60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
SAN JOSE DANCE THEATRE
PRESENTS THE 60TH ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF
THE NUTCRACKER
Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”
Performances at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts 255 S. Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, CA 95113
Artistic Director: Nicole Haskins
Choreographic Staging Based on Original Choreography by Paul Curtis & Shawn Stuart: Kim Gardner, Elizabeth Sweeney, Kathryn Petak, Nicole Khoo, Sydney Strong, Rebecca Nugent
Music Composed By Peter I. Tchaikovsky
Music Director and Conductor: Scott Krijnen
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 2:00PM and 7:30PM Sunday, December 14, 2025 | 2:00PM
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 2:00PM and 7:30PM Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 2:00PM
2 | San Jose Dance Theatre
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
MISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
San Jose Dance Theatre (SJDT) promotes the positive impact of dance in Silicon Valley through accessible performances, excellent training, creative outreach, and collaboration across the arts. We strive to illuminate the human experience while enriching an appreciation of movement and music to an expanding and diverse audience.
President: John Torrey
Treasurer: Melissa Brown
Secretary: Jennifer Joyce
Board Members: Carmen Cook, Matt Duke, Kay Pettitt
SJDT would like to sincerely thank former board members: Mike Howerton, Barbi Hamilton, Lee Forbes, Ann Timoney, Renee Forbes, Stino Tapia, Brian Dougherty, Phylis Dougherty, Miriam Watson, Jennifer Joyce Watson, Willard Roit, Bronweyn Coleman, Michelle Yasuda, and all other former board members for their time, enormous talent, and devotion to keeping our legacy alive!
SJDT HISTORY
San Jose Dance Theatre was originally founded in 1964 as Paul E. Curtis Jr.’s Los Gatos Academy of Dance and the West Valley Ballet Foundation. The name was later changed to San Jose Dance Theatre in 1965 and was incorporated as a nonprofit educational organization. Across more than 60 years, San Jose Dance Theatre has trained beginning through advanced dancers. The School specializes in classical ballet training for children from 4 years of age to pre-professional level. Many of our alumni have gone on to professional careers in dance.
San Jose Dance Theatre has delighted local audiences for five decades with performances including Peter and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast.
FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
It is my immense pleasure to welcome you to San Jose Dance Theatre’s 60th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Whether you join us every holiday season or are experiencing our beloved original production for the first time, I hope it becomes a cherished tradition for you and your family for many years to come.
As we celebrate this momentous milestone, we must honor our founders: Paul Curtis and Shawn Stuart, whose vision and dedication built the foundation of all we do at San Jose Dance Theatre. The Nutcracker is a rite of passage for dancers — a magical moment when many first step onto the stage and discover the joy, dedication, and magic of performing. Each season, this timeless story anchors their artistic growth, offering new roles, challenges, and memories. For six decades, our San Jose production has delighted audiences and nurtured generations of dancers and we are deeply proud of the legacy it has built within our community.
Across every part of our organization — from our board and staff, to our volunteers and adult performers — you will find alumni and families whose connection to The Nutcracker runs deep. Many of the dancers you will see on stage tonight are the children of former performers, now stepping into the very roles their parents once danced. We are profoundly grateful to the generations of dancers, parents, and supporters who have helped this production flourish for six remarkable decades.
I could not be prouder of the dancers you are about to see. Since September, they have rehearsed tirelessly, showing incredible dedication, growth, and artistry — a true reflection of their passion and love for this art form. To their parents and caregivers: thank you for your endless support - from driving to rehearsals to perfecting hair and cheering from the audience. Your support is the quiet strength behind this production.
To our staff, crew, and volunteers — your creativity, care, and diligence bring the magic of this production to life year after year. A heartfelt thank you to the Cambrian Symphony, under the direction of Scott Krijnen, and to our choral groups for bringing live music to our production and elevating the experience for our dancers and audience members beyond measure.
