Rockette precision routine, complete with the "domino fall." I watch the Macy*s Thanksgiving parade on TV every year hoping they'll do this routine.
Here Comes Santa Claus--everyone in our party agreed this was our favorite. Santa answers a letter from a little boy, and explains how he can deliver toys to all the little children over the world. As he dances, he becomes 5, 5 becomes 10, and so on and so on, until the stage is filled with dancing Santas!
White Christmas in New York--weather casters from all the tri-state news rooms (Al Roker, Sam Champion, Linda Church, Bill Evans, Storm Field, "Mr. G", Janis Huff and more) introduce this number from TV screens projected on the big screen.
Ice Skating in the Plaza--yes, there are real ice skaters, on a rink that rises from the orchestra pit!
The North Pole and Santa's Toy Shop--more dancing, bright costumes, special effects and Rockettes.
The Living Nativity--just as moving as it ever was, Radio City Musical Hall's interpretation of One Solitary Life.
If you haven't been in a while, this year is as good as any. The Christmas Spectacular is at once warm-your-heart traditional and state-of-the-art.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
sarahgutch
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Member: Abbie Slaman
Location: NJ
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 22 members
About Me:
What's so funny 'bout peace love & understanding? --Nick Lowe
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