I heard canned music at Radio City last night. My thoughts:

[shermanslave]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 9:30am

It was definitely noticable to me that there was no live orchestra. Especially when the stage came up filled with some snowy park scene that normaly would have had the musicians on it. It was kind of weird that for two minutes or so, we listened to music as the snowy park scene came from the back of the stage and then back down into the pit. However, the place was full of people who could not have cared less. I have only seen the show one other time and I had forgotten how disinterested so many people can be. Kids and people milled about through the whole show. It never got quiet in the house and when the Nativity scene came up, the place was full of flash photography; it looked like a rock concert. And ehat's up with that Nativity? Man oh man, it's like they practically bang you over the head with a baby Jesus. Alright already, Jesus is Lord-got it!

So now that I have seen the Spectacular twice in ten years, I think I am good.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 9:37am

What's up with the Nativity?

Um... Christmas, you know. This is a really well-kept secret... but aside from Santa Claus, a big giant tree and the Rockettes, it's also Jesus's birthday. Try not to tell too many people about that, though. They get very upset.

This "spectacular" sounds less-than. Like like a theme park ride at Disneyland with the same kind of clientele. Maybe we can just replace the Rockettes with robots and be done with it. I mean, who needs 'em, right?

How depressing, all around.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 9:43am

Yes, I get that "Jesus is the reason for the season", thanks. But it's sort of an afterthought in the show. After an hour and fifteen minutes of ice skaters, elves and Santa-fluff the show suddenly turns into this big preachy thing for about 15 minutes. It just seems suddenly serious. And preachy. Way too preachy.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 9:52am

Sounds like "subtlety" was left at the door on this entire show... not just the "Jesus part." At least they're consistent with their sledge-hammer approach.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 9:54am

you got that right.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 10:05am

The really sad part is those people that seemed more interested in running up and down the aisles and talking to each other. The bathroom breaks and snacks for the kiddies always win. They could have saved a lot of money and just sat around at a bus terminal. They have aisles and snacks, too, and you can talk all you want there. And there's no distracting stage show to get in the way of conversations with your kids. And the best part is it's FREE! God, help us all.

"Musta been raised in a barn!!"

[Mamie]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 10:12am

I hadn't seen this show in about 20 years and went back about 3 years ago so my niece could see it. It was exactly the same thing. I hated it. A few years ago we went to the circus here and it felt the same - people running all over, talking out loud, taking pictures. It wasn't theatre in any way whatsoever. I said it before - the people who go to that show don't care about live music. The musicians strike isn't going to hurt their ticket sales at all.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 11:29am

I saw the show for the first time last year, and I thought it was absolutley terrible, and a massive waste of money.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 11:34am

I think that for the majority of the people who go, they think it is wonderful. They just seem to think they are at a movie theater. Perhaps I am just too bitter to enjoy something that "the masses" would enjoy as well. I had comps, which is the only way i would ever see that show. My boyfriend is a dresser on it, so he got me some tickets for it.

[Feathah]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 11:44am

I have only seen it once. It's as if Christmas threw up on staff for 2 hours. It's ridiculous!

[ShuQ]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 12:03pm

Ahhh...I feel for those people performing on that stage.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 12:41pm

well the only reason anyone does the show, either on stage or off is for the money money money. oh yeah, and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord in Heaven.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 12:52pm

This show just reeks of tackiness.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 12:53pm

I had no idea that almost everyone felt the same way i do about that show.

[umgeoboy]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 1:33pm

I saw this show last year for the first time since I was a kid. I was appauled at how they encourage you to bring candy and drinks, and flashlights, and toys that are bright and make sounds into the theatre. I found the show dated, sexist, and tacky. And was very happy to leave.

[midtowngym]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 1:42pm

My saving grace was when the camel took a big dump onstage. It knew exactly how i felt.

Updated On: 11/17/05 at 01:42 PM

[ElphabaRose]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 1:54pm

When I was younger, my grandmother took me every year. Every year before I left the house, I screamed and cried and begged not to go. Oh the benefits of being the only grand child to live less three hours away.

[Anakela]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 5:55pm

Wow- I thought I was the only one that hated this show!! I took my (12 yr old) sister last year, she liked it ok enough, but I walked way going what the heck was that?? Santa, elves, dancing, toys, ice skating, dancing, shopping, teddy bears, more dancing, etc. for what felt like *forever,* and then... oh lookit, a Nativity, 'cause this is all about the baby Jesus. Well then what were all the other scenes about?

I am so glad that I'm not the only one not in love with this show!