On November 24th, our group – Nabila Akthar, Sophia Ebanks, Angelika Pokovba – went to see the Radio City Musical Hall’s Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, a show that’s advertised around NYC abundantly at this time of year. From the time we entered, we could tell there would be some incorporation of technology because of the 3-D glasses we were handed as part of the experience. The computerized graphics were actually a huge part of the show. They were used to create settings and scenarios that would be impossible to create on the stage, such as flying sleighs and falling snowflakes. It added to the excitement in the crowd; we could feel the amazement of all people in the audience, especially the little children.The Christmas Show also included various other forms of art that we’ve learned about and seen: orchestral music, singing, dancing, and acting.
The Orchestra at the Christmas Show
The show started with a live orchestra raising up out of the stage while playing Christmas carols. Then, the Rockettes appeared on stage alongside Santa Claus. Of course, they were the most important characters in the show. Basically they aimed to show the journeys of Santa Claus, display the meaning of Christmas, and recreate the Nativity scene. It was very impressive how the show smoothly put all of this together. There were scenes that also showed off the wonderful and historic attractions in New York during Christmastime, something we believe was meant to accommodate the vast amount of tourists in the audience.
Rockettes in the process of doing their famous leg kick!
The Rockettes, the main attraction of the show, went through a number of dance routines and costume changes that were unexpected. Actually, we didn’t think they would have so many scenes to dance in. It spoke to their dedication and skill. For certain, they carried the show.
By the end of the Spectacular, one thing was for sure: the Radio City Music Hall really loves its history. We couldn’t even count the amount of times the actors on stage repeated the fact that the Christmas Spectacular started in 1933. The Radio City Music Hall itself along with its Christmas Spectacular is a historic attraction, so why not boast about it? Afterwards, the Hall had a number of pieces and items for sale and on display to give us all a glimpse into its history. The experience truly didn’t end until we exited the Hall. It is as if the Hall aimed to extended this period of euphoria and feeling of magic.
Blast-to-the-past with a view of old Rockettes’ costumes
-Sophia, with Nabila and Angelika
