The Paramount’s Christmas Spectacular

Even to be considered for a spot in the legendary precision dance troupe the Rockettes, you must be 5 feet 6 inches or taller. So it doesn't come as a surprise that the 18 chorus girls in the lineup wear short, sparkling outfits that show off their never-ending legs—which they famously high-kick in perfect unison. It's not exactly burlesque or a Vegas floor show, but the tiny hint of sex provides a welcome jolt in this two-hour holiday pageant. Bored suburban fathers will sit forward in their seats whenever the Rockettes appear (not in every number, alas); and maybe bored suburban mothers will be inspired to purchase some naughty Christmas lingerie to help celebrate after the kids are finally asleep.

Courtesy STG

The Rockettes await you.

Details

The Paramount, 911 Pine St., 800-982-2787, stgpresents.org. $15–$125. 7:30 p.m. Plays daily through Dec. 30, except Mondays and Christmas Day.

Related Content

• Opening Nights: A Christmas Story: The Musical!
  December 15, 2010
• War, Inc.: John Cusack’s not as clever as he thinks
  June 11, 2008
• Style Council
  April 5, 2006
• Fancy That
  September 27, 2006
• October 11-17
  October 11, 2006

More About

• Radio City Rockettes
• Christmas
• Dance

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

But the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is foremost a family show, entertainment for children. The Paramount has been transformed into a veritable department-store window display for this production, complete with a seven-ton Christmas wreath, strobe lights, and a snow machine. Santa is your emcee, lumbering onstage to chat about the meaning of Christmas. Music and dance vignettes then illustrate his yuletide sentiments.

If the show consisted only of these talented performers hoofing and lip-synching their way through the wintry landscape, you'd have a rousing 90 minutes. Unfortunately, Santa drags down the pace; he's like the windbag neighbor you try to avoid in the elevator. His seasonal remarks add an extra (read: unnecessary) 30 minutes to the show. The greatest audience response—from both adults and children—comes during scenes featuring impressive choreography and lavish costumes. Dancers dressed as pandas, brown bears, and snowmen enact an enchanting mini-rendition of The Nutcracker.

And in the "Living Nativity" scene, actors were joined by real camels, sheep, and a donkey. Talk about trained theater professionals! During my visit, at least, not one of them shat the stage.