17 ‘Nutcracker’ performances to enjoy in the Bay Area in 2022

San Francisco Ballet dancers portray snowflakes in “The Nutcracker.”Photo: Erik Tomasson

After two seasons of cancellations or online offerings, Bay Area dance troupes are back to offering “Nutcracker” productions in full force. Though the San Francisco Ballet’s production rises to the top of many wish lists, smaller productions bring unique interpretations of the program to venues across the region.

Check out The Chronicle’s guide to the many upcoming performances of the holiday favorite ballet, set to the iconic musical score by Tchaikovsky.

Dance Mission Theater’s Grrrl Brigade: ‘Revolutionary Nutcrackers Sweetie’

Created in 1987 by the Dance Brigade, this “Nutcracker” takes a political plot twist on Clara’s journey through the magical lands of the sugar plum fairies. Live-stream option available.

7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 1-2; 3 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. $15-$30, reservations and masks indoors required. Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th St., S.F.415-826-4441.dancemissiontheater.org

All manner of madcap fun is unleashed in Mark Foehringer’s family-friendly “Nutcracker Sweets.”Photo: Matt Haber / Mark Foerhinger Dance

Mark Foehringer’s ‘Nutcracker Sweets’

A unique 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet designed for families and audiences of all ages. It includes favorite “Nutcracker” characters in colorful costumes designed by Richard Battle, a set by Peter Crompton and live chamber orchestra accompaniment.

上午11点和下午1:30。Saturday-Sunday, 12月3 - 4日10-11 and 17-18; 4 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and 17-18. $23.50-$45.50, vaccination or negative test, masks and reservationsrequired. Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F. 628-400-1348.mfdpsf.org

San Francisco Youth Ballet Theatre: ‘The Nutcracker’

This award-wining, full-length version of “The Nutcracker” will feature professional artists and youth talent from the Youth Ballet Academy. This production is geared toward families and is a great opportunity to introduce young children to a well-loved holiday tradition. Sugar Plum VIP seating includes great seats, a pre-show meet-and-greet with the Sugarplum Fairy, concessions and a gift for children 10 or younger.

1 and 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4. $25-$75, reservationsrequired. Chinese American International School, 3250 19th Ave.,S.F. 415-731-2237.sanfranciscoyouthballet.org

New World Ballet Presents Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker,” featuring the Marcus Shelby Orchestra

Thedance ensembleand additional professional dancers will share the stage with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra for a special holiday production of a rarely produced Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn reimagination of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s holiday classic set in 1920s Harlem. The production is choreographed by Victor Temple (Dance Theater of Harlem, Oakland Ballet, Cirque du Soleil).

3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 $45-$60, reservations required. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa. 510-332-5250.lutherburbankcenter.org

Abby Cannon as Clara with corps de ballet member Nathaniel Remez as Dr. Stahlbaum in S.F. Ballet’s “Nutcracker.”Photo: Erik Tomasson / San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

海湾地区传统for 78years, the ballet returns to theOpera House stage with choreographer Helgi Tomasson’s 2004 “Nutcracker.” This year’s performances feature the full cast of characters in the beloved production set in San Francisco’s 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and include the fan favorite blizzard of “snow” during the dance of the snowflakes. There will be a relaxed, shush-free and shame-free environment for audience members of all ages and abilities with a sensory-friendly performance planned for 7 p.m. on Dec. 21.

On Dec. 18, the ballet will open its studios for in-person, “Nutcracker Let’s Dance” family workshops for children ages 3-6 and their familiesat 9:30 and 11:45 a.m., as well asa sensory-friendly version for all ages and abilities at 1 p.m.

7 p.m. Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9-11, 13-18 and 20-23; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and 26-27. $19-$495, reservationsrecommended. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 415-865-2000.sfballet.org

Orinda Ballet Academy: ‘A Sweet Dream Nutcracker’

Artistic director Patricia Tomlinson presents a version of the classic tale, featuring academy students alongside professional guest dancers Julia Meister and Michael Wells.

6:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10-11; 6 p.m. Dec. 10. $23-$25, reservationsrecommended. Orinda Library Auditorium 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.orindaballetacademy.com

Marin Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” features choreography by Julia Adam.Photo: Marin Ballet

San José Dance Theatre: ‘The Original San Jose Nutcracker’

The San José ensemble’s special holiday performance is celebratingits 57th year, making it the longest-running live production of “The Nutcracker” in San Jose. The Cambrian Symphony, with musical direction by Scott Krijnen, will accompany the show, featuring choreography by Mark Foehringer.Once Upon aNutcracker” abbreviated performances, designed especially for families with young children, are offered at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 9 and 16.

7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-10 and 16-17; 2 p.m. Dec. 10-11 and 17-18. $26.40-$99, reservationsrequired. San José Center for the Performing Arts, San José. 408-286-9905.sjdt.org

Marin Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

Clara’s fanciful Christmas Eve dreams come to life through the magic of dance in a program choreographed by Julia Adam. The production features 125 dancers, Victorian costumes and sets, and a high-flying surprise at the finale. There will be live piano entertainment during the intermission and a boutique for holiday shopping.

1 p.m. Dec. 10-11; 5 p.m. Dec. 10. $28-$47, reservationsrecommended. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. 415-453-6705.marinballet.org

Black Diamond Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker” will include variations that bring more cultural relevance and diversity to the traditional story.Photo: Black Diamond Ballet

Black Diamond Ballet: ‘Nutcracker’

Under the direction of artistic director/choreographer Sharon Sobel Idul, the ballet’s 2022 production of “Nutcracker” will include variations in the second act that bring more cultural relevance and diversity to the traditional story. The 2 p.m. Dec. 17 show will be an abridged, one-hour, sensory-friendly performance.

