Peninsula art scene

CANDY CANES, CHOCOLATES AND SUGAR PLUMS TAKE THE STAGE: SAN FRANCISCO BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” IS A SWEET HOLIDAY TRADITION. “Nutcracker” is often the first thing people think about when they think about ballet, and with good reason. Since its first full length performance in the United States, at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House on Christmas Eve 1944, it’s become the most performed ballet in the country. The story of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the valiant Nutcracker Prince is now a beloved American holiday tradition. And to the first-time viewer or the holiday regular, San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker delivers the greatest magic of all, the gift of dreams. When Uncle Drosselmeyer raises his arms and commands the Christmas tree to grow, and grow, and GROW, anything seems possible in the fanciful world of wonder that appears beneath its giant boughs. Two hours with a 20-minute intermission. Dec. 5-28.

NUTCRACKER’S SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE. San Francisco Ballet hosts its Annual Sensory Friendly Performance of Nutcracker on Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. Accommodations have been made to create a welcoming experience for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and for their families, friends and caretakers. At this performance, expectations for audience etiquette will be relaxed; talking or vocalizing will be accepted, and patrons can move freely in their seats and the aisles during the performance, within appropriate safety parameters. House lights will remain on at a low level throughout the entirety of the performance. Some loud sounds and startling moments are modified for this performance. Fidget objects, noise-reducing headphones, and other sensory tools or devices are allowed inside the theater during this performance. Audience members can also feel free to bring their own comfort items with them into the theater. Entering and exiting the theater is allowed throughout the performance. Designated quiet spaces will be available for audience members who may need to take a break from the performance. Every level will have restrooms designated as gender-neutral family restrooms for accessibility. Assistive listening devices will be available for patrons with hearing impairment. Audience members will have access to social stories and resource materials before the performance to help prepare for the Nutcracker experience.