And finally, to you — our audience — thank you for your presence and support. You keep the spirit of live performing arts thriving in our community. We are honored to share our 60th anniversary with you. Your presence and support sustains not only this production, but the very spirit of live performing arts in our community and we hope you’ll join us again for our brand-new production of Alice in Wonderland at the Hammer Theatre, May 30–31.
Happy Holidays.
Nicole Haskins Artistic Director San Jose Dance Theatre
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an artist…and as I sit at our studio mid-November, watching the production you’re going to enjoy today come together, I’m struck by the fact that in the midst of the chaos, that’s exactly what we’ve all become.
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to San Jose Dance Theatre’s 60th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker.” We’re so happy that you’re with us for this timeless holiday tradition. For 60 years, our production at the Center for the Performing Arts has been a tradition for San Jose families to see and, as I’ve come to find out first hand, a tradition for the dancers, staff, teachers and crew that brings Clara’s dream to life. Our board, staff and volunteers are full of retired ballerinas who at some point were nervous backstage at this theater, waiting for the lights to go down and the music to call them to the stage.
For every moment of grace and poise you see on stage, just beneath the surface is a furiously paddling pair of duck legs in the form of volunteers, parents and crew making sure that talent has the space to spread its wings. At this very moment, I’m listening to the rehearsals for the party scene that opens the show in one room, the mice and soldiers being wrangled by one of our more patient teachers in another all while teams of parents organize our boutique items for sale in the lobby and our Executive Director bounces between it all.
Ballet as a finished product is art in its purest form. The expression of emotion in the form of dance. However, the sheer lift of the production it takes to get that art on stage is more akin to “The Muppet Show.” No matter what happens, when it’s time to play the music and light the lights, there’s still a show. That’s the sheer will and determination that it takes to make a nonprofit arts organization work in 2025. As outside economic factors hit the community, the arts are often one of the first things to be seen as expendable. We’ve been lucky to get renewed support from the city this year but as always, the real driver of our continued success is you, our patrons. The simple act of buying a ticket or purchasing an item in our boutique helps us keep dance alive in San Jose for the next generation of Sugar Plum Fairies and Nutcracker Princes.
For our 60th Anniversary, we’ve been lucky to be joined by special guests at each of our performances and I’d like to personally thank each one of those community leaders for supporting us,
Thank you to our partners at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for again welcoming us into their beautiful theater,
Thank you to the Cambrian Symphony who provide us with all of the enchanting music for our show,
Thank you to all of those keeping this graceful duck afloat with their furious paddling just offstage,
And a special thank you to all of you for supporting the dreams of all of these performers.
Just down the hall, I can hear the music swelling….and then stopping as one of our directors calls for the dancers to get back to one so they can try it all again. Parents have questions, kids need snacks and I’m pretty sure someone’s misplaced a mouse head. It’s chaos and panicked Kermit arms and art in its rawest form and no matter what, the show goes on.
We hope you love our show whether it’s the first time you’ve seen it or the 60th. I’ll be on stage in a few to thank you again, but for now, from a few weeks in the past, all I can think about is how excited we all are for you to see our show.
Happy Holidays!
John Torrey President, Board of Directors
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
It is my great honor to welcome you to the 60th Anniversary of The Original San José Nutcracker—a milestone made possible by generations of dancers, families, volunteers, and supporters who have poured their hearts into this beloved tradition.
For six decades, this production has been a labor of love. Every rehearsal, every costume stitched, every stage cue called, and every late-night car ride to dance class has shaped the legacy you see onstage today. The Nutcracker lives on because of the people who believed in its magic—parents, teachers, choreographers, volunteers, and young dancers whose dedication has kept this tradition thriving year after year.
What makes this ballet extraordinary is not only its beauty, but how deeply it connects us. Dance transcends culture, language, and background. It unites us in joy, wonder, and the shared experience of storytelling through movement. During the holiday season—when we reflect on who and what we cherish most—this connection feels especially profound.
