December 07, 2000|By Karin Remesch
'Hansel and Gretel'
Inanimate objects come alive in comic and frightening ways when the Baltimore Opera Company presents Engelbert Humperdinck's "Hansel and Gretel" Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Dec. 15 at the Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. Based on the Brothers Grimm fairytale about the children of a poor broom maker, an angry stepmother and a wicked witch, the two-hour family holiday production is a great way to introduce children to the opera. Curtain time is 8:15 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday 12/9-10, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12/13 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets are $29-$126. Call 410-727-6000.
FOR THE RECORD - In yesterday's Live section, the wrong date was given for the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. The 5K race is Sunday, beginning at Bohager's restaurant in Fells Point. The Sun regrets the error.
Monument lighting
Fireworks, lights and music are part of "A Monumental Occasion" from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today 12/7 at the Washington Monument, Charles Street and Mount Vernon Place. Join Mayor Martin O'Malley in a countdown to the lighting of the monument, then enjoy live entertainment, refreshments and a fireworks finale. Afterward, take part in First Thursday activities along Charles Street. There'll be free admission to Mount Vernon attractions, restaurant specials, extended shopping hours and more. The Washington Monument will remain open for tours until 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 410-244-1030.
Christmas Cookie House Tour
Sample homemade cookies created from favorite family recipes while touring about 20 Victorian homes from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday 12/10 along Union Square, in the 1500 block of W. Lombard St.. The 15th Annual Christmas Cookie Tour is sponsored by the Union Square Association. The admission price of $12 includes the tour, cookies, a guide booklet with house descriptions and cookie recipes. Tickets are available by phone in advance or can be purchased the day of the tour at the Neighborhood Design Center, 1401 Hollins St. Call 410-233-3168 or 410-945-1497.
'Holiday Traditions in Old Baltimore'
Travel back in time Sunday 12/10 and experience "Holiday Traditions in Old Baltimore" during a tour of historic house museums. Continuous bus service from noon to 5 p.m. takes you to the Mount Clare Museum House, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, the Homewood House Museum and Evergreen House. Each house is dressed for the season and offers period music, refreshments created by area caterers and holiday shopping. Free parking for the round-trip bus service is available at Mount Clare Museum House in Carroll Park off Washington BouleVard, and at Evergreen House, 4545 N. Charles St. Admission is $12, $10 for museum members, $8 children. Call 410-516-0341.
Holiday Pops and Vienna Choir Boys
The holiday-music season continues at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., with the Junior League of Baltimore's annual Holiday Pops Gala at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday 12/8-10. Guest pops conductor Jeff Tyzik leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore County Schools Honor Choir in a festive celebration. Proceeds benefit at-risk families. Tickets are $24-$65. And at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12/13, the Vienna Choir Boys perform a program of holiday classics. Tickets are $22-$42. Call 410-783-8000.
'Mistletoe Meltdown'
Enjoy some of the country's top musical performers and at the same time support the We Are the Children Fund at 7 p.m. Saturday 12/9 at the Baltimore Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Taking the stage in the "Mistletoe Meltdown 2000" are Christina Aguilera, Barenaked Ladies, LeAnn Rimes, BBMAK, Brian McKnight, Baha Men and others. Admission is $37.50 plus an unwrapped children's toy grants you admission to the star-studded event. Call 410-481-SEAT.
Around the harbor
Pearl Harbor remembered
Survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack will share their experiences during commemoration ceremonies at 11:55 a.m. today 12/7 aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney, docked at the Inner Harbor's Pier 5. Of the 101 naval vessels present during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack, the Taney is the only warship still afloat. Today's ceremony includes a bell-ringing memorial dedication, a 21-gun salute and an aerial wreath drop. Admission is free. Call 410-396-3453.
Jingle Bell Run
Tie bells to your running shoes and let them echo through the streets of downtown Baltimore Saturday as you race in the annual Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. The 5-kilometer event for runners and walkers, along with a 2-kilometer walk, starts and ends at Bohager's, 701 S. Eden St. in Fells Point. Enjoy a pasta party and awards ceremony after the race. Starting time is 9 a.m. Register in advance or the day of the race, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The fee is $25. Call 410-602-0160, Ext. 229.
