Family Holiday Performances at the Marin Center

You can always count on finding wonderful family holiday performances at the Marin Center in San Rafael, and the 2009 season is no exception. There’s definitely something for everyone, so bring the family to one of these holiday Marin classics. Many of these productions sell out early, so order your tickets soon.

Marin Center is located off Civic Center Drive in San Rafael, adjacent to the Marin County Civic Center. It offers two performance venues: the 1,960-seat Marin Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, which hosts major concerts, performances, and events, and the smaller 315-seat Showcase Theater. For more information, seating charts, tickets, and directions, visit the Marin Center's website.

Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6
1 and 5 pm
The always-magical Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker shines brighter than ever this year! Enjoy this timeless classic as Clara’s Nutcracker transforms into a prince to battle the evil Mouse Queen, then travels to a stunning, snowy wonderland. As the story continues, Clara and the Prince journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy where highlights include a colorful Chinese Lion, a mysterious, magical Arabian divertissement, and the always-popular lively Russian variation. The cast features over 150 talented and energetic dancers from the Stapleton School of the Performing Arts, as well as professional guest artists. Costumed characters will greet children in the lobby after 1 pm shows, so be sure to bring your camera! More information: www.stapletonschool.org. Ticket prices: Adults $30; Seniors and students $18.

Just Dance Academy
Saturday, December 5
1 and 5 pm
Showcase Theater
Opening this delightful and entertaining performance will be an abbreviated version of the classic ballet The Nutcracker, complete with beautiful costumes and classical ballet choreography. The Just Dance Academy also will showcase exciting, high-energy jazz, tap and hip-hop performances from the junior and senior dance programs, as well as performances from the Just Dance Academy Dance Teams. More information: www.justdance.biz. Ticket prices: adults $17, seniors and youth under 12 $12.

Dream Circle Holiday Show
Showcase Theatre
Tuesday, December 8
2 shows, 9:30 and 11 am
Dream Circle is an all-star chidren's band with a dream lineup that includes Tim Cain, Miss Kitty, Chris Smith, Cindy Cohen, and Peter Penhallow. Their holiday show features songs for most major winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and even Chinese New Year! Don’t miss this unique holiday sing-a-long with some of Marin’s favorite musicians. Advance tickets are required by calling (415) 457-4878.

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13
1 and 5 pm
A family holiday tradition in Marin for over four decades, Marin County’s own Nutcracker production features a whole new Act II adventure! Discover what happens after the famous battle with the Mouse King and icy snowstorm in Act I, as the mystical Drosslemayer leads Clara and her Nutcracker prince through a Christmas Eve full of breathtaking beauty, fairy-tale antics and unforgettable characters. Meet Clara, the Nutcracker prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and special guest characters for photos and autographs at our Candy Cane party following the 1 pm performances performances. Ticket prices: Adults $35; Seniors and Youth 12 and under $20; Candy Cane Party $7.  For more info, go to www.marinballet.org or to purchase tickets, go to the Marin Center Box Office.

Marin Dance Theatre: Sophie and The Enchanted Toyshop
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
Saturday, December 19
1 and 5 pm
Marin Dance Theatre, an internationally recognized dance training center, presents this delightful full-length two-act children's ballet, featuring over 120 dancers plus guest professional artists. The Dickens-style street scene comes alive with gypsies, magicians, and mysterious commedia del arte masked players. As a kindly toy maker enters with his mischievous harlequin monkeys, he sweeps Sophie away to her amazing adventure. Following the 1:00 pm performance, meet the cast and have your photo taken at the Teddy Bear Tea Party in the Redwood Foyer. Ticket prices: Adults - $33; Students and Seniors - $23; Teddy Bear Tea Party - $10. For more information, go to www.mdt.org or the Marin Center Box Office to purchase tickets.

Dance with Sherry Studio’s Tapcracker
Showcase Theater, San Rafael
Saturday, December 19
2 and 5:30 pm
Performed for the tenth sensational year, this is a funny, quirky, and hilarious original take on that old standard, The Nutcracker. Join Clara and the Tapcracker as they venture into the realm of dancing Christmas trees, snowballs, snow moms, flakey snow flakes, dancing presents, Sugar Plum Barbies, rapping mice and the inhabitants of the Peppermint Palace. Discover a newer, jazzier version that highlights all of the students as they perform tap, jazz, hip-hop, and musical theater. Tickets: adults $20; children 10 and under $12. To purchase tickets, go to Marin Center Box Office.

SingersMarin Presents: ’Tis the Season… Winter Celebration
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium
Sunday, December 20
4 pm
A wonderfully warm holiday tradition for Bay Area audiences, this concert is an uplifting way to celebrate with family. Join Jan Pedersen Schiff, and the five youth and adult choral ensembles of SingersMarin as they perform familiar Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, and holiday winter standards. The Caroling Kids will lead the audience in a carol sing-along. Special visuals and lighting effects create a magical holiday show. Ticket prices: $30 / $25 / $20 and Students and children are half price. To purchase tickets, go to Marin Center Box Office.

Marin Center events and performances calendar