'Santa Claus' Celebrates 25 Years With Radio City Christmas Spectacular

MSG Entertainment (MSGE) announces an honorary year for the beloved Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa Claus, Charles Edward Hall, as the 2011 season marks his 25th anniversary in the beloved role. Hall has been delighting adults and children alike with his portrayal of Santa Claus to the more than one million people who attend the Christmas Spectacular annually at Radio City Music Hall. This year, Hall can be seen in the most dynamic production of the Christmas Spectacular to grace the Great Stage, featuring a new 3DLive video game adventure, new Rockette performances, new musical compositions and heartwarming songs, dazzling new costumes and state-of-the-art technology that will immerse audiences in the magic of the Christmas Spectacular like never before.

"Charles has become a true staple to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and also to New York City during the holidays as he channels the inner spirit of Santa Claus in a way that makes everyone a believer" said Linda Haberman, director and choreographer of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. "It is going to be an incredible year for the Christmas Spectacular as we present new show enhancements that will convey to our audiences Santa's true holiday magic like never before."

Hall originally started his career at Radio City, playing Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. During his audition processes, he was asked to improv and play Santa Claus, where he channeled his inner spirit of his Uncle Walter. A coveted childhood holiday memory for Hall was when his Uncle would pretend to be Santa at family gatherings during the holidays. Through the inspiration behind his Uncle, Hall depicted the best interpretation of the beloved character and was cast as the role of Santa Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, alongside the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.

"It is a tremendous honor to be part of a production that holds 79 years of history and tradition like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular," said Hall. "I have seen the Christmas Spectacular evolve over the past 25 years but something that always stays true to the show is the spirit of Christmas and the holiday memories that families have been able to share through generations. This role has provided me with wonderful memories and I look forward to continuing my role of Santa Claus by delivering the magic of Christmas to the audiences in the new scenes that will be featured in this year's production."

Hall has been a fan favorite in his role as Santa Claus throughout the years including his annual appearance on Live! With Regis and Kelly's holiday episode. Through the role of Santa Claus, Hall conveys the true meaning of Christmas by believing in its spirit and it can be seen through his heartwarming portrayal in the 2011 Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Ticket Information - Tickets on sale
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Radio City Rockettes, will run from November 11, 2011 through January 2, 2012. Prices range from $45 - $125. A limited number of premium tickets are also available for all performances. Tickets are available online at www.radiocitychristmas.com or at the Radio City Box Office (50th Street and Avenue of the Americas). Box Office hours are Monday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Ticketmaster Christmas Hotline at 1-866-858-0007 or at any Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket prices include a $4.50 facility charge. Tickets purchased via Ticketmaster are subject to service charges. Please call 1-866-858-0007 for more information.

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 featuring the Radio City 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 at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.