Eartha Kitt's out, Diahann Carroll's in for holiday show

Last update: November 24, 2008 - 7:51 PM

There will be no "Santa Baby" at Orchestra Hall this season. Singer Eartha Kitt, who popularized that tune, has canceled her appearances Dec. 12-13 with the Minnesota Orchestra. Instead, Diahann Carroll will replace Kitt. Mischa Santora will conduct the orchestra, which will perform Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" and selections from "The Nutcracker Suite" in the first half of the concert.

Carroll -- perhaps best known for the 1960s TV series "Julia" -- will sing popular Christmas songs in the second half. Carroll has been a Las Vegas headliner and Broadway star, and played Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version of "Sunset Boulevard" in a Canadian production. Ticketholders with questions may call the box office at 612-371-5656.

GRAYDON ROYCE