Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers and an original musical score, and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes.

The "Christmas Spectacular" began in 1933 when the Music Hall presented lavish live stage shows along with the latest Hollywood feature films.

The show was created by the Music Hall's stage producer Leon Leonidoff and designer Vincente Minnelli.

It consisted of an overture with Ernö Rapée and the Radio City Symphony; a solo on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ; a performance by Jan Peerce; a Toy Shop Ballet; The Rockettes' performance of "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers", choreographed by their founder, Russell Markert; and "The Living Nativity".

[2] In addition to the annual Christmas show at Radio City, road companies have presented a touring version in theaters throughout the United States.

The production featured an updated 3DLIVE scene and new musical numbers in addition to "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity."

The 2011 program's story focused on the Rockettes as they traveled through the Northern Forest to the castle of the Humbug King who had stolen toys from Santa Claus' workshop.

The 3DLIVE scene was removed and restoring the number "Rag Dolls" as well as adding an updated subplot surrounding Ben and Patrick, two young boys trying to find a Christmas present for their younger sister.

In September 2013, Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden attempted to produce an annual spring corresponding show titled Heart and Lights, which was to be directed and choreographed by Linda Haberman who had been director, choreographer, and artistic director of the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular since 2006.

[7] Following several revisions, the show opened as the New York Spring Spectacular, which was directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle and ran from March 12 to May 7, 2015.

Directed and choreographed by Mia Michaels and written by Douglas Carter Beane, the program, now called the New York Spectacular, performed from June 15 to August 7, 2016.

[9] Released by Time Life Entertainment on November 4, 2008, the DVD features the complete 75th anniversary edition of the show, filmed in 2007.