The biggest event of the 2007-08 Betts Broadway Series won’t be a Broadway play — it will be a “spectacular,” officials announced this morning at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.   “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” starring the Radio City Rockettes, will make its     Iowa premiere on Dec. 6, beginning a 46-performance engagement through the month of December. The Civic Center made the announcement on stage with an appearance by Santa, who brought out six Rockettes to perform a high-kicking dance number for an audience of patrons and the media.

“It’s the quintessential Christmas show, and it’s the perfect fit for bringing into the heartland,” said John Bonanni, executive producer of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” “We’re going to have some surprises, and you’re going to have some pleasant surprises when it comes here Dec. 6.”

Group tickets go on sale today for the show, which is one of four shows announced this morning.

Also scheduled for the 2007-08 Broadway Series season are:

– “Avenue Q,” a comedy that won three Tony Awards in 2004 for best musical, best score and best book, is a story about “trying to make it in New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account.” The show premieres November 2007.

– “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical comedy and the winner of two Tony Awards in 2005. The show premieres April 2008.

– “Twelve Angry Men,” starring Richard Thomas and directed by Scott Ellis, will be in Des Moines February 2008 as part of its national tour.

“We have at least four more shows that will be announced later this year,” said Jeff Chelesvig, the Civic Center’s president and CEO.

For group reservations and discounts, call the Civic Center box office at 246-2300, or visit www.CivicCenter.org.