Decking the hall

Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 | 8:51 a.m.

Every year Keith Neel, director of operations and special events for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, finds himself onstage at UNLV's Ham Hall. Preparing the auditorium for the orchestra's holiday concert has become a cherished ritual. There is the hoisting of the 12-foot, 240-pound Christmas wreath, flanked by two smaller wreaths, the placing of the 33 floral arrangements that line the stage, and the arranging of the large stuffed toys loaned to the orchestra by FAO Schwarz for stage decor. To finish the job, Neel and his crew of nine hang 10 more wreaths - five on each side of the audience - and place two 15-foot lighted Christmas trees at each end of the stage. This year's effort began Wednesday. By late Friday the staff was still hanging lights. It's worth it, Neel says. "I try to fully decorate the hall in every way to give a very intimate feel." For tickets to today's 2 p.m. concert ($27-$69), call 895-2787 .

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