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South Bay Accent - Dec 2014/Jan 2015

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET  Dec. 12–29, times vary. Set in 1914 San Francisco, the spectacular dancing and sets in this production are intensified by the sounds of the San Francisco Symphony. Special viewing options include VIP box seats and family performances. Fans can even prepare for the show in advance with an illustrated iPad app at home. Tickets $26-$327. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. 415/865-2000. SAN JOSE DANCE THEATER  Dec. 5–7, times vary. This magical performance takes on a life of its own with the assistance of a live orchestra. Plan to be wowed during the stunning production, which this year features San Francisco ballet dancers Sasha de Sola and Tiit Helimets. Tickets $25-$58. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408/286-9905. WESTERN BALLET  Dec. 5–6, 7 p.m. (Friday), 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Saturday). Spend an afternoon or evening with Clara, Fritz, Drosselmeyer, toys that come to life and, of course, a life-size nutcracker during this traditional holiday performance. Be sure to stay for the sweet tea reception following each show. Tickets $25-30. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/968-4455. December 2014/January 2015 85 RIGHT: DAVID ALLEN; FAR RIGHT: KIMBERLI BRADY/SANJOSESTOCK.COM THE NUTCRACKERS ALL AROUND THE BAY BALLET SAN JOSE  Dec. 13-28, times vary. More than 100 dancers take flight in choreographer Karen Gabay’s production with staging inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” This seasonal favorite offers stylish sets and costumes designed by Broadway legend Theoni V. Aldredge. Tickets $20-$105. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408/288-2800. MOSCOW BALLET  Dec. 19, 8 p.m. This lively production takes place in composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s native land and includes Russiannamed characters, folk legends Ded Moroz and Snegurochka, and life-size Matrushka dolls. New changes this year include the additions of an authentic Russian Christmas puppet play and a magical toy cabinet. Tickets $28–$175. Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 800/745-3000. PENINSULA BALLET THEATRE  Dec. 20–22, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Saturday) and 2 p.m. (Sunday–Monday). The second-oldest Bay Area professional ballet company offers lots of new changes to its impressive family production this year. Look for new choreography and costumes and a Monday matinee that includes commemorative ornaments for kids under 12. Tickets $30–$65. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. 650/369-7770. Santa’s Kingdom for mini golf, laser tag or arcade games. Tickets $22–$28; advance reservations recommended. Santa Cruz Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz. 831/335-4484. SANTA PAWS  Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s easy to forget about your pets. Honor your furry friends (canine and feline) by getting them photographed with Santa at Santana Row during this benefit for Humane Society Silicon Valley. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $20. Park Valencia, 355 Santana Row, San Jose. 408/551-0010. RAGAZZI BOYS CHORUS  Dec. 7, 5 p.m. Young boys demonstrate the power of song with this choral presentation called “Wintersong.” The festive concert includes a range of musical styles, with highlights including the powerful Norwegian tune “Eatnemen Vuelie,” heard in the Disney movie “Frozen,” Edward Elgar’s “The Snow,” and composer Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere.” Tickets $10–$30. Messiah Lutheran Church, 1835 Valota Road, Redwood City. 650/342-8785. ANNUAL YOU-SING-IT MESSIAH  Dec. 8, 7:30. Maestro Leroy Kromm takes the stage with the San Jose Baroque Orchestra to lead MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS  Dec. 6, 13, 19–21, times vary. Most kids are familiar with Madeline, the spunky youngster who attends boarding school in Paris with 11 other girls and headmistress Miss Clavel. Here’s a chance for your children to see her live in a musical adaptation of Ludwig Bemelman's cherished book. Tickets $13–$15. Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale. 408/ 245-2978. SANTA CRUZ HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIN  Dec. 6–7, 13–14 and 19–23, times vary. Roll through downtown Santa Cruz in style on an antique train decorated with colorful holiday lights. While aboard, sing holiday tunes, sip cider and even say hello to St. Nick. Afterward, stop in CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Through Jan. 1. Get into the holiday spirit during this annual extravaganza that takes place throughout the month of December. Expect musical and animated displays, oodles of decorated Christmas trees and nightly entertainment. Santa will be on hand for visits, including “Dog Day” (photos with pooches) on Dec. 6 and “Breakfast with Santa” on Dec. 13. Free. Plaza de Cesar Chavez, South Market Street, San Jose. 408/535-3570. RAGAZZI BOYS CHORUS


South Bay Accent - Dec 2014/Jan 2015
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