San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

December 6-29, 2024 - 37 performances!

War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA
$25-395, approx. plus fees, sfballet.org

Helgi Tomasson production; Artistic Director Tamara Rojo

california nutcracker

Nutcracker Performance Date & Times
December 6, 2024, 7 p.m.
December 7, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 8, 2024, 2 p.m.
December 8, 2024, 7 p.m.
December 10, 2024, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
December 11, 2024, 6 p.m.
December 12, 2024, 6 p.m.
December 13, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 14, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 15, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 17, 2024, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
December 18, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 20, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 21, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 22, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 23, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 24, 2024, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.
December 26, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 27, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 28, 2024, 2 & 7 p.m.
December 29, 2024, 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.

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.

Originally under the artistic direction of famed dancer Helgi Tomasson and current director Tamara Rojo, 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.

 

Mark Foehringer Dance Project  Nutcracker Sweets

December 7-22, 2024

50-minute production for all ages

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 
$23.50-59.50, 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.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.