'Radio City Show' A Thrill Ride Of Enchantment

Dear Reader, this nice Jewish boy critic's heart is still going pitter pat from the pulse pounding, glorious opening of the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular."

I am not simply surprised at how magnificent a goose bump experience last night was. Suffice is to say my theater going companion and I were awake for hours after the performance ended; basking in the glow of one of the most entertaining evenings in years.

I have never been one to really care for 'spectacle' or pageant shows. It certainly never occurred to me I would need to search for more words for wonderful in extolling the joys of a musical extravaganza that ends with "The Nativity," the story of Jesus. However, every inch of this show is so perfectly conceived and executed that I was inspired to purchase Radio City Christmas ornaments.

These will now go on a holiday tree, in celebration of the season and as a reminder of this majestic night of theater. Sure, I may hang some shellacked matzo balls from the tree, but what the heck. I will try to keep my raving to a minimum, but please understand that last night truly made my dreidels spin.

The "Radio City Christmas Show" has been an annual occasion for 75 years. Clearly, none of the original Rockettes remain. These touring Rockettes, as well as the rest of the ensemble are fabulous professionals at the top of their game. The corporate executives, creatives and cast have provided us with the most outstanding dance based musical feast to play on Broadway or anywhere else, in many a year.

A huge bravo to Executive Producer John Bonanni for keeping his steady hand and eyes affixed, making sure this show was filled with marvel after marvel. Mr. Bonanni (often known as Banana to those close to him) was stage manager when I was a performer in a small Pennsylvania summer stock theater about 34 years ago. Time does fly and John Bonanni's talents and importance in our world of theater just keep soaring. John, I thank you for your talent, warmth, incredible hard work, divine sense of humor and your extreme kindness to me decades ago. I thank you today as a lover of great entertainment for the exuberant joy you provided last night.

Linda Haberman's original direction and choreography are nothing short of award winning caliber. I hesitate to use the word brilliant too often, but it applies here. Ms. Haberman's team of Eileen Grace, Brad Barnes and Toni K. Rhodus, keep this spectacular's WOW factor intact from the moment the houselights dim.

I fell in love with Patrick Fahey, the scenic designer. I will cease searching for new rave words and just tell you that I wish I could put Mr. Fahey under my Christmas after he designs any show in the world he wants. That is, after he decorates my tree. Gregg Barnes and Pete Menefee's costumes, and David Agress' Lighting are beyond perfect and go into the realm of pure wonderment.

This thrill ride of a show celebrates the holiday spirit, New York City, a bit of religion, a large dollop of tradition and the world of theater at its height. I plan to eat too much fruit cake today and I plan to see the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" again. Next time, I will bring my rabbi and his family with me.

To paraphrase an old TV commercial, "You don't have to be Christian to love the Radio City Christmas Spectacular." This is one not to miss. Treat yourself, treat your loved ones and GO! The final performance at The Broward Center is December 2.

Tickets may by purchased by phone and internet through the Broward Center Box office at 954-462-0222 or www.browardcenter.org, and Ticketmaster phones at 954-523-3309 in Broward, 305-358-5885 in Dade, and 561-966-3309 in Palm Beach or at www.ticketmaster.com. The Broward Center AutoNation Box Office window closes at 5pm. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster outlets, and please note outlet times vary, and I recommend checking with your local Ticketmaster outlet in advance. Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may also be placed by calling the Broward Center at 954-462-0222 or Broadway Across America at 1-800-6-GROUPS (647-6877) M-F 10am-5pm. For further information on the show, please visit www.radiocity.com.

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