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created by Robert F. Jani, directed by Dennis Callaghan

MSG Entertainment, Hummingbird Centre, Toronto

November 14-December 31, 2006

Tired of the high art of such seasonal shows as The Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah?  Then head off to the Hummingbird Centre to revel in the high kicks and high kitsch of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in its first-ever appearance in Canada.  The single reason to see the show is the fabulous performances of the 18 Rockettes, virtually the sole remaining practitioners of precision dancing, the highly regimented group tap dance form familiar from Hollywood musicals of the 1930s and ‘40s.  Their eye-high kicks, perfect body alignment and absolute accuracy are thrilling.

Unfortunately, the Rockettes’ six dance numbers are imbedded in rather undistinguished material.  A rock ‘n’ rollin’ Santa Claus (John Paul Almon) provides narrative bridges between eleven disparate scenes that range from bland wholesomeness to the annoying as in the case of the baby-voiced bimbo Mrs. Claus (Bethe Austin).

Two scenes have been in the Radio City show since its beginnings in 1933.  One, “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” with its witty choreography and sharp geometrical formations is the highpoint of the evening.  The other, “The Living Nativity”, where the cast solemnly assembles to verses from the Bible into life-sized manger scene complete with animals will not be to all tastes.  Thank heaven the baaing of an unruly sheep helped leaven the aura of sanctimony.                         

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in Eye Weekly 2006-11-23.

Photo: The Rockettes in “The Parade of the Toy Soldiers”.