BWW Reviews: Spirited Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Peabody Opera House

The Rockettes celebrate 85 years of high kicks with the charming and colorful Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It's an evening filled with holiday spirit and it's fit for the entire family. This yuletide extravaganza is currently playing the Peabody Opera House through November 17, 2012.

After Vic Porcelli reads “The Night Before Christmas”, various scenes follow that explore different holiday traditions, with The Rockettes making their initial appearance as reindeer. The Nutcracker is given a brief run through as well, and there is a cool projected tour of New York during this festive time of year that features the gals gallivanting on a double-Decker bus. The second half features a trip to Santa's workshop, and also a living Nativity scene.

Brent Bateman does a solid job of guiding the action as Santa and Andrea Best is good as his wife. But, The Rockettes are the real attraction here, and they pop up in various roles throughout the proceeding. Excellent work is turned in by: Emily Blanchard, Bethany Blanchard, Rachel Borgman, Nirine S. Brown, Jessie Crouch, Addie Elsbecker, Melinda Farrell, Kari Gregg, Morgan Hartley, Danielle Horn, Kerry Margolin, Margaret McPherson, Megan Miller, Stacy Paydo, Megan Peterson, Barbi Powers, Summer Renner, Tori Schelling, Becky Elizabeth Stout and Corey Whalen. The Radio City Vocalists make a pleasing sound, and include: Andrea Best, Melanie Czaykowsky, Wade Dooley, Ross Lekites, Travis Nesbitt, Adam Ryan Tackett, Dana Wilson, and Corrine Tork.

Director Julie Branam (originally directed and choreographed by Linda Haberman) keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, and the overall effect is a pleasant one, conjuring up a plethora of holiday memories in the process. Patrick Fahey's lovely scenic design is greatly enhanced by some stunningly sharp projections. The many costume changes come courtesy of the team of Gregg Barnes, Pete Menefee and Frank Krenz.

If you're in the mood for some holiday fare then you should definitely check out the Radio City Christmas Spectacular now playing at the Peabody Opera House through November 17, 2012.

Chris has been active in the local theatre scene for over 30 years. In addition to his acting work, he's also contributed as a director, writer and composer. Though, initially a film buff, he grew tired of the sanitized, PG-13 rated blockbusters that were being continually shoved down his throat by the studios. An opportunity to review theatre in St. Louis has grown exponentially with the sudden explosion of venues and talent in the region. He now finds himself obsessed with witnessing those precious, electric moments that can only happen live, on stage.

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