In Datebook: Troupes ready to kick up their heels. 18
ODC Dance, “The Velveteen Rabbit.”
It’s the 26th year for KT Nelson’s charming setting of Margery Williams’ children’s classic, and the work wears its age well. Narration by Geoff Hoyle, music by Benjamin Britten, decor by Brian Wildsmith, dancing by the ODC company and 10 children from the ODC School. Running time: 90 minutes. Nov. 23-Dec. 9, Lam Research Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St., San Francisco. $15-$47. (415) 978-2787, www.odcdance.org.
Smuin Ballet, “The Christmas Ballet, 2012 Edition.”
This seasonal favorite mingles the cool and the classical in a series of short numbers that rarely outstay their welcome. This edition will include new choreographic contributions from Jane Rehm, Darren Andersen and choreographer in residence Amy Seiwert. Nov. 23-24, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. $43-$65. (925) 943-6800. Nov. 28-Dec. 2, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. $43-$65. (650) 903-6000. Dec. 14-23, Lam Research Theater, YBCA, 700 Howard St., San Francisco. $25-$65. (415) 912-1899. www. smuinballet.org.
Garrett + Moulton Productions, “Angles of Enchantment.”
If you’re seeking something festive without a specific holiday connotation, you might like this premiere by the widely admired team of Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton. The piece concerns the human ability to experience states of wonder, and it comes with an original score by Peter Whitehead. Nov. 24Dec. 2, ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., San Francisco. $30-$36. (415) 863-9834, www.odctheater. org/buytickets.php. Mark Foehringer Dance Project/SF, “Nutcracker Sweets.” Formerly known as “Nutcracker at the Zeum,” this children’s entertainment has moved across town for its fourth annual season. It’s a 50-minute romp through the familiar “Nutcracker” material with Brain Fisher repeating his sprightly Drosselmeyer, sets by Peter Crompton and music by the Magik*Magik Orchestra directed by Michael Morgan. All performances in daytime, Dec. 1-23. Southside Theater, Fort Mason, Marina Blvd. at Buchanan, San Francisco. $25. (415) 345-7575. www, fortmason.org/boxoffice. San Francisco Ballet, “Nutcracker.” Call it the grandmother of all versions; the company produced the first American version in 1944, and it’s been reaping the rewards ever since. The current staging was unveiled in 2004 by Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson, who has set it in San Francisco in 1915, when a Christmas tree with electric lights was still a big deal. The dancing should be as spectacular as ever. Martin West conducts the Ballet Orchestra. Dec. 7-28. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness, San Francisco. $20-$300. (415) 865-2000. www.sfballet.org. Ballet San Jose, “Nutcracker.” The company has new artistic direction and this year it gets a new staging of the holiday classic from Karen Gabay, the company’s senior dancer. The music is, of course, by Tchaikovsky; the decor, courtesy American Ballet Theater, is by Paul Kelly, and the costumes are by Theoni V. Aldredge. Dec. 8-23. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd. San Jose. $21-$105. (408) 288-2820. www.balletsj.org. Caminos Flamencos, “Diez por Arriba.” Here’s Andalusian dance with a holiday accent. Artistic Director Yaelisa has produced a show, which, in addition to flamenco, features a variety of music with guests Dan Reiter, cello; drummer Joey Heredia; percussionist Manuel Gutierrez; and pianist Vicki Trimbach. Dec. 12-16. ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., $20-$40. (415) 863-9834. www.caminos flamencos.com. Mark Morris Dance Group, “The Hard Nut.” It has been missing from the local scene for three years, and that’s three years too much for the infinitely gifted and terrifyingly musical choreographer’s setting of the original “Nutcracker” story. No other version in my experience tickles the funny bone in one moment and brings you to tears in the next. Added pleasure: George Cleve conducts members of the Berkeley Symphony in the Tchaikovsky score. Dec. 14-23. Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. $30-$110. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org. Oakland Ballet, “Nutcracker.” Artistic Director Graham Lustig has fashioned an intimate and humane version of the holiday tale; Zach Brown’s sets, which re-create early 20th century Vienna, are a definite plus, and you have to love those pesky rodents. Michael Morgan conducts the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Dec. 22-24. Paramount Theater of the Arts, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. $20$59.50. (800) 745-3000. www. ticketmaster.com.