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Press Releases
Feb. 27, 2007
Contact:
Dale B. Stark
Public Relations Manager
Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
(515) 246-2363 : desk
(515) 770-3253 : cell
dstark@civiccenter.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR STARRING THE WORLD-FAMOUS RADIO CITY ROCKETTES DEBUTS AT THE CIVIC CENTER OF GREATER DES MOINES CHRISTMAS 2007
46 performances of America’s #1 holiday show, December 6-30, 2007
DES MOINES, Iowa – Des Moines audiences will kick up their heels when the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the World-Famous Radio City Rockettes, headlines the 2007-2008 Betts Broadway Series. Presented for the first time in Iowa, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is making its triumphant debut at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, for the 2007 holiday season. The beloved holiday production will play December 6 – 30, 2007 for 46 dazzling performances.
The Christmas Spectacular is exactly that…a spectacular. A cast and crew of nearly 100 people will come to Des Moines this December to deliver a holiday show experience like never before. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is sure to give audiences holiday memories to last a lifetime. Children of all ages will be enchanted by live holiday entertainment as teddy bears dance, wooden soldiers come to life, snowmen shimmy, reindeer fly, elves rap, and the Radio City Rockettes perform their fancy footwork and eye-high kicks. The New York Times raves, “Brilliant! It lifts the spirit and spreads warmth, joy and good will!”
Those who may have glowing memories of the famed New York production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular will be thrilled to see the spectacle and excitement debut in Des Moines. Famed dance numbers that await are the classic scenes “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “The Living Nativity,” both of which have been performed in the Christmas Spectacular since 1933. In addition to the traditional favorites, the stage will come alive with newer scenes that will amaze audiences including “The 12 Days of Christmas,” a sizzling Rockette tap number and “Christmas in New York,” a high-kicking Rockette number direct from the stage of New York City. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is non-stop excitement until the curtain falls.
“We know that Central Iowans value high quality live, professional entertainment,” said Civic Center President & CEO Jeff Chelesvig. “We are thrilled the Betts Broadway Series will present the Christmas Spectacular and we think it’s going to be the hit of the holiday season.”
In 1994, due to popular demand, MSG Entertainment (MSGE) broadened the beloved holiday theatrical's schedule for the first time to encompass markets outside of New York, while running simultaneously with the New York production. Since then, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has performed in top cities across North America including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Minneapolis, Seattle, Nashville, Phoenix, Toronto and many more. In 2006 alone, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular reached more than 2 million people. In its 13-year combined history outside of New York, as well as the production at Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has played to more than 58 million people in 29 different cities. In 2007, The Christmas Spectacular will entertain audiences once again in Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Phoenix, Chicago, Nashville, and will make its debut in Costa Mesa as well as in Des Moines.
“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a holiday tradition for millions of families across the country,” said John Bonanni, Executive Producer of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. “We realize that not everyone can come to New York for Christmas, so we’ll bring Christmas to you.”
For more than three quarters of a century, the Radio City Rockettes, the world's most famous precision dance troupe, have been a legendary force in entertainment, with a rich history of skill and dedication to their craft. The dance company first kicked to life in
1925 as the "Missouri Rockets" and made their show business debut in St. Louis, the realization of a long-time dream of their creator, Russell Markert. In 1933, the "Rockets" performed at the opening night of Radio City Music Hall and have continued to perform there for more than 70 years.
Including New York City, they have danced in 29 cities across North America and have entertained audiences around the world. Most famous for their eye high kicks and precision dancing, the Rockettes have strutted their way into the hearts of millions and have made the Radio City Christmas Spectacular a staple of holiday magic. The Radio City Rockettes perform with a signature precision that perpetually delights every new audience. Indeed, these “dancing daughters” – as their founder, Russell Markert always referred to them – have not only persevered for more than 75 years, but are thriving now more than ever.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular debuts in Des Moines December 6 - 30 during the 2007 holiday as part of the Betts Broadway Series. Groups of 20 or more can reserve their tickets now. For group reservations and discounts, please call 515-246-2300. For more information, visit www.CivicCenter.org.
For additional information, or to request an interview with Jeff Chelesvig, Civic Center President & CEO, please contact Dale B. Stark, Public Relations Manager at (515) 246-2363 or dstark@civiccenter.org
MSG Entertainment
MSG Entertainment (MSGE), the live entertainment arm of Cablevision Systems Corporations, is a worldwide entertainment company recognized for its signature combination of event production and entertainment marketing. In addition to the nearly 700 entertainment concerts and events that take place each year at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, and the Expo Center at MSG, MSGE produces shows across America. MSG Entertainment's live events include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, as well as six productions of The Christmas Spectacular outside of New York. Additional information about MSG Entertainment is available on the Web at www.thegarden.com and www.radiocity.com. Madison Square Garden, L.P. is owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, and includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); MSG Entertainment, which includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the Beacon Theatre; MSG Media, which is comprised of MSG and FSN New York; and the Madison Square Garden arena complex, located in the heart of the New York metropolitan area.
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a private not-for-profit corporation celebrating 27 years of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states. It is the presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is the performing home of many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest. All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Betts Auto Campus.
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