To witness this tradition carry forward for 60 years is a privilege. To help steward an organization that has forged lifelong friendships, inspired generations of children, and brought holiday magic to countless families is one of the greatest honors of my life.
As we celebrate this milestone season, I humbly ask you to consider supporting the future of San Jose Dance Theatre. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue offering world-class productions, training opportunities, outreach programs, and the kind of artistic experiences that shape young lives. Your donation—of any amount—helps ensure that this treasured holiday tradition continues to shine for the next generation of dancers and dreamers.
Thank you for being part of our SJDT family and for celebrating 60 years of artistry, community, and holiday magic with us. We look forward to sharing many more beautiful seasons together.
Warmest Regards,
Elizabeth Sweeney Executive Director of San Jose Dance Theatre
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
THE NUTCRACKER STORY
PROLOGUE
On a cold Christmas Eve in 1830 New England, Herr Drosselmeyer, a magician, clockmaker, and godfather to Clara Stahlbaum, heads to the Stahlbaum house for a holiday party. Along the way, he enacts a puppet show that foreshadows a battle between a Nutcracker and a mouse.
ACT 1
THE HOLIDAY PARTY
Clara Stahlbaum and her brother Freddy greet guests as they arrive at the Stahlbaum family’s festive holiday party. Drosselmeyer entertains the guests by bringing magical dolls to life and surprises Clara with a Nutcracker doll. After Freddy breaks it, Drosselmeyer repairs it with an enchanted scarf. The party continues with dancing, and after the guests leave, Clara places her Nutcracker by the Christmas tree.
SCENE 2 THE BATTLE
Later that night, Clara sneaks downstairs to find her Nutcracker. Falling asleep, she dreams of mice scurrying around. Drosselmeyer appears and brings the Nutcracker to life. The Nutcracker Prince
summons his soldiers and, with Clara’s help, defeats the Mouse King.
SCENE 3: WINTER WONDERLAND
The Snow Cavalier welcomes Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to Winter Wonderland, where they are greeted by magical reindeer. The Snow Queen and Snowflakes perform a beautiful dance for them.
INTERMISSION (15 MINUTES)
ACT 2: CANDY KINGDOM & FINALE
Clara and the Nutcracker Prince arrive at Candy Kingdom, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier celebrate their arrival. They are treated to performances from Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Ribbon Candy, and more. Clara is crowned princess, and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Grand Pas de Deux concludes the celebration.
In the final scene, Clara wakes at home, her Nutcracker doll by her side, as Drosselmeyer casts one last magical spell.
MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
SCOTT KRIJNEN
Music Director
& Conductor
Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Scott Krijnen was raised in an environment of music, conducting and education. A recipient of a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, cello has been his connection to education, conducting and performance and the voice he uses most to share his love of music. As a conductor, he is sought after throughout the Bay Area, most recently being appointed the new Music Director of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra. As an educator, Scott currently teaches over 250 students through 6 orchestras at Castillero Middle School and is in his 21st year of teaching. He has won many accolades including the 2020 Teacher of the Year Award at Castillero, Grammy Educator of the Year Quarter-Finalist for 2020 and 2021, and a 2020 Belle Foundation Grant, as well as the 2017 Bay Section Orchestra Director of the Year Award, 2016 CMEA Richard L. Levin Orchestra Educator Award, and the 2016 CSN Bay Area All-Star Teacher Award, earning $20,000 to support the music program at Castillero. Scott has strong connections throughout California including presenting for state-wide conventions, coaching and guest conducting, leading sectionals and presenting at the university level, adjudicating regional and state-wide festivals, and has coached and presented with PACO for the last 21 years. Scott is happily married to his wife of 22 years, Aryn, and is the father of two beautiful children who get to grow up in the same wonderful world of music as their father.
