LV Philharmonic drums in holidays at Ham Hall

Friday, Dec. 9, 2005 | 7:02 a.m.

Standing center stage at UNLV'S Artemus Ham Hall, Keith Neel looked to the 6-foot Christmas wreath being hung stage left.

He suggested that the wreath be moved a little to the right. Moreover, its bow must be fluffed.

Nearby, two Christmas trees were decked with gold violins, harps and French horns. A giant teddy bear rested next to kettledrums and a Tom Waits CD played from the wings.

The razzle-dazzle of the Las Vegas Philharmonic holiday stage was unfolding.

For Neel, director of operations and special events for the Philharmonic, this weekend's holiday concert is eclipsed only by the annual Fourth of July celebration at Hills Park in Summerlin, where Neel literally lives for five days.

"It takes about two days to put this completely together," Neel said. "If the show, at some point and time, does not give a person goose pimples, something is wrong."

Looking at the decor, he said, "This is the unique look of the Philharmonic. Every year I try to add something a little different, a little new."

And never mind the sound of the full orchestra filling the hall. The sound Neel really remembers is the collective gasp from the audience as the thousands of tiny lights come up on the trees and wreaths across the stage.

Neel first came to Las Vegas a couple of decades ago for an ice show at Caesars Palace. He was working with Richard Porter productions.

He sets up all the stages for the Philharmonic and the Christmas stage is one of his favorites.

"It's something people need to see," he said. "To have a full orchestra playing holiday music with choirs singing, it's just a great time."

About 150 children from the University Children's Chorale and the Las Vegas Master Singers will join the Philharmonic for the annual performance of traditional Christmas music. A new Hanukkah piece by Las Vegas composer Bernard Baskin will be presented. The children's chorus will participate in a nearly 20-minute presentation of "Polar Express," featuring baritone Tod Fitzpatrick.

"There's a lot of different reasons you celebrate the holidays," Philharmonic associate conductor Richard McGee said. "One of the reasons is children and family. This is a time when we can involve these kids. The University Children's Chorale is just wonderful."

The performances will be at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $66, $45 and $25. Call 895-2787.

Nutcracker perseveres

In a similar decorative and artistic vein, Nevada Ballet Theatre will be presenting its annual holiday favorite,"The Nutcracker," opening Thursday at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre.

This is the ballet's first return to Judy Bayley since moving to the Rio's Samba Theatre in 2001.

Being back at the 550-seat Judy Bayley allows the ballet to extend its "Nutcracker" season to 17 performances. But the numerous productions, which extend beyond Christmas, create budget constraints and "The Nutcracker" will be presented for the first time in a decade without the accompaniment of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Harris Ferris, executive director of Nevada Ballet Theatre, said it was unable to secure the Samba Theatre this year.

Company representatives hope this won't deter audiences. When it comes to most ballet companies, "The Nutcracker" is more than sugarplum fairies and Spanish chocolate and peppermints. It's also the season's bread and butter.

The ballet's "Nutcracker" performances generate 54 percent of the season performance income and 12 percent of its annual funds.

"It's absolutely our bread and butter," said Cindy Fox, spokeswoman for the ballet, who explained that it's still a family favorite that the dancers are looking forward to.

Regarding the Philharmonic, Fox said, "We're going to miss them. That's a reality. But we're plugging ahead. We are chin-up people. It has not dampened our spirits. As you grow in your journey, you have to put up with not being able to have it all."

On the bright side, with so many performances this year, the ballet's traditional inclusion of local student dancers will bring in 106 performers (split into three casts) from the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts, she said. The students will dance alongside the professionals.

"We're in this cozy intimate theater," Fox said. "Ethel M is decorating the lobby and our offices. It will be a different experience, but it will be just as wonderful."

Performances for "The Nutcracker" will be at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Performances continue through Dec. 29. Additional 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances will be Dec. 26. The show is dark on Christmas.

Tickets are $30, $45 and $65. Call 895-2787.

Kristen Peterson can be reached at 259-2317 or at kristen@ lasvegassun.com.