Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Opryland!

The “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” that just opened here at Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, is truly that: if anything “spectacular” is an understatement.
A tradition in New York City’s Radio City Music Hall for 75 years, some years ago, Radio City created touring troupes. This show at Gaylord’s Grand Ole Opry has been part of Opryland’s “A Country Christmas” now for four years.

The Rockettes numbers were perfection – keeping the tradition but making everything fresh and contemporary. These dancers are of course the pinnacle of sophistication and grace – and then you see them in this delightfully charming Rag Doll routine.

The Rockettes are legendary for their precision and I could hardly breathe as I watched them do the number that I remembered so well from my childhood: the Toy Soldiers. I was standing exactly in the middle, and you could only see two soldiers, that are actually 2 dozen – that is how

Radio City Rockettes performing their legendary "Toy Soldiers" ©2009 Karen Rubin/News&PhotoFeatures

precise they are. It was thrilling to see.

Their routines smack of the stunning stage craft of Ziegfield or Busby Berkeley, and strike just the right balance with entertainment that will delights children and adults alike.

 

As phenomenal as the Rockettes are, the rest of the show is marvelous as well, with creative routines and costumes and choreography that is pure enchantment by a cast and crew of almost 100 (including camel, donkey, sheep who are part of the Living Nativity that closes the show).

The choreography, the costumes, the sets and lighting, the music and the performances are top quality. There is even a bit of a fancifully done Nutcracker Ballet, with a charming little “Clara” who dances on point brilliantly and sings (in other numbers) divinely.

The “Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes” is a not to be missed production that makes the Gaylord Opryland “A Country Christmas” that much more spectacular – this is one of several exquisite holiday activities that make for the most enchanting family Christmas anywhere.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes plays at the Grand Ole Opry from Nov. 20 to Dec. 27.

“Ice – A Charlie Brown Christmas” is another that is not to be believed (see blog).

Tickets to both are included in A Country Christmas Package, starting at $339 for a two-night stay at Gaylord Opryland Resort (a fantasy come true). Call 888-OPRY-872 or visit http://www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com.
More information about Gaylord’s “A Country Christmas,” Gaylord’s Opryland Resort, Grand Ole Opry and Nashville at http://www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate.

The famed precision dancers, Radio City Rockettes highlight the Christmas show at Grand Ole Opry, Nashville ©2009 Karen Rubin/News&PhotoFeatures

A touch of "Nutcracker" at Radio City Christmas Spectacular ©2009 Karen Rubin/News&PhotoFeatures

Tags: Gaylord's Opryland, Nashville, Opryland, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Rockettes, Rockettes