Arts & Events

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, many of us are thinking Turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie. Sadly however, the term "Thanks" has given way in recent years to "Spend", with department stores remaining open all day, followed by "Black Friday" -- an oxymoron if ever there was one.
Despair not, friends -- there are a host of heart warming and traditional holiday programs awaiting your pleasure through November and into January, as you'll see from the list to follow.  

Unless you're "Nutcrackered" out, you may want to see the S.F. Nutcracker Ballet, Dec. 9 - 27 at the War Memorial Opera House. From the ornate drawing room of a Victorian home to the dazzling halls of the 1915 Panama Pacific International exposition. (415) 865-2000.
"The Christmas Ballet: Beyond Belief", Smuin Ballet, Lesher Center for the Arts, Nov. 26, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (925) 943-7469.
"Hot Mikado", Masquer's Playhouse, Richmond, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 17, also 2 p.m. Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. $20. (510) 232-4031.
"The Velveteen Rabbit", a tale of love, loyalty and hope. Novellus Theatre, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Nov. 25 - Dec. 11. Tickets start at $15. (415) 678-5956.
"The Soldier's Tale", based on Igor Stravinsky's 1918 musical, directed by Tom Ross, through Dec. 18. 1/2 price tickets for people under 30. (510) 843-4822.
Shen Yun (an exhilarating show of classical Chinese dance and music) Jan. 3 - 8, S.F. Opera House. (888-633- 6999).
Dunsmuir-Hellman House, a 37-room Italianate revival mansion. The Hellman family lived there for several decades. Dec. 3 -4, 10-11, and 17-18. 2960 Peralta Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555.
Holidays at Ralston Hall Mansion, 1860's Italianate Villa, now the campus of Notre Dame de Namur. Nov. 20, tickets $45-50. (650) 508-3501.
"The Laramie Project", a docudrama that explores the murder of a gay college student in Wyoming. Cal State East Bay, Hayward, Nov. l8-l9, 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 20. (510) 885-3118.
"Fella," an ecstatic phenomenon, radiating joy, with Shawn "Jay-3" Carter. Curran Theatre, Nov. 15 - Dec. 11. (888) 746-1799.
Christ the King Annual Holiday Boutique, Sat. Nov. 19, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sun. Nov. 20, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. 199 Brandon Rd. Pleasant Valley.
"A Christmas Carol" , Charles Dickens' definitive yuletide tale. Previews begin Dec. 1. Runs Dec. 6-24. American Conservatory Theatre, 418 Geary St. S.F.
(415) 749-2228.
Contra Costa Ballet (another Nutcracker!) Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2 ,4:30 and 7:30. p.m. www.Contracostaballet.org.
Finally, if you're not keen on preparing a big dinner, you can have a Thanksgiving Feast at the Claremont Hotel for a mere $89. (Children free!)


HAPPY THANKSGIVING!