Sun 12/1 @ 1PM
One of Cleveland Pops Orchestra’s favorite traditions — and its most family-friendly show — is its annual Holiday Spectacular, taking place at the Connor Palace Theatre at Playhouse Square.
You know what to expect: oodles of familiar holiday tunes, performed by the orchestra, chorus and youth orchestra, with opportunities for the audience to join in. Expect onstage festivities and undoubtedly some colorful clarinets (red and green?) played by Maestro Carl Topilow. Guest artist this year is Broadway/opera baritone Michael Preacely, a 2001 graduate of Oberlin College, who has appeared in shows such as Porgy and Bess, La Boheme, Tosca and Phantom of the Opera.
There are also pre-concert activities in the lobby starting at 1pm, including the chance to have photos taken with Santa, donate toys to the City Mission and — parents, be warned adopt a pet from a local shelter or rescue. They’ll be there looking all cuddly and winsome. If your home absolutely cannot handle another pet there’s something new this year to staunch the tears and whining: the chance for kids to adopt a stuffed animal.
Tickets start at $19.