Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Most holiday shows end up being a lot less different than they claim in advance, ever anxious to attract repeat buyers. The Radio City show, which opened in Rosemont on a Friday night when we all needed a little of the spirit of Christmas, really is quite different from the show that was here between 1997 and 2008 (although, alas, the music is still on tape; live musicians, as in New York, would be a most welcome change). In the first instance, the animals are gone from the famous Nativity scene (I had an affection for a particularly busy camel, but life in a trailer in Rosemont is no place for an ungulate in winter). So are the little people who once featured prominently in Santa's Workshop. In general, the streamlined show has a more contemporary and theatrical feeling - a kid on the stage now reads the introduction to the Nativity, replacing the Voice of God (or was that the mayor of Rosemont?) that once rang from the speakers. But the Living Nativity retains its force and dignity; and it ends with a new, rousing, Gospel-like finale, borrowing from Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity," even if the cast is not especially diverse."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Linda Haberman's "New York at Christmas," the show's big "new number," finds the Rockettes cavorting on a bright red double-decker sightseeing bus that appears to travel through midtown as it leaves Radio City, drives along Fifth Avevnue, passes Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral, enters a snow-dusted Central Park, and then heads back down Broadway to Times Square. The engaging ensemble of 12 non-Rockette dancers arrive for this number in a deft mix of street clothes, providing the show's only nod to ethnic diversity. They also are at the heart of the "Nutcracker" number in which they incongruously dance the ballet classic in giant bear costumes."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"..."New York at Christmas"-whose digital Times Square backdrop gives prominent placement to the show's sponsor, Chase Bank-prefigures the second act's glorification of glitz and greed. "The Living Nativity" is a sequined travesty, while "Magic Is There" exhorts us to believe that our every wish will be granted and ends with an image of a towering mall atrium piled high with presents. Charge it, America!"
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...There are very fews productions that have retained their quality and integrity as long as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has. It never disappoints and also remains true to the reason it was created in the first place. To bring joy. To that extent the Christmas Spectacular has risen."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...The show ends with a heartfelt "Joy To the World" tribute to the sweetness of the Christmas season. This dance spectacular is a fine show case for the terrific talents of the Rockettes. The tone and spirit of the production is a family-friendly show that is most entertaining. It is worthy Christmas fare. Take the kids, they'll love it!"
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...In an era of two dimensional entertainment, of screens and digital realities, what I love about the Rockettes is that they have taken what they need from the digital world and retained what is best about the tradition they come from. The idea of a precision troupe of uniform chorus girls goes back to 1885 and the Folies Bergere and vaudeville. It is still as wondrous, magical and uplifting to see a kick line today as it was then. Live theater can still be a revelatory experience even in the age of 3D-because nothing is more 3 D then Santa flying to the North Pole, or stockings coming to life as long legged chorines."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...For many years, Chicago audiences have thrilled to the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a fun filled entertainment review with holiday music and merriment and a bit of religion in the telling of "The Nativity"- live, and of most importance , the famed Rockettes, the most delightful precision dance troupe ever!"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...The Christmas Spectacular is a wonderful family show, though small children with limited attention spans may not be as entertained by the dancing as adolescent viewers. There was a preponderance of girls in the audience, doubtless wistfully imagining themselves high kicking in a Rockettes line. It's a noble dream."
