Radio City Christmas Spectacular Can Be Seen In New York, Durham, Nashville, Boston

Chalk up another causality to the nation’s poor economy.

This year the Radio City Christmas Spectacular will be playing in just four cities. In the past, the annual holiday production, starring the Rockettes, could be seen in Manhattan as well as cities all over the country. Two national tours would be launched with one visiting theaters and the other visiting arenas.

Now, I haven’t found anything on the internet that says specifically “the Spectacular isn’t launching a tour because of the economy,” but you don’t need to be CPA to put two and two together. People are spending their money on presents not the Rockettes.

It’s too bad that the show has decreased its touring schedule. I’ve always considered the Spectacular one of the big three Christmas live shows next to Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts and your local production of The Nutcracker.

For most of us (especially those on the West Coast), 2011 will be the year without Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets.

As always, the show can be seen at the world famous Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Now in its 79th year, the Spectacular takes over that historic venue from Nov. 11 through Jan. 2.

Keep in mind that on most days the Rockettes perform more than one show. For example, on Nov. 11 the Spectacular can be seen at 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm.

As always fans with Radio City Christmas Spectacular New York tickets will be treated to the classic numbers of “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “Living Nativity.” They should also expect dazzling costumes, awe-inspiring stage effects, and the wonderful dance steps of the beautiful and exquisite Rockettes.

A quick aside, I’ve always appreciated the Spectacular’s shotgun approach to Christmas. From the secular to the religious, the high-kicking dames cover just about every angle of the holiday season. It’s only a matter of time before they add a dancing menorah and a “Happy Kwanza” number.

New this year is a 3-D movie. The special effects laden film starts the show by taking the audience on a magical sleigh ride of the Big Apple. The driver of the reindeer-powered sleigh is none other than the big man himself, Mr. S. Claus.

As for the other three cities, the Spectacular opens in Durham, North Carolina at the Durham Performing Arts Center on Nov. 10. The last show in that city is set for Nov. 27.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular opens in Nashville, Tennessee on Nov. 18 and wraps Dec. 24. The show will be gracing the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House.

The Citi Performing Arts Center’s Wang Theatre welcomes Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular to Boston, Massachusetts beginning Dec. 2. The show finishes its run in Beantown on Dec. 28.

The runs in Durham, Nashville, and Boston each have several days where multiple performances have been booked. You should have no problem finding a show time that fits your family’s busy holiday schedule. Be aware that all venues go dark on Mondays with the exception of the Wang Theatre on Dec. 26.