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Radio City Christmas Spectacular Reviews
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Spectacular at times, iffy at other times Review by: HobokenArt, Dec 12, 2007 |
I've been to the Christmas Spectacular twice--once many years ago and then again this year. Basically, it is what it is--which is not a bad thing. The Rockettes are, as always, amazing and the best scenes involve them. The top segment of the entire show is probably the bus ride around Manhattan which was truly "spectacular". The sleigh ride to the city from the north pole was good but a little gimmicky (3D glasses and ... read more all) and afterward I had this odd need to bank at TD Banknorth. Seriously, I know they pay for the show partly through endorsements, but they were really shoved down our throats during some scenes, like the sleigh ride.
On the other hand, while the nativity scene seemed tacked on somewhat, it was very impressive. It does almost seem like the show is going to confession after so much consumerism by reminding us that, oh yeah, Jesus was born and there were wise men and so on...but it's still a great scene and very impressive in scale.
Overall, I'd say that the show has been updated very well and some of it is must-see of the classic variety. You just have to slog through some other segments to get to the truly worthy parts. Of course it must be said that if you're bringing kids into the city for Christmas, this is the classic way to put them in the Christmas spirit...and the show is geared toward kids anyhow. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Tourists
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| 2 |
Best show ever Review by: chicken, Dec 9, 2007 |
| It is really good. It is for the whole family even your dog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!It gets better and better. Have fun at the show! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 3 |
Some amazing stuff. . . . some not so amazing Review by: rexregis, Dec 30, 2006 |
This was the first year I went to see the Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes were amazing, and worth every penny. The "Parade of Wooden Soldiers" was great, and the new scene, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was fantastic. The music was great, especially when the twin organs played, and the Hall itself was impressive. I also enjoyed the mechanical stages, especially when the ice skaters appeared from below to dazzle the audience.... read more.
In addition to the good stuff, there was also some disappointing things. I know the "Living Nativity" scene is a tradition that dates back to the 1930s, but I have to be honest and say it was boring. There was a lot of narration about Jesus and the wise men, etc. It is the final performance of the show, and was quite a letdown. There is a huge choral number, but no one on stage is singing! Where was the singing coming from? Was it pre-recorded? I didn't spend $150 to have pre-recorded music played while the people on the stage stand around. When the curtain finally dropped, everyone in the audience was looking around, as if to say, "Is that it?" Nobody even realized it was supposed to be the end.
Also, the footage of people playing in the snow on the movie screen was cheesy and boring, as was the intro to this "number" with local meteorolgists on the screen. It was like something out of an episode of Sesame Street. Come on people, this is supposed to be "Radio City!"
The use of the huge new LED screen was cool, but in a few scenes the stage looked a little naked without real "sets". I think the screen is best used as a set "enhancer" as it was in the "Living Nativity" scene, and the "White Christmas" scene.
The writing for the speaking parts was somewhat entertaining, but was missing something. The jokes were a little tired, and somewhat cheesy.
One major annoyance: people were constantly taking pictures, and the flashing of the cameras made it very difficult to enjoy the show.
To sum it up:
-Rockettes, skaters, and orchestra were awesome.
-Living Nativity, Cheesy Snow Footage, and cameras have got to go.
-Better writing for Santa story and better sets would help. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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| 4 |
2006 Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular ROCKS! Review by: vleon101, Dec 26, 2006 |
The first time I saw this show was in 1994. I remember it being boring, lackluster, and way too drawn out. Much of the segments could have easily been snipped. I had some hesitation to see it this year, but I wanted my girlfriend to experience at least once.
Fast forward to 2006. Wow! Save for a few very brief moments, this show was a go-go-go crowd pleaser from the beginning to the end. Whoever is in charge of the show this ... read more time around really knows what the people want: more Rockettes, "snappy" and "sexy" dance numbers, intense displays, and minimal cheese. I barely had one moment where I was waiting for a segment to end. Each segment was very entertaining and there was always something interesting going on.
The 12 days of christmas number was fantastic. I think I could have watched that all night!
The 3-D intro was very cool. I also like the little modern references, like: text messaging, email, and 'blueberries' instead of Blackberries, LOL!
I'm not a big religious person, but even The Nativity portion was tasteful and not drawn out. I felt like it took forever in 1994.
Anyone who says the Christmas Spectacular is boring and overrated probably hasn't seen this recent incarnation.
It flat our rocks! Thank you whoever did this show. I will watch it again next year. :~)
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 5 |
Good but not Spectacular Review by: JW, Dec 12, 2006 |
This is a good show but to label it as "spectacular" is a bit much. The Nativity scene is majestic, a joy to behold. The Rockettes are as dazzling as ever (the "military" choreography segment was absolutely mesmerizing). The remainder of the show I found rather routine, something one would normally see on a television Christmas special.
One other note: Management should forbid the use of camcorders by audience members; it's very annoying and ... read more would never be tolerated at a Broadway venue. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
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Anyone
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| 6 |
THE RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR IS MORE SPECTACULAR THAN EVER Review by: Poochie Claiborne, Nov 28, 2006 |
| I have seen this spectacular show at least 6 times over the past 20 years and it changes and just gets better every year. The addition of that enormous screen enhances the scenery throughout the show and the 3 dimension Santa sleigh ride is delightfully and wonderfully over-the-top. This year, the Rockettes have been given a much more prominent role in the production and has added another diamond in this sparkling crown of a show. My ... read more favorite part of the show is the Christmas in New York segment and I love the frequent use of the stage and orchestra pit elevators (both of these elements seem to be somewhat de-emphazied this year) and all the other mechanical tricks the stage and curtains play. This is the best family entertainment show in NYC and it is a must see event for locals and tourists alike. If one is not in the holiday spirit after seeing this show - then that someone needs to start taking "happy pills". |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 7 |
A Radio City Christmas!!! Review by: paz, Nov 26, 2006 |
| It was a amazing show that can get anyone into the holiday sprit! The dancing, singing and sets were mind blowing. I saw the show a long time ago when i was six. They did change A LOT of things, but it only made it better. There is a new 3-D scene which is so much fun. The only part of the show that pissed me off is when the rockettes didn't come out of the Christmas Tree. It needs an intermission. Have a Radio City Christmas!!!! Go see this ... read more show!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Seniors, Adults
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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