Events Around the Bay – Week of December 12, 2016

Hamilton is Heading to Northern California  
March 10 to August 5, 2017

Hamilton, the Broadway phenomenon, is hitting the road on its first national tour with a stop at the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco. Written by Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton is a true landmark of American culture, tearing up the musical theater rulebook with a score that is equal parts Sondheim and Notorious B.I.G., and a cast of ethnically diverse actors in the roles of the Founding Fathers. The story centers on Alexander Hamilton, one of our most important (and colorful) characters, who rose from his humble orphaned beginnings to play a major role in making America the country it is today. “Hamilton didn’t just conquer the stage; it took over the airwaves too! Its Grammy-winning Cast Recording was the highest charting album of its kind since 1963,” said the New York Times. This is a historic cultural and universally acclaimed event of major proportions in Northern California and a must see for all!

Tickets and Information 
Prices: $996 to $1,245
For tickets call 844-321-3941
Orpheum Theater at 1192, Market Street in San Francisco
Photo courtesy of Hamilton show

Run with Santa in Silicon Valley
December 18, from 1PM

The TiVo “Santa Run Silicon Valley” is a 5K Run/Walk that is fun for the whole family. Dress up as your favorite holiday character or tradition: Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, reindeer, elves, dreidel, menorah, ornaments, tree, candlestick; the ideas are limitless. You can do it as a group, too! Bring the whole family for a day of fun: look at festive displays, community trees and watch live entertainment at Christmas in the Park, or warm up those legs before the run and skate at Downtown Ice under the lighted palm trees or warm up with some hot chocolate. Either way, grandparents, parents and kids alike will all enjoy the timeless memories these great activities have to offer. The Kids Fun Run for young ones from 2 to 7 years old starts at 2PM. The 5th anniversary finisher medal doubles as a holiday ornament. Be sure to bring children’s books for the holiday book drive to benefit Reading Partners, a non-profit organization which envisions a future where every child has reading skills.

 
Tickets and Information
Price: $40 – $47 adults; $15 kids
$47 includes a tech shirt, finisher medal, bib & chip timing and 5-piece Santa costume
Register at www.santarunSV.com
Downtown San Jose
Photo courtesy of Santa Run SV

Holiday Teddy Bear Tea in San Francisco 
December 17-18; 19-22, 10AM  – 11:30AM

It’s tea time in the city! Children and their favorite stuffed animals are invited to an annual holiday tradition of Teddy Bear Tea in the beautifully decorated Terrace Room at the posh Ritz-Carlton Hotel. While children enjoy a special tea experience of hot chocolate, teddy bear cut-out cookies and assorted sandwiches, they are entertained and engaged with a lively holiday show starring an entertaining elf, his animated sidekick and a giant Teddy Bear. Each child will receive a teddy bear gift and photo with the giant Teddy Bear to take home. $2 per ticket sold will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Bay Area. Don’t forget to invite you Grandma and Mom, they also love tea! Advance purchase and reservations are required.

Tickets and Information
Prices: $120 for adults, $115 for children
www.ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
600 Stockton Street in San Francisco
Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Season of Hope Concerts in San Jose
Dec. 16 through Dec. 23

There is a new and architecturally stunning concert venue in the heart of Silicon Valley: Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, which hosts free public concerts as the result of a wonderful collaboration between various arts organizations and the San Jose Cathedral Foundation’s Office of Social Ministry. The annual performance series offers nourishment for your spirit by presenting soul-satisfying multicultural musical events for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
December 16 – San Jose Youth Symphony – Yair Samet, Conductor;
December 17 – California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra – Byung Kim, Conductor;
December 18 – San Jose State University Choraliers – Dr. Jeffrey Benson, conductor;
December 19 – San Jose Symphonic Choir – Leroy Kromm, Conductor;
December 20 – A Musical Theater Christmas –  Tony Eiras and Kevin Surace, Conductors;
December 21 – Opera San Jose;
December 22 – The New Ballet – Director, Dalia Rawson;
December 23 – Harpers Hall Celtic Harpists –  Verlene Schermer, Director;
The December 16 concert by the San Jose Youth Symphony will feature Strauss’ Die Fledermaus Overture; Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms; and Gershwin’s Girl Crazy Overture. I hear some Christmas classics by Leroy Anderson are also included in the repertoire.

Tickets and Information
No charge for admission
www.stjosephcathedral.org
408-283-8100
80 S. Market Street in San Jose
Photo Courtesy of San Jose Youth Symphony

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.