The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a glittering, glowing spectacle of Christmas songs, dancing snowmen and Christmas trees, and plenty of high-kicks courtesy of the Rockettes. Nearly 100 cast members star in the production, Santa Claus included. Among the highlights are the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," in which the Rockettes play stiff wooden soldiers and execute precision dance moves while barely bending their knees; and a Nutcracker adaptation presented entirely by big stuffed bears. Even the absurd, seemingly out-of-place "Living Nativity" that's tacked onto the end adds to the spectacle with real camels, sheep and a donkey ridden by the Virgin Mary herself. Through Dec. 30, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 1 and 8 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m., 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Sat., 1 and 4 Sun., Carol Morsani Hall-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa, $39-$74, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org.
This article appears in Dec 26, 2007 – Jan 1, 2008.