Preview - Cleveland Pops to ring in the New Year at Severance

By Mike Telin

December 22, 2009 - Since 1996 Carl Topilow and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra have welcomed in the New Year at Severance Hall with what Clevelanders call “The best New Year's Eve party in town”, and the 2009 edition, ';Broadway Rocks' promises to deliver a fun filled evening of merry making.

Topilow exclaims, "I can't believe it will be 14 years. We must have started this around the same time we started the orchestra, and we're just thrilled with how popular these concerts have become."

What's in store for this year? Topilow's plans include two special soloists. "J. Mark McVey and Capathia Jenkins (pictured below) are two of the hottest stars on Broadway right now. They are both fantastic entertainers and they will be singing tunes from Phantom of the Opera, Tommy, Rent, Lion King, Mamma Mia, The Wiz, Hairspray, Dreamgirls and more."
As for the format of the evening Topilow says "it's basically the same as in the past. The concert begins at 9:00. We'll pass out party horns for some audience participation. We'll also do some comedy pieces. It's always such a blast". According to the orchestra's website, CPO will also perform the McCoys' "Hang on Sloopy" the official rock song of the State of Ohio.

Social dancing will begin at 11:00 with Topilow himself leading a dance band in the Grand Foyer, and with the Cleveland contemporary soft rock band "Splash" playing in the Smith Lobby. And of course at the stoke of midnight the "Balloon Drop" will take place. Cash bars located throughout Severance hall will be serving champagne, wine and beer. Coffee is free.

What to wear? New Year's Eve with CPO is "Come dressed as you feel — casual or black tie. The Pops' New Year's Eve party is all about having a great time".

Too tired to drive home or simply don't want to deal with traffic and parking? Take advantage of the Cleveland Pops discount package at the InterContinental Hotel. This includes round trip transportation from the hotel to Severance Hall, a deluxe guest room, and you can wake up to breakfast on New Year's Day.

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra has four more Severance Hall performances planned in 2010. On Saturday, January 30, the orchestra presents 'A Night at the Oscars' narrated by WCLV's Bill O'Connell, featuring award winning themes from eight decades of moving pictures. ‘Cirque de la Symphonie: The Encore (New Feats and Thrills) goes up on Saturday, March 27. ‘Broadway Goes to the Movies' is slated for Friday, April 16, and on Friday, May 21, CPO offers its annual 'Salute to our Armed Forces'.

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