Nutcracker

War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave. San Francisco

On Christmas Eve 1944, Nutcracker made its American debut in San Francisco and instantly became a holiday tradition that spread across the country. San Francisco Ballet artistic director and principal choreographer Helgi Tomasson honors that 74-year history by using the City by the Bay as the backdrop for his Nutcracker. Set in San Francisco during the 1915 World's Fair, Clara's dreamlike journey takes place amidst colorful, larger-than-life scenery, more than 200 dazzling costumed characters and, of course, Tchaikovsky's beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.