BBW Reviews: RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - Magical, Dazzling, Timeless

December 12, 2013 at 7:30P.M.

I have been looking forward to the "RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR", ever since the Straz Center announced their new season. Having grown up in New York and seeing this "tradition", at Radio City Music Hall year after year, I was anxious to see it right here in Tampa. But how could a National Touring company possibly compare?

Well, hold on to your hats, because this production "IS" SPECTACULAR! It is a Magical, Dazzling, Timeless, and Elegant production! YOU MUST SEE IT, TO BELIEVE IT! 5 STARS!!!

From the welcoming, red carpet walkway, leading up to the shiny glass lobby doors, the air of excitement was overwhelming in anticipation of seeing the World Famous ROCKETTES, in the infamous RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR.

The stage was draped with an elegant, crimson, Austrian show curtain, surrounded by a border of gigantic, lighted snowflake ornaments. There was a warm, sweet, pre-show reading of "The Night Before Christmas", by Tampa Chief of Police, Jane Caster. She gave a lovely, homespun rendition of the Christmas classic, while surrounded by Bay area children, who were all engaged, as were the audience.

This really set the tone of the Spirit of Christmas and was a welcome surprise.

And then...

the music began and the audience was transported into the inside of a snow globe, as the entire theatre became illuminated into a breathtaking snowstorm of lights.

The curtain rose to an exquisite scenic drop of a snowy, Northern Forest, a gorgeous line-up of ROCKETTES, dressed as reindeer, and an adorable, jolly, old, Santa Claus (played by Brent Bateman). And then, up, up, and away to the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer on route to Tampa!

What an opening!

Santa introduces the dancing, storytelling, and six angelic-voiced singers (who sing tight harmony), giving a warm, fuzzy introduction to each new scene.

There are so many highlights, including a sparkling scene from "The Nutcracker", the amazing, high energy, precision tapping, in "The Twelve Days of Christmas", the "Parade of Wooden Soldiers" with it's mind-blowing, domino cascade, an indescribable scene with a stage full of Santas, an inspirational, Living Nativity (filled with magnificent costumes and great pageantry), and the showstopper - "Christmas in New York" with The Rockettes, dancing on a full size double-decker tour bus, while taking us on a guided tour through the streets of New York City.

AN UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE!

Everything about this production is on a remarkable, grand scale. From the precision choreography, set design (by Patrick Fahey) , digital scenery, spellbinding lighting design (by David Agress), to the glittering, Swarovski crystal, bedazzling costumes (by Greg Barnes, Pete Menefee, and Frank Krenz), you can shake your head in wonderment. And, The Rockettes "signature" precision, tap dancing, line formations, and kick line...well, it will all just leave you... breathless.

The "RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR" is perfect for the entire family and will give you a lifetime of beautiful Christmas memories.

DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!!

THIS IS A MUST SEE!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year ~ 2014!!!