THE CAMBRIAN SYMPHONY
VIOLIN I
Malin Huffman**
Frederick Chin
Courtney Onodera#
Lindsay Onodera
Gregory Wohlleb
Vita Yee
Eric Young
Yvonne Zhang
VIOLIN II
Lauren Wagener*
Edmund Allen
Caila Bigelman
Jun-Ren Chen
Aryn Krijnen
Justine Liu
Zach Sutton
Gideon Tan
Claire Tsai
Brianna Wagener
Sophie Zhang
VIOLA
Goetz Leonhardt*
Judy Beck
Andrea Cheung
Michael Deng
Sophie Lynch
Shelley MacAllister
Kenneth McKnight
Olivia Park
Silvio Rocha
Ben Shiverdaker^+
Lynn Sollitt
CELLO
Sung Choi*^
Jill Hirsh*
Yu-Ting Wang*
Chloe Carrabino
Isla Grant
Jonathan Hieu-Reed
Meilani Huynh
Will Kittinger
Audrey Macdonald
Eric Penunuri
Ray Wang
BASS
Isabel McPherson*^
Christy Crews*
Michael Konopka
Scarlett Rocha
Jacob Solis
Rafael Zepeda
FLUTE
Brian Bensing*
Anne Wharton*
Amy Streeper^
PICCOLO
Lindsay Driemeyer
Patricia Harrell
OBOE
Claudia Engel*
Lorna Kohler
Kate Stuckman
ENGLISH HORN
David Allen^
Lorna Kohler
Peter Stahl
CLARINET
Marcelo Meira*^
Ulisses Reyna*
Susan Biskeborn
Jordan Selburn
BASS CLARINET
Kathy Switky
BASSOON
Lettie Smith*^
Matthew Volkar
FRENCH HORN
Joseph Kelly*^
Chandler Beck
Chris Nalls
Fleurette Sevin
Andrew Thomas
TRUMPET
Guy Clark*
Laura Shea-Clark
TROMBONE
John Fitzhugh*
Keefe Ismael
Katie Watts
BASS
TROMBONE
Jackson Baker^
Ryan Liu
TUBA
Jay Perry
PERCUSSION
Christine Lovejoy*
Ralph BeckerSzendy^
Niles Flynn
CELESTE
Eiko Mitani
HARP
Dana Wallace
Stiernberg
** Concertmaster
* Principal
^ Personnel
Manager
# Orchestra
Manager
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
GUEST ARTISTS
MICHAEL HAZINSKI
Michael’s unlikely dance journey began at age 21 by studying Modern, Jazz, and Classical techniques as a dance major at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He trained with the Milwaukee Ballet school and, during the summer months, with various classical dance teachers in New York City. Within three-years of doing his first plie, Michael began dancing professionally with the Milwaukee Ballet Company (Jean Paul Comelin, Artistic Director). After several years, Michael moved West to train in the San Francisco Ballet school before joining the San Francisco Ballet (Michael Smuin, Artistic Director) where he danced from 1980 thru 1984. After his SFB years, Michael stepped away from dance and earned a B.A. degree from San Francisco State University which led to a decades-long career in the water utility industry. In his retirement, Michael returned to dance and currently takes classes with instructors from the Smuin Contemporary Ballet in San Francisco and practices contemporary dance with David Popalisky at Santa Clara University.
