Review: THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR STARRING THE ROCKETTES at PPAC

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes is, perhaps, the most aptly titled show I have ever seen.  Calling something "spectacular" or " a spectacular" sets the bar very high;  after seeing the show I wonder if we need to find a new word the means "way-over-the-top spectacular". 

Subtlety is absent, as Mr. Claus, his elves and The Rockettes bring a bit of the North Pole to the good little boys and girls in Providence.  The show has the thinnest wisp of a plot, but it is clear from the first that this all about  the "spectacular", period. 

Early on in its run, which began in 1933, The Rockettes found a formula that works and with a nod to tradition, many of the numbers you may have seen on a trip to NYC over the past 75 years have come to Providence.  There is the Rockette's much-condensed version of "The Nutcracker", which I (with apologies) frankly prefer to the actual ballet.  "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is included, as it has been every year.  The number is the highlight for many.  It is for me. I learned from the press material that the iconic "Wooden Soldier" costume was designed by Vincente Minnelli, when he was on staff at Radio City Music Hall.

The choreography is as astounding as you remember.  The dancers move together with a synchronicity that is unmatched.  It is no wonder that generations of little girls (and boys) have dreamed of being a Rockette when they grow up.

The "12 Days of Christmas" has nothing on this show which includes a cast and crew of 100 with 300 costumes and 200 hats.  There are  22 Rockettes, with 18 of the women performing at each show and 4 swings.  There are an additional 20 dancers, 4 sheep, two camels, and a donkey. The only thing missing, unfortunately, is live musicians.  I would trade the animals for a horn section, but, I think I am in the minority.

There are two acts, about a dozen numbers and the show ends, as always, with "The Living Nativity". The desert that the wise men cross may remind you more of Las Vegas than the Holy Land, but you would have to be the spawn of Scrooge not to be moved.

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The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes  plays at The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) through November 28, 2010.  Tickets prices start at $39 and can be purchased at the PPAC Box Office which is located at 220 Weybosset St, Providence, RI; by phone at (401) 421-ARTS or online at www.ppacri.org

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