All the trimmings for "Christmas with the Symphony"

What: “Christmas with the Symphony” – Omaha’s Favorite Holiday Tradition
When: Friday, December 19 8 PM
Saturday, December 20 2 PM & 8 PM
Sunday, December 21 2 PM & 7 PM

Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas Street

Tickets: $15-$80; 402.345.0606, 402.342.3560 or www.omahasymphony.org

Omaha, Neb – Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition, “Christmas with the Symphony,” is back in a big way. Due to its extreme popularity, a fifth performance has been added this year. With a cast of more than 150 people, the stage will be packed with tremendous talent. The Omaha Symphony is joined by dozens of dynamic singers, actors, and dancers, from Omaha and beyond.

Director Darren Lee comes to Omaha direct from Broadway. After serving as assistant director of “Christmas with the Symphony” in 2007, Lee was eager to return and combine the show’s nostalgia with a fresh vision. This New Yorker enjoys the creativity and collaboration that make the production unique. “Rarely do you get to create theatrical pieces with full symphonic support,” Lee said. Moviegoers may recognize Lee from his lead dancing role in the movie Chicago. Notable Broadways credits include Shogun – the Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Seussical, and Victor/Victoria.

This year’s “Christmas with the Symphony” also showcases the vocal talents of Mike Eldred, one of America’s most in-demand and beloved tenors. Eldred recently completed a national tour with pianist Jim Brickman. He performed on Broadway in the final cast of Les Misérables in the starring role of Jean Valjean. Other Broadway shows, national tours, and regional productions include Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, Godspell, and Camelot. In his hometown of Nashville, Eldred has been honored with the Tennessean Actor of the year Award and nominated for Nashville Music Awards’ Male Vocalist of the Year. He frequently performs with the greatest symphony orchestras across the country and is excited to spend this holiday with the Omaha Symphony.

WOWT TV personality Dave Webber brings his signature spirit to the production, along with local favorites Anne DeVries and Derek Richardson. “Christmas with the Symphony” also highlights our city’s talented young people, featuring students of Omaha Symphony violinist Anne Nagosky and the Burke High School choir. Add in several dynamic Broadway performers and you’ve got a spectacular cast of more than 150 people that’s sure to delight and dazzle audiences.

The program will also include the popular audience sing-along and the beloved dancing Santas. To make the experience even more magical, the Holland Performing Arts Center will be transformed into an enchanting holiday wonderland — complete with real reindeer!

The Symphony Pops Series is sponsored by the Nebraska Medical Center. The symphony’s holiday sponsor is ConAgra Foods. The Omaha Symphony is proud to be a part of the ConAgra Foods Arts for the Holidays Celebration. This collaboration features a food drive at all symphony Christmas concerts. Patrons are encouraged to bring canned food and other non-perishable items when attending these performances. All donations will support The Food Bank of Omaha.

Single tickets for “Christmas with the Symphony” range from $15 to $80 and are available at 402.345.0606, 402.342.3560, www.omahasymphony.org, or at the Omaha Symphony Box Office at 1605 Howard Street. Children 12 and under also qualify for half-price tickets for the matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.