From holiday dance performances and concerts to an amazing choir
Here come the ‘Nutcrackers’
Since San Francisco Ballet is credited with being the first company to stage a full-length performance of “The Nutcracker” in the U.S. in 1944, the Bay Area has had a rich tradition of presenting the famed ballet. Several companies are presenting the work this holiday season — here are a few:
San Francisco Ballet ‘Nutcracker’: These days, S.F. Ballet is presenting choreographer and former artistic director Helgi Tomasson’s acclaimed version of the ballet, known for its evocative choreography and lavish production values. Through Dec. 28; War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco; $39-$598; www.sfballet.org.
New Ballet ‘The San Jose Nutcracker’: Set in the South Bay, choreographed by Dalia Rawson and featuring Symphony San Jose, this is one of the premiere “Nutcracker” productions in Northern California. Dec. 13-23; California Theatre, San Jose; $31.50-$126.50; newballet.com.
San Jose Dance Theatre “Original San Jose Nutcracker”: The acclaimed production is in its 60th year. Dec. 13-14, 30-21; San Jose Center for the Performing Arts; $54.02-$119.05; www.sjdt.org.
Mark Foehringer Dance Project: The popular company presents, “Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets,” a roughly 1-hour production with young viewers in mind; through Dec. 21; Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco; $23.50-$65; mfdpsf.org.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
Holidays with a Broadway twist
Transcendence Theatre Company is returning with its popular annual tradition — “Broadway Holiday.” This North Bay musical theater company is celebrating the 10th anniversary of “Broadway Holiday,” which features the talents of Broadway stars from “Hamilton,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Jersey Boys” and other well-known shows.
The performers will deliver evenings of “festive favorites and showstopping numbers — all brought to life with a live six-piece band, vibrant Broadway choreography and the signature Transcendence style that has made “Broadway Holiday a San Francisco Bay Area wintertime tradition,” according to a news release.
“Over the years, this production has become a cherished holiday tradition for so many in our community, and we look forward to, once again, bringing the magic of the season to audiences across the North Bay,” said Tony Gonzalez, artistic director of the troupe
Songs featured in the production include “12 Days of Christmas,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Details: Performances are 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Sonoma Country Day School, Santa Rosa; also 7 p.m. Dec. 18-19, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at Sebastiani Theater, Sonoma; tickets and other information are at transcendencetheatre.org.
— Jim Harrington, Staff
Cars, toys star in Jack London event
Santa’s sleigh is fine and all, but might it not benefit from a modern upgrade? Put on some shiny-gold rims, perhaps, and install subwoofers to shake the icicles off the roofs of sleeping families below?
Vehicle enthusiasts can imagine what could be if jolly Saint Nick had his way on Dec. 13 at the Hyphy Wheels Car Show and Toy Drive in Oakland. Taking place at the waterfront Jack London Square, the free event will convene 40-plus classic and muscle cars to amaze automotive lovers of all ages. There will also be music from two DJs blasting Bay Area vibes, special guests and holiday giveaways.
Food and drink comes from local establishments such as popsicle-maker El Paletero Shop and World Famous HOTBOYS, whose fried-chicken sandos have enough heat to liquefy a snowman. Roughly two-dozen vendors will add to the event’s hustle-and-bustle. And because it’s that time of year, attendees are encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys for kids in need. As the organizers say: “Pull up with your crew, bring a toy and celebrate the season under the biggest Christmas tree on the waterfront!”
Details: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 13; 472 Water St., Oakland; for details visit theturfinc.com and instagram.com/turfinc.
— John Metcalfe, Staff
Classical picks: Messiah, ‘Holiday Spectacular’
Here are two holiday shows classical music fans should know about.
“Messiah”: Handel’s oratorio is a holiday favorite; there may be no more beloved music to experience this time of year. Many groups perform it, but under conductor Jeffrey Thomas, the American Bach Soloists and Choir have risen to the top with a tradition of excellence in the Bay Area. Thomas conducts two performances this month, and with vocal soloists Liv Redpath, Agnes Vojtko, Brian Giebler, and Christian Purcell, they return to the beautiful Grace Cathedral for two performances.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12; Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; $25-$135; americanbach.org.
“Holiday Spectacular”: The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus returns this month with a special holiday event music lovers won’t want to miss. With performances in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Rohnert Park, the nationally acclaimed 300-singer chorus is set to celebrate its 48th season with “Holiday Spectacular,” a dazzling concert featuring classic carols, big band flair, and works by musical icons from Irving Berlin to Elton John, Madonna to Lady Gaga, and many other noteworthy stars.
Expect a top-notch live band, vibrant arrangements, lush harmonies, and some of the best show-stopping choreography imaginable, making this a fun, joyous event in every sense of the word, one designed to mark the company’s 48th season with a celebration. Artistic director Jake Stensberg directs this exuberant yuletide event, which over the years has become one of the Bay Area’s most beloved traditions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these singers, or are seeing them for the first time, you’ll see why their events are among the region’s most treasured gifts of the season.
Details: Dec. 12-13 at Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 20 at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley; 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at Green Music Center, Sonoma State University; and 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco; $30-$105; sfgmc.org.
