Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets at Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture

Mark Foehringer Dance Project|SF announces the 17th season of its annual holiday show, Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets, December 6-21 at the Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. 

 Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets is a unique 50-minute version of the Nutcracker specifically designed for families with young children. Since its inception in 2008, Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets has become an annual holiday tradition for many Bay Area families, as well as those who started attending as kids and now return as teens and young adults. 

“This year is a special year for my company - -the 30th anniversary of Mark Foehringer Dance Project|SF and the 17th year of Nutcracker Sweets,” said Mark Foehringer, Artistic Director of MFDP|SF and creator of Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets. When I first conceived of this holiday show, I wanted something that could be enjoyed by families with small children, and audiences of all ages. I am proud to see how this production has resonated for so many Bay Area families.”

The production includes updated choreography, scenic elements, costumes, and a scene where it snows on the audience. There is also a live 9-piece chamber orchestra with Keisuke Nakagoshi (San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Opera Parallele) as the pit conductor. Former ODC dancerBrian Fisher serves as the rehearsal director and artistic associate.

 Cast Members include:

     Carlos Venturo (Director of School Programming, ODC) as Drosselmeyer

     Vincent Chavez (Oakland Ballet, Robert Moses’ KIN) as the Nutcracker

     Theresa Knudson (Ballet 22) as Clara 

     LizAnne Roman Roberts (FACT/SF) as Sugar Plum Fairy

     Jetta Martin (Zaccho Dance Theater) as Mother Ginger, a role originated by the dancer

Additional roles performed by Samuel Melecio-Zambrano (Robert Moses KIN), Ryan Rouland Smith (ODC/Dance), Andy Nguyen (New Ballet), Samuel Melecio Zambrano (Bandloop), Emily Hansel (SFDance Works), Diego Ramil (Pianist/ Alonzo King LINES Ballet), and Sonja Dale (Liss Fain Dance).

 The Tchaikovsky score for the production was originally re-orchestrated by the late Maestro Michael Morgan of Oakland Symphony Orchestra; set design by Peter Crompton; costume design by Richard Battle; and production and projection design by Frédéric O. Boulay.