9/09/2009 - MSG Entertainment Brings the Biggest Production Ever of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular to Giant Center

Starring the World Famous Rockettes

(HERSHEY, PA) — Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) is proud to announce that Giant Center will host the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world famous Rockettes, for the first time ever. Presented by Capital One, this beloved holiday show will delight the entire family when it hits the stage in Hershey for three performances: Monday, December 21, at 7:00 PM and Tuesday, December 22, at 4:00 and 7:00 PM. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 AM.

In 2008, the Arena tour debuted to rave reviews in 18 cities with the launch of the biggest production in the show's 77 year history and redefined family entertainment in an Arena setting. The expansion of the Christmas Spectacular Arena tour will allow more people than ever before to experience the magic of this one of a kind production.

The Arena production was specifically designed for large-scale venues and replicates the grandeur of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall on an entirely different scale. Audiences are taken on a theatrical journey that the entire family can enjoy together. Children thrill as Santa takes the audience on a magical sleighride to the North Pole, while parents marvel at the unparalleled precision dance of the Rockettes. The Christmas Spectacular is truly unique in its universal appeal to people of all ages. From small children to grandparents, this dazzling holiday production is guaranteed to bring smiles to their faces and help create a wonderful family memory to last a lifetime.

"The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is the #1 live holiday production in the world and has been a cherished part of holiday family traditions for generations. We are thrilled to build upon last year's success and expand this extraordinary tour to more cities than ever before," said Jonathan Hochwald, executive vice president, Productions, MSG Entertainment. "We look forward to bringing the spirit and warmth of our holiday production to more people than ever with the largest traveling Christmas celebration ever created."

Directed and choreographed by Linda Haberman, who conceived and directed the critically acclaimed 75th celebratory show at Radio City Music Hall, the Arena production was specifically designed to play in large venues scaled to capacities ranging from 7,000 – 12,000. This multi-faceted theatrical touring production was completely constructed for an arena space, allowing the audience to experience the magic of The Christmas Spectacular like never before. Hitting the road in November, the show celebrates Christmas with dramatic arena lighting effects; breathtaking imagery; new musical compositions; and an array of glamorous new costumes. The touring production features high-energy, tap-infused Rockette performance numbers, breathtaking sets that surround the audience and special effects that fill the venue.

"My vision for the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular has always been to explore scale and take the precision dance form to new levels, whether in a theatrical venue or an arena space," said Linda Haberman, director and choreographer, Radio City Christmas Spectacular. "In my view, the mark of a true classic is that it is timeless, relevant and can be re-interpreted to push artistic boundaries."

The production is enhanced by an immense LED screen that transports the audience from a wintry landscape to Times Square to Santa's Workshop right before their very eyes. The larger than life sets and awe-inspiring special effects allow families to connect with both the intimacy and grandness of The Christmas Spectacular as they are immersed in the warmth and grandeur of the holiday spirit. From the moment guests settle into their seats, the audience becomes part of the Spectacular's magical experience.

Traditional fan-favorites like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," which continues to set the standard as the signature Rockette number for precision performance, and "the Living Nativity" remain a vital part of the show's core. And the Rockettes will undoubtedly bring the audience to their feet with a Rockette finale "Let Christmas Shine," which honors and celebrates the Rockettes as the stars of the show.

Tickets are $49.50 and $59.50 and go on sale Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m. Additional facility and service fees are not included. Tickets can be purchased at Hersheypark Stadium Box Office or charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000. Purchase tickets online at www.radiocitychristmas.com or at HersheyEntertainment.com. For more information, visit www.radiocitychristmas.com/nationaltour.

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