When the holiday performing arts season arrives, the Bay Area shines as a beacon for LGBTQ arts and culture. From fierce drag performances to queer choral ensembles, classical concerts to new adaptations of "A Christmas Carol" and "The Nutcracker," our region offers an incredible spectrum of holiday shows that celebrate our diverse community.
MUSIC
San Francisco Symphony
December transforms Davies Hall into a whirlwind of holiday festivity. Highlights include Los Angeles-based theatrical circus company Troupe Vertigo soaring above the audience in "Holiday Cirque" (December 2); "The Colors of Christmas" featuring Peabo Bryson, Jackie Evancho, Jennifer Holliday, and BeBe Winans (Dec. 3-4); and the symphony providing live accompaniment to two favorite holiday films: "Elf" (Dec. 19-21) and "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (Dec. 12 and 14).
San Francisco's LGBTQ community always turns out in flamboyant attire for the Symphony's glittering "Holiday Gaiety" program. Once again conducted by Edwin Outwater and hosted by Peaches Christ, this year's program features drag stars Lady Camden and Latrice Royale ("RuPaul's Drag Race"), Kylie Minono, and Sister Roma. Vocalists include Tony-winning Alex Newell ("Shucked"), mezzo-soprano and aerialist Nikola Printz, and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. $39-$225, Dec. 13, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. www.sfsymphony.org
A Chanticleer Christmas
San Francisco's beloved "Orchestra of Voices" Chanticleer returns to the Bay Area, presenting their world-renowned harmonies in venues from Petaluma to Carmel. Here in San Francisco, the Grammy-winning ensemble will illuminate St. Ignatius Cathedral (Dec. 22) with their signature blend of classical, jazz, pop, and spirituals, including fresh interpretations of seasonal favorites. $36-$80, Dec. 12-23, multiple Bay Area locations. www.chanticleer.org
San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
It wouldn't be the holidays in our city without the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. The Chorus' Holiday Spectacular, this year themed "Together," will be performed at the Sydney Goldstein Theater (Dec. 6-7), Sonoma's Green Music Center (Dec. 15), and Cal Performances Zellerbach Auditorium (Dec. 21). With the Castro Theatre undergoing renovation, one of the queer community's most beloved Christmas Eve traditions, "Home for the Holidays" will be staged at Davies Symphony Hall. $30-$209, various Bay Area venues. www.sfgmc.org
DANCE
ODC Dance: The Velveteen Rabbit
ODC Dance's "The Velveteen Rabbit" brings to life a story that has resonated with LGBTQ audiences for more than 100 years, through its timeless message of love, loyalty, and acceptance.
Now in its 38th year, the production combines KT Nelson's expressive choreography with Benjamin Britten's score, and narration by Broadway veteran Geoff Hoyle. ODC's loving production of "The Velveteen Rabbit" continues to celebrate the transformative power of being truly seen and loved for who you are. $30-$125, Nov. 30—Dec. 8, Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, 700 Howard St. www.odc.dance
San Francisco Ballet: Nutcracker
Of the numerous "Nutcracker" productions gracing Bay Area stages, San Francisco Ballet's version reigns supreme. America's first "Nutcracker," first performed here in 1944, the production sets the classic tale against the backdrop of San Francisco's 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition.
This opulent production, highlighted by the stunning "Journey through the Snow" finale in Act I, enchants audiences of all ages. $39-$445, Dec. 6-29, War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. www.sfballet.org
Mark Foehringer Dance Project: Nutcracker Sweets
Perfect for young audiences, Mark Foehringer Dance Project's "Nutcracker Sweets" offers a delightful 50-minute adaptation of the holiday classic. Now in its 16th year, this family-friendly production features a live chamber orchestra and welcomes the enthusiastic responses of its youngest viewers, making it an ideal first ballet experience. $23.50-$59.50, December 7-22, Cowell Theater at Fort Mason, Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St. www.nutcrackersweets.org
Dance-Along Nutcracker
Get out your tutu and toe shoes for this quintessential San Francisco experience. Dance-Along Nutcracker returns with "Mission: Nutcracker," blending live music, dance, and interactive mystery. The story unfolds to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, performed by the 75-piece San Francisco Pride Band, while audiences are encouraged to dress in costume and dance along during select musical numbers. $28-$48, Dec. 7-8, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 700 Howard St. www.dancealongnutcracker.org
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: The Christmas Ballet
This year's edition of Smuin's "The Christmas Ballet" includes world premieres by Artistic Director Amy Seiwert, company artist Brennan Wall, and Smuin alum Rex Wheeler. The two-act performance spans classical ballet to contemporary dance, complete with tap, jazz, and comedic numbers.
The company's popular LGBTQ Night returns on Dec. 20, featuring Lady Camden, who'll host and perform at both the performance and the festive after-party across the plaza. $40-$99, Dec. 5-8 (Mountain View Center for the Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View), Dec. 13-24 (Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, 700 Howard St.). www.smuinballet.org
Peninsula Lively Arts: Three Unique Nutcrackers
If you're looking for holiday spirit on the peninsula, there are three distinctly different versions of "The Nutcracker" to enjoy. Members of Peninsula Ballet Theatre will perform "Nutcracker Sweet," an abridged, 50-minute version of the classic ballet appropriate for families and children ages 3-9. $30-$40, December 7-8, Studio One, 1880 South Grand St., San Mateo.
Then, the company will present their classic full-length "Nutcracker," featuring a cast of 85 dancers and singers from Skyline High School. $35-$70, Dec. 21-22, San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware St., San Mateo.