OLIVIA POWELL
Olivia Powell is a native of the Boston area and received her ballet training from the Boston Ballet School. She attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts’ dance department and received her BFA with first class honors at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Ms. Powell then joined The Alabama Ballet where she performed in works such as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, as the dew drop fairy, and Tarantella. She also performed in Jiri Kylian’s Sechs Tanze, Agnes De Mille’s Rodeo, and Roger Van Fleteren’s Romeo and Juliet and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In 2014, she joined Ballet Memphis where she worked with many choreographers including Mark Godden, Steven McMahon, Uri Sands, Joshua L. Peugh, Gabrielle Lamb, Julia Adam and Julie Marie Niekrasz. Ms. Powell has also choreographed several works for Ballet Memphis’ “Pairings” and The Alabama Ballet’s “Choreographic Showcase.” Ms. Powell has performed as a principal guest artist in many companies around the country such as: Colton Ballet, Lively Arts Foundation, Western Arkansas Ballet, Foothills Dance Conservatory, and New England Ballet Ensemble. Since joining Diablo Ballet in 2019, Ms. Powell has performed in ballets by Julia Adam, Val Caniparoli, Sean Kelly, Bruno Roche, Penny Saunders, Sally Streets, Stanton Welch, Brian Enos, and Michael Wells. She has danced the female variation in Esmeralda, The Black Swan Pas de Deux, Swanhilda in Coppélia and in George Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Who Cares?, and principal in Donizetti Variations.
ELIJAH HARTLEY
Elijah Hartley is from Montesano, Washington. He began his training in studios throughout Washington and Oregon. In 2017 he joined the Ballet West Academy. In 2021 Mr. Hartley was promoted to Ballet West II where he performed in numerous Ballet West productions, including: Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces, Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker, Michael Smuin’s Romeo + Juliet, John Cranko’s Onegin, and Bronislava Nijinska’s Les Noces. Mr. Hartley joined Diablo Ballet in 2023 performing Prince Siegried in Swan Lake Suite and Solar in Pas D’Action from La Bayadère staged by Christopher Lam, Sleeping Beauty’s Wedding staged by Sean Kelly, Prince Ivan in The Firebird and Alice in Wonderland by Brian Enos, Donizetti Variations by George Balanchine, Confetti and Reflections by Gerald Arpino, The Nutcracker Suite and Cinderella’s Wedding by Julia Adam, 4 in the Morning by Val Caniparoli, Dr. Magic by Penny Saunders, Forward Thinking by Michael Wells, and Elevator Operator by Amanda Farris.
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
JACOB SELTZER
Jacob Seltzer recently completed five seasons with San Francisco Ballet, during which he performed a wide range of repertoire and represented SFB on international tours to Copenhagen, London, and Madrid. A graduate of the prestigious San Francisco Ballet School Trainee Program, Jacob has performed in world premieres by renowned choreographers including Helgi Tomasson, Cathy Marston, and Alexei Ratmansky. He was also featured in Pointe Magazine for his notable performance in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings. Jacob’s early training includes acceptance into some of the world’s most respected programs, such as the Paris Opera Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre. He continues to develop his work as both a performer and creator, bringing depth, musicality, and a thoughtful approach to every role he inhabits.
ALISON RAMORAN
Alison Ramoran, from Los Angeles, CA, trained at South Bay Ballet (now known as Ballet California), under the instruction of Diane Lauridsen. In 2017 she received the Daily Breeze “Making a Difference Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Arts” by the California Legislature Assembly at the Torrance Performing Arts Consortium. Upon graduating in 2018, she was given a contract with Oklahoma City Ballet’s second company. She was then promoted to Apprentice in 2020, and Corps de Ballet in 2021. While there, she performed works by Septime Webre, Robert Mills, Ryan Nye, Nicolo Fonte, Jerome Robbins, Jessica Lang, August Bournonville, and Michael Pink. Some of her favorite roles include Princess Florine in Ryan Nye’s “Sleeping Beauty”, Clara in Robert Mills’ “The Nutcracker”, and Nosferatu in Micheal Pink’s “Dracula”. Ms. Ramoran joined Smuin Ballet in 2022, where she performed Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Requiem for a Rose, Val Caniparoli’s Swipe, Osnel Delgado’s Turntable, Rex Wheeler’s Take Five, Nicole Haskins’ Peaceful Prayer, Kate Skarpetowska’s Sextette, and Amy Seiwert’s French Kiss. In 2023, she also performed with Amy Seiwert’s Imagery working with choreographers Amy Seiwert, Trey McIntyre, Natasha Adorlee, & Helene Simoneu . Since joining Diablo Ballet in 2023, she has performed in Confetti and Reflections by Gerald Arpino, Donizetti Variations by George Balanchine, Dr. Magic by Penny Saunders, The Nutcracker Suite and Cinderella’s Wedding by Julia Adam, The Firebird and Alice in Wonderland by Brian Enos, 4 in the Morning by Val Caniparoli, Forward Thinking by Michael Wells, Elevator Operator by Amanda Farris, Sleeping Beauty’s Wedding staged by Sean Kelly, Black Swan in Swan Lake Suite and the Pas D’Action from La Bayadère staged by Christopher Lam.
