100 YEARS OF MAGICAL MEMORIES AS RADIO CITY ROCKETTES COMBINE WITH NASHVILLE'S "A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS"

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Returns to Gaylord Opryland's 25th Annual "A Country Christmas"

Nashville, Tenn.—( September 3, 2008 ) For more than 75 years, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has captivated audiences around the country. Add all of that history to the 25-year span of Gaylord Opryland's world-famous "A Country Christmas", and that's 100 years of Christmas entertaining expertise. And visitors to the hotel's 25th Anniversary celebration this year will be delighted as the Rockettes will be in Nashville again to headline "A Country Christmas" for the seventh year, making the Rockettes not only a New York but now a Nashville tradition.
 

"This season will be even more exciting with the Rockettes here helping us celebrate the Silver Anniversary of "A Country Christmas". There is an intensity and an excitement building," said Pete Weien, senior vice president and general manager, Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center. "These dedicated and talented women put on a first-rate performance every time, and our guests count on us bringing them back each year."

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is performed on the hotel's property at the Grand Ole Opry House from November 14 through December 28, 2008. The show includes scene after scene displaying the talents of the world's most famous precision dance troupe. It is a full-scale spectacle complete with dazzling scenery, costumes and lighting, as well as a cast and crew of nearly 100 members.

While the Radio City Rockettes perform their fancy footwork and eye-high kicks in such showstoppers as "12 Days of Christmas," this magical production also features the perennial favorite "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the awe-inspiring "Living Nativity." Children are sure to take notice when teddy bears dance, wooden soldiers come to life, snowmen shimmy and reindeer fly.

The Rockettes have been a legendary force in entertainment, with a rich history. From their memorable USO Tours during World War II, to Super Bowl halftime appearances, to the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performances, the Rockettes are a national treasure. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, at Gaylord Opryland and in other cities, was first seen in 1933 and is now seen by more people in one year than most other live shows in North America—more than 2.1 million people annually see the women display their precision dance with the same enthusiasm that has become their trademark.

The Rockettes first kicked to life in 1925 as the "Missouri Rockets" and made their show-business debut in St. Louis. The Rockettes performed during Radio City's opening night in 1932 and were an instant sensation. The idea behind the troupe has always been to perform intricate routines but always moving as "one dancer." Everything—the height, the costumes and steps—is kept completely identical.

A Country Christmas brings almost 1 million people to the landmark hotel each holiday season and includes more than a dozen shows and attractions.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets and "A Country Christmas" vacation packages from two to three nights can be purchased or reserved by calling 1-888-999-OPRY (6779) or visiting www.ChristmasatGaylordOpryland.com.

For photos of the Rockettes, please visit:

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland/press/RockettesPhotos.cfm.