THEATER REVIEW:

When you come right down to it, nothing says Christmas like a group of 18 leggy lovelies performing high kicks in unison, right?

Well, maybe not, but New York’s famed Radio City Rockettes certainly are stirring up the holiday spirit at the Orange County Performing Artscenter.

Billed as the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” OCPAC’s current attraction offers a little entertainment for everyone from a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and a trio of miniature dancing snowmen to an elaborate nativity scene complete with live sheep and camels.

It’s the Rockettes, however, who draw the loudest applause. Eighteen members of the famed New York troupe perform razor-sharp synchronized movements honed by director-choreographer Dennis Callahan, based on original work by Linda Haberman.

Gliding in and out of several routines with pinpoint precision, the Rockettes continue a tradition dating from 1933 when the then-new Radio City Music Hall began presenting its 20-minute stage shows with a holiday theme sandwiched in between its movies.

Nearly 30 years ago, the 90-minute Christmas Spectacular was born and includes such favorites as “The Nutcracker” and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” Santa Claus (gleefully impersonated by John Sloman) is front and center for most of the festivities. Mrs. Claus (Kate Chapman) also gets her moment in the spotlight as the second act opens.

“Christmas in New York,” which closes the first act, brings Orange Countians up close and personal with the Rockettes’ home turf — Fifth Avenue and the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Tchaikovsky’s classic “Nutcracker” shifts its focus to a little girl (Tiare Keeno alternates with Jessica Richens) who dreams of getting ballet shoes for Christmas — all she got last year was a teddy bear. Her dream brings the familiar dance number to life, populated entirely with teddy bears of all shapes and sizes.

Probably the most impressive Rockettes number is the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” Here, the famed dancers don military garb and execute some of the show’s trickiest choreography.

The only downside of the 90-minute presentation is the absence of a curtain call. Last Thursday’s audience was more than willing to show its appreciation for a splendidly staged show.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Radio City Christmas Spectacular

WHERE: Orange County Performing Artscenter, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Now through Dec. 30 at various curtain times

COST: $25 - $75

CALL: (714) 556-2787

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Thursdays.