Tireless Taylor gives life to ‘Radio City’ at Flamingo

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 11, 2000 | 10:02 a.m.

Rip Taylor brings a much-needed infusion of comedic energy to the Flamingo Hilton's long-running "The Great Radio City Spectacular," starring the Rockettes. Taylor, given "Special Guest Star" billing, does more than this. Illusionist Tim Kole and juggler Romano Frediani, son of Nino Frediani, are the other featured acts.

Taylor is an original source, the first prop comic headliner, with a never-ending bag of gag items. He is also known for confetti, present here, and for crying as part of comedy timing. His modus operandi is an endless barrage of non sequitur jokes, building often to hilarious highs. He is a brilliant comedic actor as well, on Broadway and on the road.

The Rockettes are a beloved American institution, a fixture in New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall for nearly seven decades. This troupe is attractive, talented, beautifully costumed, performing what could be called "The Best of the Rockettes" numbers with brilliant precision, despite a rather pedestrian taped musical accompaniment.

Tim Kole is the son of Andre Kole, an international magic star and inventor of magical effects. The younger Kole starred in "Spellbound" and, for three years, in this show. His illusions at the show caught used two comely assistants, Tina Warren and Tina Michelle. The act was well-received, but his onstage time seemed too soon over.

Romano Frediani's father, Nino, had been a featured performer for many years at the Flamingo Hilton, including the present production. His son's segment, especially the large rings thrown by members of the audience and caught around his neck onstage, was another show high spot.

Rundown: The Rockettes opened and brought on Taylor, who sang "Some People," with special lyrics and interspersed jokes. The Rockettes followed with their classic "Gold and Silver" routine. Frediani's frenetic approach picked up the pace, which benefited Taylor's return for two selections, the first backed by the show's male ensemble.

The first Taylor selection was "Gambling in My Glitz," a parody to the tune of "Putting on the Ritz," and the second, "Luck Be a Lady," with the Rockettes. Tim Kole & Co. performed two illusions, the second an extended variation on the often done "Metamorphosis." The Rockettes' "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" was omitted.

"The Rockettes in Diamonds," another mainstay, was very effective, but we left wishing we had seen them do "Wooden Soldiers" as well. Taylor entered from the audience, confetti fell from the ceiling, out came the props and Taylor was off and running, a volcanic, engulfing, very funny experience. The male ensemble set up a full-cast finale and bows.

Taylor has been held over through March 30. His schedule permitting, he should stay on indefinitely. Overall, "The Great Radio City Spectacular" needs to be revitalized.