Theatre News Wire

MSG Entertainment (MSGE) announces an all new production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, as Chicago audiences will experience the magic of Christmas like never before. In this multi-faceted production, the Rockettes will dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with new scenes, an array of glamorous new costumes, dramatic lighting effects, and a 50-foot LED screen that will enhance the show with breathtaking new imagery. The Christmas Spectacular will run at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont from December 14-30, 2012. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 1 at 10am.

"We are thrilled to return to Chicago at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont with an all new edition of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular," said Don Simpson, executive vice president of productions, MSG Entertainment. "With new technological enhancements and show-stopping performance elements, the 2012 production offers a truly immersive experience like nothing Chicago audiences have ever seen before. Returning audiences will be amazed by the transformation of the Christmas Spectacular, and new fans will not want to miss this show."

The Rockettes have a long-standing relationship with the Rosemont Theatre with the debut of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1997. This year marks the 11th season the Christmas Spectacular will perform at the Rosemont Theatre, the last production being in 2008.For many Chicago area families, seeing the Rockettes perform in the beloved holiday show has become a family tradition and this year audiences can experience the magic of the holidays with an all new production. While in Chicago, the Rockettes also become known as an embodiment of the spirit of giving and embracing the community by participating in many great local charitable initiatives including collecting coats and canned food for the needy, visiting children's hospitals and helping to raise awareness for worthy causes.

This year, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular celebrates 85 magical years of the Rockettes, commemorating their past, present and future in this unprecedented milestone year. The Rockettes have remained a timeless tradition as American icons throughout their 85 year legacy. They continue to take the Christmas Spectacular to new heights, dazzling audiences with their performance style as it continues to be both deceivingly complex and entirely glamorous.

This year's production will feature a 50-foot LED screen that will transport the audience to Times Square and Santa's Workshop with Santa and the Rockettes, using new technology with the Christmas Spectacular's classic holiday numbers to enhance the production. The 2012 edition of the show will introduce new sets and special effects that will immerse audiences in the magic of Christmas like never before.