December 13-30, 2023 - 31 performances!
Dec.13-17, 19-24 & 26-30, 2023
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA
$25-395, approx. plus fees, sfballet.org
Artistic Director, Choreographer: Helgi
Tomasson
california nutcracker
California claims the oldest, tallest and biggest trees in the world, all worthy of our attention during the holidays when trees become shrines glistening with lights, sparkling with tinsel and hiding thousands of dollars of gifts under their branches. Another holiday symbol worth taking note is The Nutcracker ballet, performed by nearly 100 dance companies in California. The Nutcracker brings together the Christmas Tree, a centerpiece for the ballet, with classical orchestration, rich costumes and millions of dollars of dance lessons showcased in local to world-renown productions such as the Great Russian Nutcracker.
Although we're considered one of America's newer states (31st,) we can be proud of our Nutcracker heritage and this claim: In 1933 San Francisco introduced the first professional ballet company in the U.S.
On Christmas Eve, 1944, the audience at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House experienced the American premiere of Nutcracker. An instant sensation, the ballet launched a national holiday tradition. The first ballet company to bring the Nutcracker tradition to America, San Francisco Ballet's awe-inspiring production is like no other. Set in San Francisco during the 1915 World's Fair, Clara's dreamlike journey is an ode to the City's historical grandeur - all amidst colorful, larger than life scenery, over 200 dazzling costumed characters, and of course Tchaikovsky's beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.
Under the artistic direction of famed dancer Helgi Tomasson, San
Francisco Ballet's lavish Nutcracker in the exquisite War Memorial Opera
House, a landmark since 1932, has become a San Franciso "must-see holiday
event." Tomasson retired from his position in 2022.
Reflecting on today's talented, young dancers Tomasson said many have superb
skills but it is hard for them to take on character roles, perhaps due to to
contemporary music and lifestyles. The former principal dancer for the New York
City Ballet said he tries to guide them in their careers.
San Francisco Ballet's sparkling production
of Nutcracker, set in the City by the
Bay, has introduced audiences of all ages to
the magnificent world of ballet. This
holiday season, experience the beauty and
athleticism of SF Ballet's international
cast of world-class dancers in Nutcracker, a
San Francisco tradition since 1944.
December 2-23, 2023
December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17 & 22-23, 2023
Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture Pier 2
(walk to end of Pier on right side)
2 Marina Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94123
$23.50-49.50, fortmason.org | mfdpsf.org
PRESENTED BY Mark Foehringer Dance Project
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture with Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets, a 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet for families with small children and audiences of all ages. This special production is danced storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany, and fun.
Foehringer uses his choreographic skills in contemporary dance and ballet to craft a show that is sure to thrill dance newcomers and seasoned ballet lovers. See all of the favorite Nutcracker characters in beautiful costumes performing on a colorful set with live chamber orchestra music. Award-winning scenic designer Peter Crompton provides the set design and Emmy-nominated Richard Battle creates gorgeous costumes.
PLEASE NOTE: Babes in arms must also have tickets.