By Walter Murphy
Every year the Christmas Spectacular Featuring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall wows audiences. This year’s show, and its opening night, was even more spectacular because it marked the 100-year anniversary celebration of the world renowned precision dance company.
On opening night, when it was announced that many former Rockettes were in attendance and they were asked to identify themselves by standing, the hall exploded in thunderous, extended applause. A remarkable 500 former and 84 current Rockettes stood to acknowledge the rapturous appreciation. It was just the beginning of a special evening.
Santa is the host of this year’s show and the theme is “Christmas in New York.” So, of course, NYC cityscapes feature prominently in the 90-minute show—as well as multiple appearances of the remarkable Rockettes in a glittering array of costumes and thunderous dance steps.
All the classic Christmas show numbers are performed to the delight of the appreciative audience. The Nutcracker features dancing cartoon characters and a child ballerina. The Rockettes take a ride on a double decker bus on stage. Santa pilots a virtual reality sleigh ride through Times Square and up to Central Park, where an ice skating pair perform. A visit to Santa’s Workshop reveals a production mishap that results in too many dolls taking over the huge stage, and ends with a heart-warming message for the season. Santas also multiplied to fill the stage and walls to demonstrate that Santa could be everywhere. And, as with the Christmas shows, a Nativity scene appears as a reminder of the reason for the season. Ever faithful to tradition, camels and sheep walk the stage, and wise men bear gifts, completing the scene.
For many, the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” is always a highlight. Not surprising, as that number has been part of the Rockettes show since 1933, when the annual Christmas Spectacular began. So stay tuned, it will celebrate its 100th anniversary in a few years.
This year’s Spectacular honors the Rockettes’ history both on the stage and in Radio City Music Hall. In the grand foyer, and throughout the Hall, guests are greeted with displays of Rockette costumes and memorabilia. Prior to all performances this year, there will be pre-recorded interviews with former Rockettes telling their stories.
According to the troupe’s historians: “Founded in St. Louis, MO, in 1925, the Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America and world renowned for their signature ‘Rockettes Precision Dance Technique™’. Initially known as the “Missouri Rockets” at the time of their founding, the dance company relocated to New York City in 1927 before finally settling at their home—Radio City Music Hall—in 1932 and becoming known as the Rockettes.”
To continue the Rockette legacy, the troupe has created a website that encourages current and former Rockettes to share their legacy: 100 Years of Sisterhood. These stories and history can be found at rockettes.com/rockettes-legacy .
The Christmas shows are always special, but this year’s celebration of 100 years of Rockettes make it truly spectacular.
The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular has extended its run through January 5.
Photos Courtesy of The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