— Georgia Rowe, Correspondent
Alamo Drafthouse serves up Xmas classics
Sure, it’s great to watch those old favorite Christmas movies right on the couch — preferably in pajamas, with a cup of cocoa and a crackling blaze in the fireplace.
Yet, we also love to venture out of the house and rewatch these classics with a festive crowd in an actual movie theater.
And, thankfully, the Bay Area’s three Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas — the longtime flagship location in San Francisco plus the two newer South Bay outposts in Mountain View and Santa Clara — are providing plenty of opportunities for you to get your Christmas cinema fix this year.
The Alamo holiday offerings screening Dec. 11 through Christmas Day include “Elf,” featuring Will Farrell in his most beloved role as Buddy the Elf and an fantastic support spot from Bob Newhart as Papa Elf; “The Polar Express,” director Robert Zemeckis’ animated film with Tom Hanks in multiple roles; and “Love Actually,” the brilliant Richard Curtis movie that we’ll never understand how some people fail to enjoy.
Others on the Alamo schedule include “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the 2000 Jim Carrey vehicle; “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” with Chevy Chase at his finest; and “Black Christmas,” the original 1974 model that ranks as one of the Top 5 horror films of all time.
For showtimes and other information, visit drafthouse.com.
— Jim Harrington, Staff
Here’s your freebie of the week
What is it about this time of year that turns us all into suckers for bright colorful lights, whether they appear on trees, buildings, even basset hounds with those silly antler things on. But if you are like us, the bigger and brighter the display, the better. Which makes San Francisco the place to be this week, with the free Let’s Glow SF holiday light displays back for the fifth straight year. From 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 14, the city will light up eight buildings with animated, moving holiday-themed projections representing the work of 19 noted artists from around the globe. According to DowntownSF, the lights will be on display at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero (best viewed from Harry Bridges Plaza), the East Cut Electric building, 424 Folsom St. (Best viewed from 420 Folsom St.); 101 California St., (best viewed from 101 California Plaza), Mechanics Monument Plaza at 488 Market St., Yerba Buena Lane at Market Street; Hobart Building, 828 Market St., (best viewed from 1 Post St.); Transamerica Pyramid Center, 600 Montgomery St., (best viewed from within the Transamerica Redwood Park; and Salesforce Tower, 415 Mission St., pretty much visible from anywhere in downtown San Francisco. More information is at downtownsf.org
— Bay City News Foundation
The joy of Kitka
If you’ve not encountered the heavenly vocal efforts of Kitka, a 10-member women’s choir based in Oakland, you have two ways to alter that. One is to catch the choir in concert, and you will likely find it a game-changing experience. The group is described as a women’s chorus that specializes in traditional songs from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. That description is accurate yet someone does not do justice to the swirling, ethereal, transcendent sound they create. The singers’ harmonies, dramatic phrasing and pure passion combine to create a unique aural effect. The group is also known to use a building’s acoustics to heighten their performance. Kitka is kicking off its annual Wintersongs concert series with a performance on Dec. 13 at Peace United Church in Santa Cruz. Other performances will take place in Menlo Park (Dec. 14), Oakland (Dec. 18-20) and San Francisco. Tickets are $27.50-$55. Another way to experience the group is via its new album, “Kolo.” Tickets to the concerts, more information and the new album are all available at kitka.org.
— Bay City News Foundation
A culture claimed and defended
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine is winding up its third full year, the citizens of that beleaguered country are clinging proudly to their land and their heritage. In recognition of that staunch stance in the face of oppression, UC Berkeley professor of music emerita and first-generation Ukrainian-American Marika Kuzma is bringing her Ensemble Cherubim Chamber Chorus, a group she has toured Ukraine with in the past, back to campus with a couple of famous guests also participating. With renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade providing solos and and theater persona L. Peter Callender supplying narration, the group will perform “Carols of Birds, Bells and Peace from Ukraine: A Holiday Celebration” at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 in Zellerbach Hall, an event on the Cal Performances schedule. The music and spoken word program, selections from Ukrainian songs and carols from ancient to modern times, will take place while pictures of the Ukrainian countryside will be projected on a screen behind the performers. Kuzma and the ensemble will release a recording of the carols next year. Only orchestral seats remain for the concert, ranging in price from $42 to $89. You can find them at calperformances.org.
— Bay City News Foundation
A joyful collaboration
For the fourth time, music director and concertmaster Daniel Hope and his New Century Chamber Orchestra will be joining the acclaimed San Francisco Girls Chorus, conducted by Valérie Sainte Agathe, to mark the holiday season with a concert called “In Winter’s Glow,” taking place in three Bay Area locations this weekend. NCCO will perform John Rutter’s Suite for Strings, Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Four Violins in B minor, while the Girls Chorus will deliver Ola Gjeilo’s “Northern Lights,” William Billings’ “Bethlehem,” Benjamin Britten’s “A Wealden Trio” and some traditional carols. The Chorus and the Orchestra will join forces for David Conte’s “Two Winter Scenes,” selection from Jake Heggie’s “On the Road to Christmas” and Nico Muhly’s “Whispered and Revealed.” Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at First Church Berkeley UCC, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Belvedere-Tiburon and 2 p.m. Deac. 13 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco. Tickets, $35-$80, are available at www.ncco.org.
— Bay City News Foundation