Or, if you're looking for something different, check out "Hip-Hop Nutcracker," a full-length production by Peninsula Hip-Hop Productions showcasing urban break dance styles and Tchaikovsky's score, overlaid with heart-thumping industrial beats. $35-$70, Dec. 21-22, Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City. www.peninsulalivelyarts.org
THEATRE
Dear San Francisco: Home for the Holidays
International circus artists from The 7 Fingers blend spectacular acrobatics with holiday magic in a show that captures the spirit of our beloved city. This enchanting fusion of artistry, spectacle, and intimate storytelling celebrates both holiday magic and San Francisco's vibrant history and culture. $108-$192, now through Dec. 29, special New Year's Eve celebration performance Dec. 31, Club Fugazi, 678 Green St. www.clubfugazisf.com
American Conservatory Theatre: A Whynot Christmas Carol
A.C.T. presents the world premiere of playwright Craig Lucas' new take on the holiday tale. Directed by A.C.T. Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon, this comedic play within a play follows the trials and tribulations of a small-town theater troupe as they stage an overly ambitious version of "A Christmas Carol."
Tony Award winner David Zinn's inventive design reveals the hilarious behind-the-scenes chaos as the determined ensemble navigates mishaps and creative differences. $25-$118, Nov. 26-Dec. 24, A.C.T. Toni Rembe Theatre, 415 Geary St. /www.act-sf.org
The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes
Grab your shoulder pads and Miami beach vibes, "The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes" is supersizing its sass by moving from its longtime home, the musty old Victoria Theatre, to the grand stage of the Curran Theatre.
Now in its 19th year, the show features four incomparable drag performers serving "Golden Girls" realness in two parody episodes. Coco Peru, Matthew Martin, D'Arcy Drollinger, and Holotta Tymes channel Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia with pitch-perfect wit. $39-$125, Dec. 5-22, Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St. www.broadwaysf.com
A Drag Queen Christmas
For one night only, the 10th anniversary tour of "A Drag Queen Christmas," hosted by Nina West, comes to San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre. The show features a bevy of drag superstars including Sasha Colby, Roxxxy Andrews, Crystal Methyd, Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Plane Jane, Sapphira Cristal, and Jimbo The Drag Clown. $60-$342, Dec. 10, Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. www.broadwaysf.com
Panto at the Presidio: Peter Pan
Panto, Britain's enormously popular holiday theater tradition, brings the spirit of cheeky fun to both sides of the footlights. While children delight in the colorful characters and fairy tale adventures, adults savor the clever wordplay and topical satire.
This year, the world premiere of "Peter Pan" begins with a brief stop in San Francisco before soaring away to Neverland. The show features characters from the fairy tale like Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, but brings back audience favorites from past Pantos, including Pecker, the smart-mouthed chicken, and the Dame, who loves to pour the Neverland tea. $17-$68, Dec. 3-29, Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center, 2340 Chestnut St. www.presidiotheatre.org
Circus Bella: Kaleidoscope
Back for a second year, "Kaleidoscope" continues Circus Bella's 17-year tradition of bringing joy to thousands of children and families in the Bay Area. Performed in the round in a 350-seat, heated, big top circus tent, "Kaleidoscope" features a diverse cast of 11 performing thrilling feats of balance and strength, outrageous humor, and slapstick antics.
Original music is performed live by the six-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. Circus concessions will be available at the performance, with more food and beverages at discounted prices at the Gourmet Grotto and Greyhound Bar nearby. $55-$75, Dec. 13-Jan. 5, Beale at Howard St. (the Crossing at the East Cut). www.circusbella.org
San Francisco Mime Troupe: A Red Carol
San Francisco's iconic political satire theater company, best known for its annual summer tour around Bay Area parks, heads indoors with "A Red Carol: An Activist Adaptation of the Dickens Classic." Adapted and directed by Michael Gene Sullivan, this production takes a distinctly modern approach to "A Christmas Carol."
Collectively, the company believes that Dickens wasn't trying to make people feel good, he was trying to show them a stark reality and scare them into being more human. "A Red Carol" aims to re-establish this narrative as a revolutionary call to action. $20-$40 sliding scale, Dec. 14-29, Z Space, 450 Florida St. www.zspace.org
African-American Shakespeare Company: Cinderella
San Francisco's African-American Shakespeare Company is committed to providing an opportunity and place for actors of color to hone their skills and talent in mastering some of the world's greatest classical roles. This holiday season the company will present their unique production of "Cinderella," the tale of a young girl discovering the power of her own voice and following her dreams. $18-45, Dec. 20-22, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.african-americanshakes.org
SF Playhouse: Waitress
San Francisco Playhouse presents the Tony Award winning Broadway hit "Waitress," featuring music by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles and book by Jessie Nelson.
Directed by Susi Damilano with music direction by Dave Dobrusky, this delicious musical follows small town waitress Jenna, who finds hope through pie-making and an unexpected romance, as she seeks to reinvent her life and chase her dreams. $30-$125, now through Jan. 18, SF Playhouse, 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org
Some Like It Hot
Although the new musical adaptation of the classic film "Some Like It Hot" doesn't arrive in San Francisco until January 7, it's worth putting on your theatrical calendar now. While the show features elaborate sets and costumes, show-stopping vocals, and high-energy dancing, the production thoughtfully reimagines the 1959 film's themes through a contemporary lens on gender identity.
Where the film treated men dressing as women primarily as a comic premise, the musical explores deeper questions of gender expression and identity, primarily through the character of Jerry, who discovers that living as Daphne feels authentic, rather than a disguise. $55-$224, Jan. 7-26, Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. www.broadwaysf.org
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