“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes” is one of the best attended Christmas shows in the country, and now you can watch it from the comfort of your home.
It is available in crystal clear 1080p resolution on a Blu-ray disc. The visuals are great, and the musical numbers are in a word: stupendous! This disc is a must-have for fans of Christmas musicals!
The show starts out with Santa Claus, played by Charles Edward Hall, and his reindeer featuring the Rockettes, on a sleigh ride to New York City. This sequence displayed the excellent dancing of the Rockettes. The flight went by The Statue of Liberty and other world-famous landmarks. They arrived and were greeted by the audience at Radio City Music Hall from a magical Northern Forest.
The Rockettes then dance to the iconic music of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” It was a very long musical number that showed off the Rockettes’ great talents as being one of the best dancing troupes in the world. It is the “Christmas Spectacular’s” version of the song, which plays nicely with the enormous performance. The Rockettes’ signature high leg kicks, as well as other dance moves, further entertain.
One of the most recognized Christmas songs from “The Nutcracker,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” is next. A young girl named Clara, played by Catherine Hurlin, has a dream about having a great Christmas. A large Christmas tree is in the background, while teddy bears and pandas dance with Clara. This musical scene puts the classic song on display for the audience to enjoy.
Santa’s favorite toys, the wooden soldiers, are in the following scene. The soldiers dance around with salutes to the crowd and march in a rhythmic motion. As the soldiers, the Rockettes’ dance moves symbolize actual soldiers in their attentiveness. The scene ends with the dancers saluting the audience.
“New York at Christmas” is one of the best musical numbers of the entire show. In it, the Rockettes ride on a bus visiting the various sights around New York City. The Rockettes sing about the best places to visit in the city from Central Park to the neon heart of Times Square. It’s hard not to be enthralled by this musical number.
Santa lends a helping hand to two young boys who need an inexpensive gift for their sister, Clara. Ben is sure that Santa can help them, but his 14-year-old brother isn’t convinced. After a music number involving multiple Santas, they all decide to go to Santa’s warehouse in the North Pole. Both Ben and Patrick find the perfect gift, a rag doll that Santa said their little sister will love. Patrick then believes in the magic of Christmas and donates some change in Santa’s money pot.
“Let Christmas Shine” is another scene involving the world-famous Rockettes as they dance with a huge diamond ring in the background that symbolizes the greatness of Christmas. This song, as well as the dance moves, are sure to entertain.
“The Living Nativity” is the iconic scene, which depicts the three kings giving Mary and Joseph gifts symbolizing their baby’s greatness. The birth is told through scripture, music and pageantry. It is an excellent way to teach non-Christians the story and for Christians to celebrate.
Lastly, the show played an upbeat version of “Joy to the World” while the cast came out and took their bows. Although the show was over, the joy of the season continues in the viewers’ hearts!