7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 16-17; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 p.m. Dec. 17-18. $20-$35, reservations recommended. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd St., Antioch. 925-757-9500.blackdiamondballet.org

Peninsula Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ and ‘Hip-Hop Nutcracker’

Choreographer/artistic director Gregory Amato’s version of the classic “Nutcracker” is focused on the joy of dance as the Christmas Eve adventure brings to life a familiar cast of charactersin a production featuringPeninsula Ballet Theatre’s professional company and conservatory students.

In the hip-hopversion, Clara receives a prized nutcracker during a traditional holiday party, but instead of Candy Land, she finds herself in a modern hip-hop land dancing with characters who don’t look or dance the way they do back home. Reimagined by choreographers AleeMartinez and StuckSanders, the arrangement mixes iconic pieces of the story and Tchaikovsky’s score with added twists and lots of hip-hop dance.

The company will also offer ‘Sweets’ versions of both productions, which are designed for little children and families onDec. 3-4and10-11at itsSan Mateo Studio stage.

“The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 p.m. Dec. 17. $20-$70, reservationsrequired. “Hip-Hop Nutcracker” 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 1 p.m. Dec. 18. $50-$70, reservationsrequired. Fox Theatre, Redwood City. 650-212-5867.peninsulaballet.org

Peninsula Ballet Theatre will offer productions of both the classic “Nutcracker” and a “Hip-Hop Nutcracker,” with versions for all ages.Photo: Peninsula Ballet Theatre

马林学院的舞蹈

Celebrate the holidays with an original version of “The Nutcracker” focused on Clara and her friends as they celebrate the holidays, with choreography by Leilani Neal, momMelinda Neal and Charles Torres. Professional guest artist MarinnaKus and Joshua Francique from Lines Ballet will perform, along with the conservatory students.

1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 18. $33-$45, reservationsrecommended. Novato High SchoolPerforming Arts Center, 625 Arthur St., Novato. 415-326-5117.marinconservatoryofdance.org

Seyong Kim as the Nutcracker in Oakland Ballet’s production of Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker.”Photo: Stephen Texeira

Oakland Ballet:Graham Lustig’s ‘The Nutcracker’

The spirit of the holidays will come to life with Marie and her soldiersas she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King and soars with dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. The Oakland Symphony, conducted by Lesley Dunner, andthe Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choirbring Tchaikovsky’s score to life.

Following the 1 p.m. matinees, the ballet will host “Sweet Dreams” parties, giving attendees the chance to mingle with performers over cookies and lemonade.

1 p.m. Dec. 17-18; 5 p.m. Dec. 17. $25-$127, reservationsrecommended. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. 866-557-5077.oaklandballet.org

New Ballet’s ‘San José Nutcracker’

Presented in partnership with History San José, the show transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references such as a growing replica of theSan JoseLight Tower and a 1905-inspired skyline of the city. Featuring New Ballet’s professional dancers, students, Ragazzi Boys Chorus and dancers from Los Lupeños Juvenil, it will include live orchestral accompaniment.

7 p.m. Dec. 16-17; 2 p.m. Dec. 17-18. $25-$95, reservationsrecommended. California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. 408-792-4111.newballet.com

Folklorico dancers from Los Lupeños Juvenil. Families can revel in the holiday spirit in a magnificent new setting when New Ballet bringsthe “San JoséNutcracker” to theCalifornia Theatre in downtown San Jose.Photo: Bari Lee / San Jose New Ballet

S.F. Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band: ‘Dance-Along Nutcracker 2022 — Snowbound’

Join the Stahlbaums’ Christmas party and experience the magic in person for the first time since 2019. Dance along to holiday favorites and “The Nutcracker” ballet, performed live. Part musical comedy, part dance-it-yourself balletand part symphonic concert, it’sa witty, irreverent and fabulously local take on the seasonal “Nutcracker” tradition.

3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 18. $25-$60. reservationsrequired. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F.dance-along-nutcracker.sflgfb.org

Stapleton表演艺术学院:“Nutcracker’

Former New York City Ballet dancer and artistic director Wilhelmina Frankfurt will appear in her Bay Area directorial debut of the holiday favorite, featuring a cast of over 150 youth and adult performers. Following the 5 p.m. Dec. 17 performance, there will be a “Nutcracker Ball” family-friendly gala event from 7-9 p.m. in the lobby of the theater. It will include refreshments, a silent auction and live DJ sets for dancing.

1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 17-18. $40-$55, reservationsrequired. 7 p.m. Dec. 17 gala $75-$125, reservationsrequired. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3601 Lyon St., S.F.stapletonschool.org

The S.F. Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band presents “Dance-Along Nutcracker 2022 — Snowbound.”Photo: S.F. Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band

Los Gatos Ballet’s Nutcracker

Celebrate 20 years of dance magic with the Los Gatos-based dance ensemble’s take on the Christmastime favorite.

7 p.m. Dec. 20-22. $28-$58, reservationsrecommended;masks required. McAfee Performing Arts Center, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga. 408-399-7577.losgatosballet.org

Mannakin Dance: ‘The Nutshell’

See the world through dance with an immersive “Nutcracker” celebration that includes dance from many cultures, including Chinese and Indian classical dance, flamenco, jazz dance and more. This year’s performances will feature the San Francisco Boys Choir. In this production, brave audience members young and old will be drafted as mice and soldiers for the battle scene, and attendees will be treated to a lesson in how to dance the waltz of the flowers with a favorite partner.

7 p.m. Dec. 22-23. $20-$190, reservationsrequired.ImpactCenter for Art & Dance, 1625 Bush St., S.F.mannakindance.org

  • Anne Schrager
    Anne SchragerAnne Schrager is the calendar producer for The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: listings@sfchronicle.com