You could feel the electricity in the air as we climbed onto the bus. Radio City here we come!
On December 13th, I was traveling with the Monsignor McClancy Choir to open the Christmas show for the Rockettes. Everyone was ecstatic as we arrived in Manhattan. We looked around at the tall buildings in awe. When we went inside, the first thing seen was the huge glittering chandelier in the center of the hall. Everywhere beneath our feet were bright red carpets. The concession stands and gift shops were bustling with people. The smell of popcorn filled the air!
We were the first group to enter the theater. It felt strange looking around and not seeing the isles overcrowded with people. The lights all around were dim with a glowing red. The garland that trimmed the walls was sparkling and festive! We went against the wall with enough space for all of us to get in line and practice our songs. It helped get rid of any nerves we had!
Walking onto the big stage seemed like a dream. There were people left and right, all looking up at you. As we got into our positions, the spotlights began to brighten. Soon, all you could see was the shining “Exit” sign as the people disappeared. When we started singing, it seemed much quieter on stage. The minutes seemed to go by much faster than expected. We did a great job! We worried that our voices would be shaky and low, but they were loud and strong. We sang a medley of Christmas songs and made them our own! We left the stage proudly, knowing we had done our best. Now we could look forward to enjoying the rest of the show.
The Rockettes were spectacular as always! Everyone watched in awe as each dance routine topped the one before it. Their precision and how they stay in sync was amazing. When Santa Claus came out, all the children cheered! Words couldn’t describe the backdrops of each scene. The 3-D effects had everyone shrieking with delight! When the live animals walked across the stage, we couldn’t believe our eyes! As the Nativity scene unfolded, you could hear a pin drop in the theater. It just takes your breath away!
After the show, we had a little bit a time for a quick look at the city decorations. The Rockefeller Center tree is a must see! We took lots of pictures and moved on to the next spot. St. Patrick’s Cathedral towered over all of us. It truly outshines all the modern buildings that surround it! Too quickly, it was time to return to the bus. We didn’t complain because it was absolutely freezing that day! Still, we can’t wait to do it again next year!
