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Christmas Comes Early

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Is Simply That - Spectacular

Nov 21, 2006 Mike Mackenzie

The Rockettes, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus are spending the holiday season north of the border for the first time, and it has to be said: it's better late than never.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular began life back in 1933, when the Radio City Music Hall had 20-minute stage shows with a holiday theme to go along with it's feature films. In 1979, a 90- minute Christmas Spectacular came to life, care of Robert F. Jani. The new show used material used in past productions, along with new work. New pieces have been added over the years, culminating in the show that opened at the Hummingbird Centre this week.

The show grabs hold of you from the beginning, and doesn't let go - even after you leave. It starts off with Jerry Herman's "We Need A Little Christmas", and here is where we see the Rockettes for the first time, and they don't disappoint. The production is filled with light moments, never delving deep or becoming sentimental - that is until the over-the-top nativity scene at the end of the night. One of the best numbers in the show is "What are you doing New Year's Eve?", sung by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, which brings the old Frank Loesser tune back to life.

It's hard not to smile when you see this show - everything is larger than life, the dancing is wonderful, and things are so high energy, that at no point do you feel bored.

No matter what holiday you celebrate at this time of the year, a day out with the Radio City Rockettes could be the family outing you have been looking for, and is such a breath of fresh air compared to other holiday shows playing annually here in Toronto. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is worth every penny, so get out and get tickets before their gone.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Hummingbird Centre, Toronto

Now until December 31st, 2006

For show and ticket information, click here.

**** (out of five)

The copyright of the article Christmas Comes Early in Modern World Theatre is owned by Mike Mackenzie. Permission to republish Christmas Comes Early in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.