Orchestra’s holiday concert features Jodi Benson and more

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, with music director Randall Craig Fleischer, will present its annual holiday concert Saturday at 8 p.m. at Powers Auditorium with guest vocalist Jodi Benson.

Benson, who is a recipient of the Disney Legends Award, will be joined by the Youngstown Connection, Easy Street Little Rascals and the Simple Gifts Interfaith Choir.

Children are invited to attend the concert in Disney character costumes and enjoy the lobby’s holiday decorations and photo opportunities.

Benson received worldwide recognition as the original voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Walt Disney animated film “The Little Mermaid.” She also has been the voice of Barbie in Disney/Pixar animated films’ “Toy Story 2” and Toy Story 3” and was seen in Disney’s “Enchanted.”

Benson has appeared on Broadway, creating the role of Polly Baker in the Tony Award-winning George and Ira Gershwin musical “Crazy For You” and Doris Hudson in Marvin Hamlisch’s “Smile.”

She will perform some Disney classics, including “Colors of the Wind” and “Part of Your World.”

She will perform “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with the Youngstown Connection; “My Favorite Things” with the Little Rascals; and “O, Holy Night” with the Simple Gifts Interfaith Choir.

The Youngstown Connection has served as goodwill ambassadors for Youngstown City Schools since 1988. Each year, 12 students are selected to join the group directed by founder Carol Baird.

Easy Street Productions has entertained Mahoning Valley residents for more than 25 years. Partners Maureen Collins and Todd Hancock initiated the Little Rascals to encourage young people to become involved in musical theater. Under the tutelage of Collins, the group has expanded and now performs with Easy Street Productions in its annual “Miracle on Easy Street” holiday revue, coming to Powers Auditorium Dec. 19-21. The Little Rascals also perform on their own, most recently in “School House Rock” at the Ford Family Recital Hall.

The Simple Gifts Interfaith Choir, under the direction of Paige Lape, was formed several years ago when Hubbard area residents joined together to perform with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra at the Stained Class Concert at First Presbyterian Church of Hubbard.

The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra also will perform a free Stained Glass Series concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Luke Church, 5235 South Ave., Boardman.