FAMILY FRIENDLY HOLIDAY FUN OPENING: Radio City Christmas Spectacular TONIGHT at Akoo Theatre in Rosemont

ChiIL Mama will be rockin' out with The Rockettes tonight at Akoo Theatre in Rosemont!   I've never seen a legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular and another Mama friend and I are dressing up and taking our sons.   We're all looking forward to the spectacle!   Click the link above for loads of sneak peek videos, tickets, show dates and more.   We've been promoting this one since the first pre sales back in the summer.





Here are some facts and interesting tidbits from their site:

WHAT IS THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR?

This extraordinary Christmas show, which debuted in 1933, stars the Radio City Rockettes, a cast and crew of hundreds and magnificent special effects. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an unparalleled Christmas show with universal appeal that lifts the spirit and creates memories including such highlights as “Parade of the Wooden Soldier” and “Christmas in New York.”

WHO ARE THE RADIO CITY ROCKETTES?

The Radio City Rockettes are the world’s most famous precision dance company. Widely known as one of New York City’s most illustrious and beloved icons, they are legendary for their precision dance and eye-high kicks.

The Rockettes are the stars of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular – a show that is seen by more than 2 million people annually and has played in more than 60 cities across North America. From appearances on “Dancing with the Stars,” the Tony Awards, and Super Bowl Halftime Shows to Presidential Inaugurations and co-starring roles in commercials for celebrated product launches such as Diet Coke, the Radio City Rockettes are above anything else – stars.

WHAT CITIES WILL THIS YEAR'S RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR NATIONAL TOUR BE VISITING?

In addition to playing in New York at the famed Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular National Tour will visit four cities in 2012: Nashville, TN, St. Louis, MO, Dallas, TX, and Chicago, IL.

WHAT AGE GROUP IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR?

The show is designed to dazzle audiences of all ages ranging from the youngest of children to the most loyal seasoned patrons. Countless guests return year after year often handing down the holiday tradition to younger generations.

DO I NEED A TICKET FOR MY YOUNG CHILD?

All children who have reached their second birthday require a ticket to gain admittance to Radio City Music Hall. Any child who has yet to reach their second birthday does not require a ticket; however, they may not occupy their own separate seat and must sit on a parent or guardian's lap.

HOW LONG IS THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR? IS THERE AN INTERMISSION?

The running time for each show is 2 hours long with a 15 minute intermission. Performances will begin promptly at their scheduled start time. Should you arrive after the start time of your performance, you will be asked to wait until an appropriate interval in the show to be seated so as not to disrupt other seated guests or the performers.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

Unless otherwise noted, each theatre where the Christmas Spectacular performs do not have a formal dress code. However, we do ask that you use your best personal judgment when dressing for an event, and encourage you to bring out your festive holiday gear to get you in the spirit!

WHAT'S THE POLICY ON LATE ARRIVALS?

Performances will begin promptly at their scheduled start time. Should you arrive after the start time of your performance, you will be asked to wait until an appropriate interval in the show to be seated so as not to disrupt other seated guests or the performers.

HOW MANY RADIO CITY ROCKETTES PERFORM IN EACH SHOW?

There are 18 spectacular Rockettes and 36 legs moving in perfect harmony.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A RADIO CITY ROCKETTE?

Rockettes must be between 5’6” and 5’ 10 ½” tall. They are proficient in Jazz, Ballet, Modern and Tap. In order to audition, women must be a minimum of 18 years old, and there is no age limit. Rockettes must audition each year for a spot on the line. For further information about the Rockettes, visit www.rockettes.com

HOW MANY DAZZLING, COLORFUL COSTUMES WILL BE WORN ON STAGE DURING EACH SHOW?

There are 144 costumes for the cast of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes will change eight times during each show, and some of the costume changes are done in as little as 78 seconds!

If you haven't already, order your tickets today, for the best seats.   Then check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have non stop holiday show reviews, news, and photo filled features leading up to the big day.

Christmas in June?-Radio City Christmas Spectacular

THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR TO BRING AN ALL NEW PRODUCTION TO THE AKOO THEATRE AT ROSEMONT
DECEMBER 14-30, 2012

THE ROCKETTES TAKE CHICAGO ON AN UNPARALLELED
CHRISTMAS JOURNEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FEATURING
NEW SCENES, DAZZLING COSTUMES AND A 50-FOOT LED SCREEN COUPLED WITH SHOW STOPPING ROCKETTES PERFORMANCES

*Tickets On-Sale Friday, June 1 at 10am 

Are you one of those uber organized people who likes to get the Christmas list taken care of well in advance of Black Friday and avoid the rush?   Does summer's impending heat index have you nostalgic for a little chilly cheer?   Then this is the scoop for you.
                                                   
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.

In addition to fan favorite scenes, including the high-energy, tap-infused number “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the Rockettes will debut new numbers that will showcase their signature precision dance technique alongside challenging and dynamic new choreography. 

In a brand new scene, “New York at Christmas,” the Rockettes will board a life size double-decker tour bus, taking audiences on a guided tour through the streets of New York City.  This scene includes show-stopping choreography performed across the landscape of iconic New York City landmarks and culminates in the “crossroads of the world,” Times Square. 

Santa Claus will take center stage in two magical new scenes: “Magic is There,” in which Santa takes two young brothers on a journey to the North Pole, and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” a number that reveals how Santa can be in multiple places at once. These heartwarming moments highlight the true meaning of Christmas in a way that only Santa himself can convey.

A new Rockettes finale will honor and celebrate the stars of the Christmas Spectacular featuring dazzling new costumes and choreography. The Rockettes will sparkle from the stage in the finale performance “Let Christmas Shine,” wearing a costume featuring over 3,000 crystals. As the performance comes to a close, audiences will have the opportunity to lend their voices alongside the “Radio City Singers” in an energetic rendition of “Joy to the World.”

Beloved numbers such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” which continues to set the standard as the signature Rockettes number for precision performance, and “The Living Nativity,” both of which have been performed since the Christmas Spectacular’s inception, still remain a vital part of the show’s core.

In the Christmas Spectacular’s18-year combined history outside of New York, as well as the production at Radio City Music Hall, the show has played to more than 72 million people. The Christmas Spectacular continues to create memories that audiences have come to treasure, and this year will mark an all new Spectacular experience for Chicago.

Ticket Information
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, presented by Chase, plays at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont during the 2012 holiday season for 34 dazzling performances, December 14-30, 2012.  A limited number of Premium seats are available for $79.00 - $89.00 and single ticket prices range from $30.00 - $75.50. Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are on sale to the public at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.  Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612.   

About MSG Entertainment
MSG Entertainment (MSGE) is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment.  MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes.  MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, family shows and special events in MSG’s diverse collection of venues.  These venues include Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, the Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre.  More information is available here.

About The Akoo Theatre at Rosemont
Opened in 1995, the 4,400-seat theater is known as one of the Chicago areas best venues for music and theatrical performances and special events. Located at 5400 N. River Road in the Rosemont region, the venue has one of the largest stages in the area, with a superior sound and lighting system, sizable backstage and roomy dressing rooms. Audiences appreciate the theater’s unobstructed sightlines, comfortable seating and extra-wide aisles. Additional amenities include a multi-level grand lobby featuring a beautifully paneled mahogany staircase and glittering French crystal chandelier, ample concessions areas, a multi-level VIP Suite and parking lots and sheltered garages adjacent to the theatre. The theater is easily accessible by car or public transit and is within easy walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.