Shaq Turns Into “Shaq-A-Claus’

Celtics big man Shaq morphed into “Shaq-A-Claus’’ at Buca di Beppo in Dedham last night, spreading holiday cheer to 75 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Roxbury. The 7-foot-1 St. Nick passed out gifts and tried his hand at Michael Jackson: The Experience, a new dance video game from Ubisoft. Shouts of “Shaq’s here! Shaq’s here!’’ rang out inside the Italian eatery when he arrived. Donning a Santa hat and a vintage MJ glove, the Big Shamrock kept pace with the children as they performed some of the King of Pop’s signature dance moves with the aid of a game keypad. Shaq and the kids danced to “Beat It’’ and “Billie Jean’’ as the NBA star shouted “Work it! Work it!’’ He later gave the game high marks. “Oh, I like it,’’ he said. “I wish Mike was here to see it.’’ The Celts center also enjoyed a holiday feast with the kids. Eleven-year-old Tayo Stuppard, of Roxbury, was thrilled to meet Shaq in person. “I’m really happy,’’ he said