This little Rockette-in-training had an amazing afternoon at the Radio City New York Spring Spectacular. Remarkable! Outstanding! Stunning! Impressive! All these fabulous words could describe the latest installment in the historic Radio City Rockettes franchise but spectacular is the magic word. The must-see show is sure to become legendary and put a spring in your family’s step.
Starring the dapper Derek Hough and featuring cameos from anyone who is anyone is NYC from fashion, sports, arts and entertainment like Diane von Fürstenberg, Mariano Rivera, Michael Strahan, 50 Cent, Martha Stewart, and more! It is not to be missed. The Spring Spectacular took me on an enchanted journey around New York City while also telling me an uplifting story about Bernie, a NYC tour guide, and the amazing ways he and those who he crosses paths with inspire and impact each other. It showcases the magic of New York City and its most iconic landmarks, fashion, sports, and lots of star power! The production is bursting with invigorating new Rockettes choreography, incredible 3D special effects, large-scale puppetry and an exciting soundtrack of pop hits, original music and classics.
The show tells the sweet story of NYC tour guide Bernie and his New York City. Jenna, a Trump-like magnate (Donald makes a cameo!) decides to make Bernie’s tours virtual but Jack, played by Derek Hough, a goody two-shoes with a secret goal of his own, tries to help save Bernie’s legendary tour and Bernie’s job. To do so, Bernie takes the entire audience on tour and that’s how the adventure began.
For the first stop we were transported to The Met. Once inside, we took what felt like a real tour of the museum. Everything came to life before our eyes like Degas’ painting—the ballerinas danced out of the painting across the stage. The next stop was Central Park and I really felt like I was in my favorite park. There were street performers, dogs roaming around and a visit to the Alice in Wonderland statue. I almost climbed out of my seat to go climb on top and chat with Alice herself.
Soon it got dark and started to rain on stage (yes, we were inside). It was a show stopping number as Derek and the Rockettes naturally launched into “Singing in the Rain!” A light rain became a rain storm right before our very eyes. Derek and the Rockettes had to tap through puddles and made a splash! Literally! The number had me dancing along and wishing I had an umbrella to twirl. And a fun fact I learned was that some 500 gallons of water are used to create the rain effect in the scene.
Then we were off and Broadway and Times Square were requisite stops. But my favorite stop on tour was at Fashion Week. Diane von Fürstenberg, Isaac Mizrahi, and Zac Posen custom-designed and outfitted the Rockettes. They debuted the designs walking the runway. A highlight was a tech fashion line featuring LED light-up outfits (each jacket had 152 individually controlled LED lights for a total of 5,472 such lights on the jackets of the Rockettes). The wardrobe and accompanying dance number was nothing short of electric (pun intended!).
Daddy’s favorite part was the sports segment featuring all NYC’s famous and infamous teams and their stars. Mommy’s favorite stop was the New York Public Library where Patience and Fortitude, the library lions, were life size puppets and were simply loony and laughable, voiced by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. And there was a lot more fun to be had but you must go see the show. I’ll just say Lady Liberty herself (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) graced the stage at 26 feet tall.
The scenes and stories leading up to the grand finale of “New York, New York” took us through the essence of New York City in the spring. The New York Spring Spectacular had me awestruck from start to finish and I couldn’t help but sing and dance along with my favorite fellow New Yorkers and the legendary Rockettes.
This little Rockette in training knows you will want to get spring fever with the Rockettes, too.
Details can be found at rockettes.com/spring!
Elle Belle is an adorable toddler who lives in the Upper East Side of Manhattan with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad., and new baby sister. She can be reached at ellebellenyc@gmail.com.
