Photo, MSG Entertainment

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2009) — “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” is so ingrained into the psyche of New Yorkers and tourists during the holiday season that it has become an institution, as much as a visit to the Statue of Liberty or a trip to Yankee Stadium is at warmer times of the year.

The 90-minute, intermissionless show links together musical sequences and dance numbers all focusing on different aspects of the Christmas season. Santa Claus, who makes a grand, 3-D entrance, serves as the emcee of the night, holding the hand of audience members as he whisks them away to a world where the teddy bears pirouette to the music of "The Nutcracker" and the wooden soldiers march in precise cadence.

Radio City’s annual show is perhaps the only holiday-themed spectacle in the world where old Saint Nick takes a backseat to another big star, or rather several big stars: The Rockettes. The dancers are known worldwide for their tap-dancing singularity and of course that inspired line of high kicks into the air.

This year’s extravaganza, as I’m sure it does every year, earns its title. From the moment when the orchestra glides on stage and then descends into the pit to the final curtain call, the Radio City show packs in as much seasonal glee as humanly possible. There are many of the classic Christmas songs that instigate audience sing-a-longs. There are the time-honored scenes of the Rockettes as slowly-falling wooden soldiers and a young girl watching as her house becomes a haven for ballerina-twirling stuffed animals.

For those attendees who haven’t been to the “Christmas Spectacular” in a while, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to receive a gift as soon as you walk in the cavernous Radio City Music Hall. Ushers dish out 3-D glasses so all can enjoy an opening sequence where Santa and his reindeer make their way from the North Pole through the streets of Manhattan (brushing by iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Times Square, where the show’s sponsor, Capital One Bank, has a large billboard). The short film catapults the proceedings in the right direction. This is candy-coated fun. It’s cheesy, but who doesn’t love a little extra cheese around the holidays?

The Rockettes are in fine form as they effortlessly make their way from one scene to another. There never seems to be a false step or out-of-sequence rhythm. These are dancers who come together as one, knowing when and where to move next.

Seeing the Rockettes on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade television broadcast is always nice, but there is an added thrill of experiencing the troupe in person. Watching them go through the rounds is fascinating, like human beings’ instinctive wonder at watching a factory line of delectable treats make its way from raw dough to tasty, sprinkled delight. There’s something about strict unison and repetition that is awe-inspiring to watch.

The highlight of the entire show is the ending scene, which replays the first Christmas around the nativity. It’s a beautifully realized picture of live actors, animals and imagery.

If you end up not enjoying Radio City’s annual show, you may just be a Scrooge. There’s a cold chill in the air, the clouds are getting heavier with the prospects of snow and Santa is gearing up for a night of wonder. In other words, it’s the perfect time of year for this holiday-themed, smiling-so-hard-it-hurts form of entertainment. Just let it take you. I give you permission to enjoy.

“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” is currently playing Radio City Musical Hall through Dec. 30. There is a variety of showtimes (sometimes five in a day). Visit www.radiocitychristmas.com for more information.