Glenview ballet short, sweet
By Lisa Coffey Mahoney
STAFF WRITER

Families seeking a special holiday experience should check out the Glenview Performing Arts Center's production of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," which opens tonight.

Enchanting special effects -- including a magical growing Christmas tree with over 10,000 lights and an indoor snowfall -- stunning costumes, lovely choreography and a lush musical score make "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" a special ballet, according to artistic director Theodore Dawson.

PBT's 'Nutcracker' a magical experience for young and old
By Keith Kreitman, CONTRIBUTOR

THE Peninsula Ballet Theatre's 32nd annual production of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" -- and the 10th with choreography by artistic director Carlos Carvajal -- may be its best in recent years.

This is not because of anything spectacular that has been added as much as the overall level of quality.

To encourage children to attend, the group wisely schedules all performances in the afternoon at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center.

The enthusiastic and enthralled children who make up more than half the audience add an air of crackling excitement to the experience.

Napa Regional Dance Co. offers student 'Nutcracker'

The Napa Regional Dance Company presents its third annual student production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" today and Saturday at the St. Helena High School auditorium.

This year's production has some colorful surprises in store as Mother Ginger dons a chef coat and welcomes Little Bakers and Gingerbread Cookies to the Land of Sweets in a nod to the culinary traditions of Napa Valley.

Enjoy a San Jose tradition

Shay Quillen, San Jose Mercury News

``Nuestra Navidad'' has been a holiday tradition in San Jose for more than three decades. <a href=http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/columnists/shay_quillen/7532748.htm target=_blank>more</a>