Events Around the Bay – Week of December 5

The Bay Area Welcomes the Nutcrackers

Here a “Nutcracker,” there a “Nutcracker,” everywhere a “Nutcracker” – the Nutcracker month of December has arrived. A flurry of sparkling snowflakes, the dancing flowers, a glitter of twinkling lights and rhinestones will bedazzle young audiences all over the Bay Area. The beloved and greatly anticipated Nutcracker Ballet productions are cascading with their magic dancing and the mystery of love, devotion and fantasy as Clara, the birthday girl, dreams about her Nutcracker who turns into a handsome prince and sweeps her off her feet. Well some dreams do come true. The question is: which production to attend? With this in mind, I will mention a few for you to select from. But remember: No holiday season will be complete without an outing to a Nutcracker performance to put you and yours in a jolly good spirit.

Tickets and Information:
San Francisco Ballet: Dec.10 to 29; sfballet.org
Menlowe Ballet’s “It’s a Wonderful Nutcracker”: Dec. 9 to 18, menloweballet.org
Smuin Ballet: Dec. 15 to 24; smuinballet.org
Ballet Stars of Moscow Company and Silicon Valley Symphony: Dec. 16 to 24, symphonysiliconvalley.org
Oakland Ballet: Dec. 17 & Dec. 18, oaklandballet.org
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Dec. 19 & 20, nutcracker.com
 

Photo courtesy of SF Ballet

Global Harmony of Music and Songs
December 17 at 7PM.

Canada College will host the renowned Gryphon Carolers, known for their annual presentation of Holiday Music from Around the World. Weary of the typical holiday tunes piped through department stores every year at this time, one local vocal ensemble is offering a time-tested cure for holiday tedium. The Gryphon Carolers have been lifting audience spirits and calming the effects of turbulent times for the past 35 years! This year, their annual concert of unique songs and original vocal arrangements will focus on world unity with the heart-warming, toe-tapping seasonal music from all parts of the globe. The 35 vocalists will showcase the Celtic melodies from Ireland and Scotland, a vintage sailing song from England, “Chantons Noël” from France, a Ukrainian carol from the Balkans, “Mundo Feliz” from Mexico, as well as several well-known, but colorfully arranged versions of holiday songs from the U.S., among others.  This is the true spirit of global harmony.
 

Tickets and Information
Prices range from $25 to $28; $15 to $28 for children 12 and under and seniors over 65
www.gryphoncarolers.com
Cañada College Theater, Building 3,
4200 Farm Hill Boulevard in Redwood City
Photo courtesy of Gryphon Carolers

‘Tis the Season for Science
Through January 2, 2017

The California Academy of Sciences’ popular seasonal exhibit features a bevy of holiday science fun, including an indoor snowfall, festive holiday performances by the Tap Dancing Christmas Tree, and a giant “Snowman Theater” with a live reindeer display. It includes interactive stations that teach visitors about the fascinating adaptations of reindeer as well as other holiday-related science facts. The show includes carolers, musicians, theater groups, and special programs to inspire the young scientist in you. A visit to the amazing Academy of Science is a must throughout the year and particularly with the holiday season’s related special attractions. General admission tickets include access to all museum and aquarium exhibits, including the rainforest and planetarium, during regular daytime hours. Last entry at 4PM.

Tickets and Information 
Prices range from $24.95 to $34.95
415-379-8000
www.calacademy.org
California Academy of Science
Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

Photo courtesy of California Academy of Science

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.