AUGUSTO SILVA
Augusto started his dance training at seven years of age in Sao Paolo, Brazil. During his eight years as a student at Conservatorio Carlos Gomes and Especial Academia de Ballet, Augusto had the opportunity to perform notable works like Basilio in Don Quixote and James in La Sylphide, where he placed first in the biggest ballet competition in South America. In 2010 he was selected to represent his Country at the USA International Ballet Competition, where he won a contract to Nashville Ballet. Augusto worked as a Soloist with the Nashville Ballet, under Artistic Director, Paul Vasterling from 2011 – 2017, performing key roles like the Jester in Cinderella, Blue Bird in Sleeping Beauty, the clever Bonvolio, in Romeo & Juliet and the title role in Vasterling’s world premiere of Peter Pan. Mr. Silva was also featured in Dominic Walsh’s The Whistling. Augusto has danced with San Jose Dance Theatre since 2021.
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
NO ONE
No One (she/her) is an acclaimed San Jose drag artist who began her drag career in 2019. Graduating from UC Irvine with a Fine Arts degree in 2017, No One has combined her backgrounds in fine art, makeup artistry, and performance art to develop her drag queen persona. Known as the “Face of San Jose”, No One brings her witty humor and bombshell beauty to each of her shows. Since starting her career, No One has gone on to perform all across the state, host events for large corporations, and has become a community leader in the South Bay. She has also gone on to found her own production company, to produce queer entertainment events and provide a platform for queer entertainers in the region. No One has returned for her 2nd year to be Mother Cupcake, and she is excited to share her latest batch of Cookies with you this holiday season.
SJDT STUDIO COMPANY
Figueroa Jocelyn Garcia Jocelyn Hsieh Elyse Huynh
Lorelei
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Aliyah Ben- Ranya Faroo- Ava Forde Nanami
Sofi
Anika Sison
Vi- Ellie Wong Ashley Xu
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
CAST LIST
Red Cast*:
12/13, 7:30PM
12/20, 2:00PM
12/21, 2:00PM
PROLOGUE/ACT ONE
Flower Vendor
Chestnut Vendor
Scarf Vendor Puppeteer
Chimney Sweep
Isabel Pettitt
Nestor Boscan
Emily Joe
Eleen Kamas
Michael North (12/13, 2PM), Elizabeth Sweeney (12/13, 7:30PM), Ron Muriera (12/14, 2PM), Shan Berries (12/20, 2PM), Hollie Barr (12/20, 7:30PM), Mayor Matt Mahan (12/21, 2PM)
Urchins
Drosselmeyer
His Apprentice/ Nutcracker
Mr. Stahlbaum
Mrs. Stahlbaum
Family 1
Maya Abouelein, Kailani
Cretella, Sofia Nery
Michael Hazinski
Kaji Cheng
Kaji Cheng
Iris Pettitt
Beth Avon
