Benicia Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker
This season, Benicia Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns for its 23rd year, and children across town will have visions of sugar plum fairies dancing in their heads. I joined Benicia Ballet at age 4, and made my on-stage debut as a gingerbread girl at age 6. I still remember the dance steps, twenty-five years later. Songs from this enduring ballet are part of our cultural holiday repertoire, and little girls debate about whether they’d rather be Clara or the Sugar Plum Fairy. Benicia Ballet’s performance is world-class, and will take place at Solano College’s state-of-the-art theater, accompanied by a full orchestra. Bring the whole family along to bask in the magic. Tickets range from $15-$22 and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com. For more info, visit benicia-ballet.org, or call 707.746.6757.
Sat. Nov. 30 & Dec. 14, 2pm and 7pm
Sun. Dec. 1 & 15, 2pm
Open Dress Rehearsal: Fri. Nov. 29, 10:30am ($10)
Solano College Theater, 4000 Suisun Valley Rd., Fairfield
VOENA Unveils holiday season with local concerts
It’s hard to keep up with this world-traveling children’s choir. Led by director Annabelle Marie, the group has sung in many places internationally, including at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, and at the White House. They have sung for celebrities, dignitaries and presidents—even at a 49’rs game. Luckily, there are several performances right here in the Bay Area for the holidays. VOENA participants sing music from many countries, all in the native language, promoting peace through the exchange of culture. Ticket prices vary, check voena.org for more info, or call 707.751.1515.
Holiday Tree Lighting, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco Oct. 22
Fundraiser at the French Laundry, Yountville, Dec. 5, 11:30am
Voices of the Season Concert, Dec. 8, 4pm, Dec. 18, 7pm, Dec. 21, 7:30pm
The French Laundry Open House, Dec. 15, 12-4pm
Photo: VOENA choir singers, by Stuart Toomey
Benicia Old Time Theatre Group winds down fall season
Delighting audiences for 50 years, BOTTG is winding down their fall season with the final days of Neil Simon’s play, The Sunshine Boys. Two crotchety old comedians, who have chosen not to speak to each other for 20 years, are given a lucrative opportunity to reunite for a CBS television special. It’s Neil Simon at his best with this rich comedy, featuring Jerry Motta, Mark Jordan, Allan Kew, Natasha Harris and Janet Duhe, with Ken Hein, Brian Hough and Dan Clark. Doors open an hour before curtain for mingling and a no-host bar. Tickets, $18-25, can be purchased at the door, at beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com, the Benicia Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, November 1 & 8, 8pm
Saturday, November 2 & 9, 8pm
Sunday, November 3, 2pm
beniciatheatregroup@me.com, 707.746.1269
BDES Hall- 140 West J St, Benicia
Photo: BOTTG actors, The Sunshine Boys, by Joe Messina
