Radio City's Santa Retires After 36 Years

[AKarp2013]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 12:54am

I don't post here regularly and I know it's not Broadway, but thought it worth mentioning.

As per social media, Charles Edward Hall, who has played Santa Claus for 36 years in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, has officially retired this year. Having seen the Christmas show each year since 2005 (save for 2020 of course), he has been my family's Santa Claus and we had no idea that this year would be our last time seeing him.

Not a year went by without watching him grace the Radio City stage, and for us, and I know for many more, he really was Santa Claus. From his infectious energy, to the gentle beauty in his voice, he brought joy and happiness to us each and every year. No matter what was going on in our lives, when Charles Edward Hall stepped on that stage, it really was like being reunited with an old friend and all was right in the world for just 90 minutes. I've yet to come across another performer who truly has the ability to do just that.

Bravo, Mr. Hall! Thank you for the 17 years of memories you gave to my family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmz4m8ZOBQN/

Updated On: 1/3/23 at 12:54 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 11:07am

He was one of several actors playing Santa Claus in rotating casts.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 11:14am

Dollypop said: "He was one of several actors playing Santa Claus in rotating casts."

 

So ---what's your point? The lede is that he did it for 36 years --- not that he played in all 4-6 shows every single day!

[AKarp2013]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 12:15pm

Dollypop said: "He was one of several actors playing Santa Claus in rotating casts."

Hall joined the show in 1987 and has been Radio City's principal Santa ever since. As far as I am aware, he was doing the bulk of the shows, in addition to doing various television appearances, appearing on the show's album in 2000, in the 2007 filming of the show, and was featured in all marketing for the show. Only recently did he stop doing the early morning and late night performances. So yes, other actors played Santa but Charles Edward Hall was always the main guy.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 12:26pm

Dollypop said: "He was one of several actors playing Santa Claus in rotating casts."

What a mean and misguided post… oy. Charles Edward Hall is basically THE Radio City Santa.

I see the Christmas Spectacular pretty much every season (my tickets were canceled last year when they shut down early), and I always get seats near the aisle Santa comes down. I only ever remember seeing this man as Santa and he’s been a joy to watch year after year. He was really special.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 11:58pm

Brad Oscar was one of the rotating Santas.

[willep]

Posted: 1/4/23 at 8:17am

Brad Oscar did it on the tour in LA and Branson from the info I got with a quick google. Don’t see a mention of him being a part of it in NYC.

[nealb1]

Posted: 1/4/23 at 10:44am

Willep, correct.  Brad Oscar was touring with the show, and then got into "The Producers."  

In all my many years of seeing The Radio City Christmas Show, Charles Hall has always been the Santa that I have seen playing the role.  Saw the show in November again, and he was there!  I shook his hand right after he entered the Hall and makes his way down the aisle to the stage.  

Updated On: 1/4/23 at 10:44 AM