Christmas treat returns with songs, skits, strings

Those doughy dancing Santa Clauses are coming back to town.

This weekend, the Omaha Symphony under resident conductor Ernest Richardson rolls out its ever-popular “Christmas With the Symphony” show at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

There will be a lot of Broadway-style entertainment, with Broadway stars Tiffany Haas (“Wicked”), Peter Lockyer (“Les Miserables”) and Gary Mauer and Elizabeth Southard (both of “Phantom of the Opera”) lending their voices to the evening.

The concert will also feature a chorus — to help out with the carols and sing-alongs — professional dancers from New York City, an ensemble of 25 young violinists and local personality Dave Webber.

“We had to have Dave back,” said Darren Lee, the show’s director and choreographer. “He’s become an anticipated part of Omaha’s holiday season.”

Webber, retired WOWT sports director, has appeared in the symphony Christmas show for 15 years. He usually plays an avuncular figure who engages in such warm and fuzzy activities as reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the kids.

This year, Webber will appear in a new skit, which is set in a fantastical Christmas toy shop. Another new routine will involve a street performer struggling to get attention from busy holiday shoppers.

Popular acts returning this year will include violinist Anne Nagosky, who will perform along with about 25 of her top young students. Choristers with Burke High School, Westside High School, Grace University and UNO Chamber choirs are also making repeat performances.

“Our violinists and choirs help make this a fun and elegant Christmas show,” Lee said.

Contact the writer:

444-1076, john.pitcher@owh.com

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