The Pittsburgh Symphony Pops assembled a cast of hundreds to bring buckets of good cheer to Heinz Hall for its new production, "Around the World." Conductor Robert Bernhardt was surrounded not only by the orchestra members, but backed by the Mendelssohn Choir and enhanced by the Children's Festival Chorus. Attack Theatre swirled across the front of the stage, where Karin Mushegain (Mrs. Claus), James Critchfield (St. Nicholas/Pere Noel/Father Christmas) and Kevin Glavin (Mr. Claus) held court.

The premise was to find Santa, who, for reasons unknown, had disappeared. So the frantic Mrs. Claus enlisted her "helpers" (the ethereal Festival Chorus) to embark on a trip to Germany, France and England before heading back to Pittsburgh, obviously one of Santa's favorite places -- or at least we like to think so.

It set up one of the highlights of the evening, Edward Cumming's truncated arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" in Pittsburghese. Who wouldn't respond to "five Super Bowl rings?"

The concert was, as usual, a mixed bag designed to appeal to Pops patrons and families. So sometimes production, with a stylish backdrop of wreaths and trees mostly bathed in warm red lighting, suffered from identity problems.

Much could be repaired with a clever rather than serviceable script, one that provided nifty transitions between the countries. And Mushegain, who sported a lovely long red dress that suited her role as Mrs. Claus, would also benefit from a gray wig and glasses. Brimming with confidence this year, with a tender "Believe" to her credit, she still looks too young to be hobnobbing with gray-bearded men, particularly when she sang "I Remember It Well" with Critchfield.

Still, the music often involved clever choices, especially from the top-notch choruses, although Michael Moricz's arrangement of "leading man" solos for a Broadway Santa was a stretch. Otherwise, there were selections from Bach's "Christmas Oratorio," "Pat-A-Pan" and a new lush holiday selection from Marvin Hamlisch, "Chanukah Lights."

Best of all, who would have thought that a little-known Christmas selection, "March of the Kings" from Bizet's second "L'Arlesienne" suite, would provide the spirited backdrop for Attack Theatre's first number. Brimming with energy and a knack for making the most of its horizontal space on stage, the five dancers stole the show with an irreverent approach that always delights.

Their climactic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" number involved big white fans and a tap-dancing Jeff Davis in top hat, tails and antlers, who taught a thing or two to the "real" Rudolph. And the Children's Festival Chorus probably never imagined that they would be doing a chorus line kick. But then, all you have to do is believe.

The Holiday Pops will be repeated at Heinz Hall through Sunday. Call 412-392-4900 or visit www.pittsburghsymphony.org.