It has been four years since the Rockettes have visited with Windy City with their Radio City Christmas Spectacular and within that time, much has changed. The newly revamped show truly lives up to its vernacular as it is a spectacle for the eyes and ears. The touring production, which for many years also stopped at the Shubert downtown is nicely nestled into the vast Akoo Theatre in Rosemont for a two week run and in many ways, remains the quintessential holiday show.
At a fast paced two hours (one intermission), the 85th anniversary production ditches a few of the staples of "spectaculars" past such as the on-stage ice skating rink and replaces them with stories of more holiday substance including the notions of belief and faith, which was quite fitting after the tragedy that occurred this week in our nation's history.
The able cast of 55 (which includes 22 Rockettes) are magnificent in every sense of the word. Most of the singing is done live (with some choral back up tracks) and the scenery, including a 7 ton double decker bus, would make even Cameron Macintosh jealous. The major focus is now on two boys, one who believes in Saint Nick and other who doubts. Through L.E.D. screens, flying sequences, a lot of saccharine and good old fashioned high kicks, Santa works his magic and the doubting boy succumbs to holiday spirit. To heighten this, there is a breathtaking Living Nativity that is stunning to watch and nourishing for the soul, no matter what your faith.
With all the posh spectacle, perhaps the greatest highlight and one with the most meaning is the video history of the Rockettes. Narrated by Tony Bennett, this nicely produced vinette chronicles the highs and lows of what has become a New York City staple since their St. Louis founding in 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets", then the move to New York as the "Roxyettes", named as they performed at the Roxy Theatre before the same owner opened Radio City. Their history is as rich as the city itself and being a New Yorker, it is hard to imagine the city without them.