Hats off to the new ‘Spectacular’ currently presented for a limited engagement until May 7 at Radio City Music Hall. With all the seasonable spectacles staged since 1932 when the venue first opened followed by the “Glory of Easter” the following year, the annual ‘Magnificent Christmas Spectacular, this year the New York Spring Spectacular” boasts a live and alluring 21st century salute to the city that never sleeps. Starring the world-famous Rockettes, Laura Benanti and Derek Hough co-stars to showcase jaw-dropping dance routines that bests themselves with magical twirls and whirls to overwhelm. The leg-lifting, high-kicking dancers maintain credibility delivering a wealth of wonderful treats and eye-candy. And with Hough, choreographer from “Dancing With The Stars” in the lead, all eyes focus forward from the waist down to follow the fancy footsteps.
That Hough jets back and forth to the west coast every week in order to fulfill his duties on both the reality dance-off television show and this spectacular live, presentation must be exhausting to conceive much less execute.
But throughout the spectacle, Hough shines and never seems jet-lagged or exhausted.
Celebrities joining the cast are Whoopi Goldberg, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Walt Frazier, John Leguizamo, Michael Strachan, 50 Cent, Kelly Ripa, Paddington Bear, the Easter Bunny and an even longer list of well-known personalities.
Beyonce’s “Run The World,” Demi Lovato’s “Neon Lights” and Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York” add to a soundtrack that spotlights New York in a spectacular way.
From the Statue of Liberty, to the Alice In Wonderland statue in Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum, the home of the Knicks and Rangers — Madison Square Garden, 42nd Street Broadway, Yankee Stadium, and the playground of the Giants and Mets, a runway rendezvous during Fashion Week as well as other scenic New York locations, the productions transport its viewers on a whirlwind tour that captivates and sells the city to the most unwilling buyers.
There are no blink-able moments.
Try that eye-washing experience and sure to be missed moments such as Jack’s (Hough) magical fashion transformation of his partner Jenna (Bananti) from conservative to ballroom-ready; a film sequence reminiscent of location shoots in this city; a kite that flies over the audience, and rain powered by 500 gallons of water will be lost in translation.
Four days of extended performance were just added to tweet, text or Instagram highlights. See it before the Spectacular ends.
