THE Nutcrackers ALL AROUND THE BAY
A HOLIDAY SHOW WITH
Pink Martini
December 2017/January 2018 85
LOS GATOS BALLET’S NUTCRACKER. Dec. 8–10, times vary.
The fruit of a collaboration with San Jose Youth Symphony, conductor
Yair Samet and principal dancers from the acclaimed San Francisco
Ballet, this production showcases some of the Bay Area’s most
talented emerging and seasoned performers. Tickets $15–$55. Flint
Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 408/864-8816.
NUTCRACKER IN CHINA—DREAM OF THE GOLDEN PHOENIX.
Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. A magical peacock appears in a girl’s dream
and promises four fantastic dreams of China’s golden ages of the
past. This new version of “Nutcracker in China” celebrates culture
in a fusion of Chinese classical dance and ballet. Tickets $20–$30.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.,
Mountain View. 650/903-6000.
MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER. Dec. 17,
7 p.m. Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Moscow Ballet’s “Great
Russian Nutcracker,” known for its award-winning principal dancers,
lavish costumes, backdrops created by “La La Land” concept designer
Carl Sprague and its Russian focus, including life-size Matryoshka
dolls, Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and
Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) and Troika sleigh. Tickets $34–$181.
Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino. 408/864-8816.
PENINSULA BALLET’S NUTCRACKER. Dec. 16–17, times vary.
Choreographed by Bay Area dance legend Carlos Carvajal, Peninsula
Ballet’s “Nutcracker” has become a holiday favorite. Experience
this lavish performance featuring some of the Bay Area’s most
beautiful, talented and athletic professional dancers. Meet-andgreets
with the dancers follow every performance. Tickets $30–$65.
Fox Theatre, 2221 Broadway St., Redwood City. 650/369-7770.
SAN FRANCISCO BALLET’S NUTCRACKER. Dec. 13–30, times
vary. A San Francisco tradition since its premiere in 1944, “Nutcracker”
lights up the stage with the help of an international cast
of world-class dancers, sophisticated lighting effects and intricate
stage sets. Ticket prices vary. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van
Ness Ave., San Francisco. 415/865-2000.
THE SAN JOSE NUTCRACKER. Dec. 15–24, times vary. The New
Ballet School has partnered with the Hammer Theatre Center for
a new look at a timeless tradition. This production tells the wellloved
story of Clara and the Nutcracker, while featuring historical
references to the heritage that has made the Santa Clara Valley the
center of innovation it is today. Tickets $20–$91. Hammer Theater
Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. 408/924-8501.
SYMPHONY SILICON VALLEY PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER.
with the Ballet Stars of Moscow Company, Dec. 15–24, times
vary. The tradition of world-class ballet in San Jose continues with
a full company of performers direct from Russia, dancing to Tchaikovsky’s
magnificent music performed live by Symphony Silicon
Valley conducted by Maestro George Daugherty. Tickets $45–$90.
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd., San
Jose. 669/242/8555.
WESTERN BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER. Dec. 1–3, times vary.
Western Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition filled with
delight and fun for the whole family. Join Clara, Fritz and their
friends as they celebrate the festive season with the magic of Drosselmeyer,
toys that come alive and Clara’s enchanting visit to the
Kingdom of Sweets. Tickets $28–$33. Mountain View Center for the
Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650/903-6000.
Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. With the combined power of a dozen musicians, Pink Martini brings its rollicking
cross-genre mix of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop to major venues all over the
world. Following its latest release, “Je dis oui!,” the self-described little orchestra returns with
its infectiously joyous, dance-friendly music. Tickets $25–$45. Golden State Theatre, 417
Alvarado, downtown Monterey. 831/649-1070.
plunge into the holiday mood with tap-dancing
Christmas trees, stilt walkers, grazing reindeer,
photos with Santa, holiday greats and songs
of the season. Marvel at the lighting of a 55-
foot Mount Shasta fir tree covered in 5,000
lights and 600 ornaments. Free. Jack London
Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakland.
510/645-9292.
27TH ANNUAL UNION STREET FANTASY
OF LIGHTS. Dec. 2, 3 to 7 p.m. Thousands
of twinkling lights transform the Marina District’s
Union Street into a beguiling backdrop
for Santa and a team of elves to celebrate along
with jugglers, decked-out ponies, face painters,
balloon artists, costumed characters, singers
and musicians. Free. Union Street, San Francisco.
800/310-6563.
CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL. Dec 2, 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. Make holiday memories with the
wee ones as you stroll through History Park,
listening to the sounds of carolers and engag-