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'Radio City' puttin' on the glitz

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

By Matt Windman | amNewYork Theater Critic

November 26, 2007

75th anniversary version of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. (Paul Kolnik, MSG Entertainment)

Regardless of whether you even like "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular," we must confess that this is easily the most handsome, lavishly produced edition of the revue in years. In honor of reaching its 75th anniversary, its producers have truly gone the extra mile in exceeding expectations.

Long before Disney musicals, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," the Big Apple Circus or Cirque du Soleil attempted to raid the family holiday market, "The Radio City Christmas Spectacular" wrapped Christmastime in glitz, offering elaborate sets, a huge orchestra, musical numbers, kick-lines and occasionally sex appeal. In 1933, the show premiered as a sideshow in between movie screenings. Since then, it has been some by approximately 62 million spectators.

Perhaps the classiest decision made by director-choreographer Linda Habermann was to allow the Rockettes and supporting cast to take a bow. Previously, the show has awkwardly ended immediately after the "Living Nativity" sequence; Jesus was born; the donkeys, sheep and camels were escorted offstage, and the show was suddenly over.

The curtain call reinforces the fact that in spite of whatever snow effects or double-decker buses are inserted for spectacle, The Rockettes are truly at the heart of the show.

There is also a newfound respect for Radio City's history. A short film narrated by Tony Bennett on the huge L.E.D. screen brings back memories of not only Radio City in its prime, but of how the place was nearly shut down in the 1970s. Radio City, after all, is more than just a theater; it is an entertainment palace covered in art deco grandeur.

As always, the various vignettes filling up the 90 minute show include the mini-size "Nutcracker," a 3-D flim depicting Santa's sleigh ride through New York City (complete with product endorsements on every building), the "Santa's Workshop" sequence, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," "The 12 Days of Christmas," and the "Living Nativity."

Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, 212-307-4100, $40-100, 212-307-4100. Thru Dec 30.