Holidays 2023: 10 Bay Area ‘Nutcrackers’ and other dances to catch
"Nutcrackers," Smuin Ballet's popular Christmas program and a popular take on "The Velveteen Rabbit" are in the offing.
As the stain of violence convulses the Holy Land, the innocence and playfulness of the conflict at the center of “The Nutcracker” provides the seasonal diversion we need.
The holiday staple, which unfolds during and after a party Christmas Eve, is indestructible and supremely malleable, delivering the fundamental pleasures of ballet whether set in Vienna, San Francisco, San Jose, London, or a small German town (where the original E.T.A. Hoffmann short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” takes place).
There are more than a dozen “Nutcracker” productions in the Bay Area alone this year, and the one thing they all have in common is some version of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. More than a cultural experience, “The Nutcracker” has taken on a singular role as a holiday tradition for families, a vivid introduction to dance and classical music for children, and an economic lifeline for dance companies large and small. It’s not the only seasonal dance mainstay but it’s ballet’s winter juggernaut.
Here are some recommended productions, of both “Nutcracker” and non-“Nutcracker” variety.
San Francisco Ballet
The fledging San Francisco Ballet Opera (as San Francisco Ballet was originally known) presented the first full-length American productiuon of “The Nutcracker” in 1944, and it’s entirely fitting that Helgi Tomasson’s version has become an institution itself since premiering in 2004. Set in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights around the conclusion of World War I, the ballet employs Tchaikovsky’s complete score in the composer’s intended sequence. It’s a showcase for the company’s exceptional dancers, but the entire production is an irresistible confection, with lavish décor, sets and costumes that are a marvel unto themselves.
Details: Dec. 13-30; War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco; $25-$565; 415-865-2000, www.sfballet.org.
Oakland Ballet
Oakland Ballet’s Graham Lustig drew on the original E.T.A. Hoffmann short story in retelling the uncanny tale, which he set in fin de siècle Vienna. The production premiered with New Jersey’s American Repertory Ballet in 2000, but it has fully blossomed amidst the Paramount Theatre’s Art Deco finery. With Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre’s music director Pamela Martin conducting the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir joining the orchestra for the Snow Scene, the graceful production features more than 40 young Bay Area dancers (aged 7 to 17) performing alongside the company’s professionals as snowballs, mice, soldiers and candies.
Details: 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1 p.m. Dec. 17; Paramount Theatre, Oakland; $26.50-$126.80; oaklandballet.org, (510) 893-3132.
Smuin Contemporary Ballet
Introduced 30 years ago, Michael Smuin’s yin/yang “Christmas Ballet” revue has proven remarkably durable with its two-act nice-and-naughty structure and alluring blend of long-time pieces and fresh additions. Opening with “Classical Christmas,” the production features the company’s impressive dancers performing to holiday standards. The dancing heats up with “The Cool Christmas,” which keys on Eartha Kitt’s insouciantly sexy recording of “Santa Baby.” As originally conceived by Smuin, the production showcases the company’s versatility with an array of ballet, tap, and jazz.
Details: Dec. 1-2 at Sunset Center, Carmel; December 7-10 at Mountain View Center for the Arts, Mountain View; December 14-24 atYerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco; $36-$119; 415-912-1899,www.smuinballet.org.
Mark Foehringer Dance Project|SF
The 15th season of choreographer Mark Foehringer’s “Nutcracker Sweets” has proven to be an ideal introduction to the ballet, with its 50-minute running time and immersive design. Designed for families with young children, the production features a nine-piece Keisuke Nakagoshi-conducted chamber ensemble with orchestrations by the late Michael Morgan. With ODC Dance veteran Carlos Venturo as Drosselmeyer, Ballet 22’s Theresa Knudson as Clara, and Oakland Ballet’s Vincent Chavez as the titular utensil.
Details: Dec. 2-23; Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco; $23.50-$49.50; (415) 345-7575, mfdpsf.org/nutcracker-sweets.
San Jose Dance Theatre
The company’s “Original San Jose Nutcracker” as been a South Bay staple since the mid-1960s. Featuring the Cambrian Symphony conducted by Scott Krijnen, SJDT’s professional company and the school’s youth ensemble, it’s a sturdy and winning production.
Details: Dec. 8-10; San Jose Center for the Performing Arts; $30-$99; www.sjdt.org/the-nutcracker.
Berkeley Ballet Theater/Post:ballet
It’s always interesting to witness a new “Nutcracker” entering the world, and Berkeley Ballet Theater’s Post:ballet company radically reimagines the classic work as an adventure through the natural world led by drag queen Grace Towers as Mother Nature and dances by the Sunlight Fairy, Ocean Sprites, and other ethereal denizens. Choreographed by Robin Dekkers, the 70-minute, intermissionless production includes 100 youth dancers and members of the Post:ballet professional company.
Details: Dec. 1-3; Oakland Scottish Rite Center, Oakland; $37-$50; berkeleycityballet.org/news/events.
ODC/Dance
The San Francisco company’s opulent and heartfelt take on Margery Williams’ classic fairy tale about a boy’s beloved stuffed bunny that wants to become real is a Bay Area favorite that’s returning for its 37th year. The production is directed and choreographed by ODC Fellow KT Nelson and features company dancers as well as students from ODC’s Youth & Teen Program. Check the company’s website for details on “The Very Important Bunny Package,” which is full of extras.
Details: Dec. 2-10 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco; $30-$125; Dec. 16-17 at Douglas Morrisson Theatre, Hayward; 40; odc.dance.
Valley Dance Theatre
The company’s full-length adaptation of the Tchaikovsky classic, accompanied by Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra, has been a favorite of the Tri-Valley holiday scene for more than 40 years.
Details: Dec. 9-17; Bankhead Theater, Livermore; $25-$45; www.valleydancetheatre.com.
New Ballet
The company’s annual production of “The San Jose Nutcracker” sets the story in San Jose, complete with references to the Silicon Valley. There is also an abridged version — “My Very First Nutcracker” — available for kids and families.
Details: Dec. 16-23; California Theatre, San Jose; $25-$95; newballet.com.
Peninsula Ballet Theatre
The company offers three versions of the “Nutcracker”: a full-length production, an abridged “Nutcracker Sweet” and a “Hip-Hop Nutcracker Sweet.”
Details: Dec. 2-17 in Redwood City and San Mateo; $25-$75; tickets and full schedule at www.peninsulaballet.org.