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Radio City Christmas Spectacular: A Nashville Holiday Tradition

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: A Nashville Holiday Tradition

From Michelle Durham, for About.com

Radio City Rockettes

© Jan Duke
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Photos
More Christmas in Nashville Photo Galleries

Following a brief 15-minute intermission, Santa brings his own surprise, "I'm There", to the stage at the completion of which Mrs. Claus makes her first appearance, "Everybody's Waitin For The Man with The Bag", of the night. And we find out that Mrs. Claus is quite the singer herself. She will even take us into the workshop, "Santa's Workshop", of her famous husband where you will meet Jiggle, Squiggle, Wiggle, Giggle and the ever-mischievous Bruce. The Rockettes, as rag dolls, sneak through the aisles of the audience gaining co-conspirators in hiding from Santa. You've probably never seen a rag doll do a split quite like these can!

From the colorful and bright area of Santa's Toy Shop, there is a transition to a peaceful snowy setting with blues and whites complete with swan-shaped carriages transporting several dancers to the stage in "Carol Of The Bells". The Rockettes arrive on stage beautifully dressed in white sequined costumes with gold-fringed beading and hats with white plumes. As they turn they suddenly begin playing the backs of their fellow Rockettes. A closer look at their costuming will reveal the gold xylophones attached to their backs allowing them to "play" the Rockette directly in front of them.

In 1933, "The Living Nativity" was added to the production and has been incorporated into the show here in Nashville. I have to say that I was taken aback a little with the first live donkey that crossed the stage. When they say living, they mean it. The live animals involved include the donkey, two sheep and three camels. The entire cast; including the singers, dancers, and the Rockettes themselves; take part in this spectacular scene bringing the event to life.

Usually this would be the night to work out any performance kinks, but you'd be hard pressed to find any kinks in their performance. The show really does have something for everyone no matter how young or how old.

Radio City Christmas Gift Ideas
  • Radio City Christmas Spectacular DVD
    The Rockette's 75th Anniversary DVD special featuring The Rockettes that includes an entire show.
    Compare Prices

  • Radio City Spectacular
    A Historical Photographic book that tells the History of the Rockettes thru photography
    Compare Prices

  • Rockette Doll
    A wonderful series, just perfect for any girl, that offers several different Rockette dolls made by the Alexander Doll Company
    Compare Prices

  • Radio City Rockettes Christmas Ornaments
    Choose from an assortment of cute Rockette Ornaments to put on your Christmas tree year after year
    Compare Prices


Article Written & Submitted by Michelle Durham

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