Holiday Happenings

Holiday Performances

Nov. 9-Dec. 31

Irving Berlin's White Christmas: This modernized musical version of the WWII-era film features vibrant vocals, decadent design, and charming choreography. Directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Randy Skinner, the show chronicles the friendship and shared experiences of two performers in a Vermont-based inn.
$40-85, Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., 512-7770.

Nov. 11-Jan. 8

Corteo: Cirque du Soleil presents a passionately acted show of grace and power in an area existent between heaven and earth, imagined by a clown. In this dreamland where angels watch over carnival performers, audiences will be enraptured by the mystical and the funny. Call for show times.
$40.50-200, Under the Grand Chapiteau at SBC Park, 800-678-5440.

Nov. 11-June 23

Six Concert Friday G Series: Introduce your ears to thrilling and moving symphonic music that will keep you intrigued. Among those conducting and performing in the various concerts are David Robertson, Patricia Petibon and Richard Troxell. Call for show times.
$30-107. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 864-6000.

Nov. 12-Dec. 17

Prelude to a Kiss: Craig Lucas' light and engaging modern fairy tale proves that love conquers all, including age.

Nov. 13-Mar. 25
Call for show times, $36, SF Playhouse, 536 Sutter St., 677-9596.

Beach Blanket Babylon: Steve Silver's 30-year-old hit musical is a wacky spoof on pop culture icons and music, sure to thrill and conjure laughs.
$25-75, Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St. in North Beach), 421-4222.

Nov. 25-Dec. 4

The Velveteen Rabbit: ODC Dance presents the theatrical production of the timeless classic with fantastical dancing, music, and narration. A milk and cookies party on Nov. 27th follows the 2 p.m. show ($10).

Nov. 25-Dec. 24

Black Nativity: With new twists on songs and poems from Langston Hughes' 1961 play, this Christmas performance, featuring gospel artist Robin Hodge-Williams and jazz vocalist Faye Carol, explores new and joyful depths.
Call for show times. $25-32, The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 620 Sutter St. (at Mason), 474-8800.

Nov. 26-Dec. 24

A Christmas Carol: The American Conservatory Theatre hosts Dickens' heart-warming classic as adapted by Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh. With new songs, sets, and costumes, this regular to the Geary Theatre is sure to instill Christmas cheer and conjure memories of happy holidays past.
Call for show times. $18-40, American Conservatory Theatre, 405 Geary St. (at Mason), 749-2228.

Dec. 2-29

San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker: Helgi Tomasson's magical favorite will surely titillate as it whisks audiences away to a land where the sugar-plum fairy twirls, the nutcracker wards off villains, and a young girl gets her true Christmas wish. Call for show times.
$18-175, War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., 861-5600.

Dec. 3-17

"Carols in the Caves": Sing along to familiar carols and tunes of folklore from centuries past in a variety of different locations. Changing atmospheres determine the mood and style of the music.
Call (707) 224-4222 for locations and times or visit www.cavemusic.net for locations and schedules.

Dec. 7 and 24

SF Gay Men's Chorus: This 15th annual show has two engaging performances set to remind all that at the end of the day love and relationships among friends, family members, and significant others are what really matter in life.
Call for show times, $15, Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. (at Market), 621-5288 ext. 15.

Dec. 9-23

Smuin Ballet Christmas Ballet: This traditional ballet, set to Hanukkah and Christmas music, will appeal to all ages. A tap-dancing Frosty is just one of the many characters set to excite audiences.
Call for show times, $27.50-55, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St. (at Third), 978-ARTS.

Dec. 9

"A Holiday Guitar Concert": The San Francisco Guitar Ensemble, starring Lawrence Ferrera, performs Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Roncalli, Sanz, and Bach.
8 p.m., $15 ($12 for seniors and students), Old First Church, 1725 Sacramento St. (at Van Ness), 474-1608.

Dec. 10-11

Dance-Along Nutcracker: The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band will set the tone for this dance event with zany, movie-star-inspired characters. Expect the unexpected.
Call for show times, $22-40, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St. (at Third), 978-ARTS.

Dec. 11

Piedmont Choirs Candlelight Concert: Featuring four singing groups from 25 Bay Area cities, this traditional event will be a diverse delight for both newcomers and seasoned audience members.
3 p.m. $12-15, Old First Church, 1725 Sacramento St. (at Van Ness), 474-1608.

Dec. 11

Creative Voices Annual Benefit Concert: Various church members perform traditional small pieces in duets and solos.
3 p.m., $20 donation, Lafayette Christian Church, 584 Glenside Dr., Lafayette, (925) 283-8304.

Dec. 13-15

Colors of Christmas: Four musical artists, Peabo Bryson, Aaron Neville, Melissa Manchester, and Oleta Adams, team up to sing their hearts out with holiday hits.
8 p.m. $18-77, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 552-8000 or 864-6000.

Dec. 15

Handel's Messiah: Check out the world-class soloists, orchestra, and chorus members in this perennial event. Jeffrey Thomas conducts.
7:30 p.m., Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. (at Taylor). 749-6350.

Dec. 16-18

"Choral Christmas Spectacular": Traditional heart-touching Christmas melodies sung by the 140-member San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Vance George conducts. Call for show times.
$15-65, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., or Flint Center (of Cupertino), 552-8000 or 864-6000.

Dec. 17

Peter and the Wolf: Prokofiev's classic tale features a surprise celebrity narrator and a slew of familiar holiday songs for audiences of all ages. Call for show times.
$12-44, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 552-8000 or 864-6000.