Crystal Campbell, Charlotte Cattivera 12/20, 2PM), Jeremy
Shapiro, Elizabeth Lindberg, Mari Torosyan, Zoe Brasil, Defne Faham, Sophia Cumbo
Family 2
Family 3
Family 4
Maid Butler Fritz
Clara Ballerina Doll
Soldier Doll
Mouse King
Mouse Captain Mice
Alvaro Viloria, Sarah Clish, Valeria Viloria, Shelby Luu
Amy Lee (as Grandma), Ke Wei
Ow Yong
Michael Forde, Joyce Song, Soleil Khanna, Emily Sanchez, Lauren Corn, Arabel Perez
Amy Lanteigne
Andrew Heilman
Benjamin Figueroa
Tatiana Campbell*, Arabella Do**
Jocelyn Hsieh*, Ellie Wong**
Ava Forde*, Ranya Farooque**
Iris Pettitt
Aliana Acosta
Maya Abouelenin, Aliana Acosta, Zoe Brasil, Janelle
Cooper, Lydia Gahrahmat, Octavia Harrington, Emily Joe, Elizabeth Kamas, Nina O’Brien, Elizabeth Yu
Green Cast*:
12/13, 2:00PM
12/14, 2:00PM
12/20, 7:30PM
Baby Mouse
Soldier Captain Soldiers
Shelby Luu
Jacqueline Vo
Thea Ear, Abigail Juni, Eve Megidesh, Sofia Nery, Kayla Nievera, Kennedy Nievera, Lara Ramirez, Elena Robles, Eloise Tang, Chloe Truong, Victoria Viloria, Maya YamAmoto-Kuwano
Snow Cavalier
Snow Queen Snowflakes
Augusto Silva
Alison Ramoran
Reindeer
Aliyah Benedek, Nanami Cheng*, Ava Forde, Ranya Farooque, Sofi Figueroa, Jocelyn Garcia, Jocelyn Hsieh, Elyse Huynh*, Eva Ruiz, Anika Sison, Sydney Strong**, Lorelei Vienne**, Ellie Wong, Ashley Xu Aliana Acosta, Tatiana Campbell**, Arabella Do*, Mila Kadah, Ke Wei Ow Yong, Elizabeth Yu
15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT TWO
Angels
Beth Avon, Janelle Cooper, Amy Lanteigne, Amy Lee, Eleen Kamas, Joyce Song
Cherubs Chocolate
Thea Ear, Kayla Nievera, Mercedes Pena-Villanueva, Evey Perez, Elena Robles, Ziya Sharma, Eloise Tang, Maya YamAmoto-Kuwano
Ashley Xu*, Sofi Figueroa**, Anika Sison*, Jocelyn Garcia**
Lead Marzipan
Aliyah Benedek*, Anika Sison**
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
CAST LIST (continued)
Marzipan
Ranya Farooque**, Ava Forde*, Jocelyn Hsieh**, Elyse Huynh*, Eva Ruiz, Lorelei Vienne**, Ellie Wong*
Lead Ribbon Candy
Ribbon Candy Attendants
Tea Lead
Tea Attendants
Tea Lion
Coffee Princess
Coffee Attendants
Mother Cupcake Lead Cookies
Sofi Figueroa*, Nanami Cheng**
Aliana Acosta, Mila Kadah, Ke Wei Ow Yong, Elizabeth Yu
Ranya Farooque*, Elyse Huynh**
Ava Forde**, Jocelyn Hsieh*, Lorelei Vienne*, Ellie Wong**
Iris Pettitt, Isabel Pettitt Nanami Cheng*, Aliyah Benedek**
Janelle Cooper, Lydia Gahrahmat, Octavia Harrington, Elizabeth Kamas
Xander Lopez ‘No One’ Caterina Boscan, Sophia Cumbo, Soleil Khanna, Shelby Luu, Nina O’Brien,
Cookies
Emily Sanchez, Mari Torosyan, Valeria Viloria
Zoe Brasil, Lauren Corn, Defne Faham, Emily Joe, Abigail Juni, Elizabeth Lindberg, Eve Megidesh, Sofia Nery, Kennedy Nievera, Arabel Perez, Lara Ramirez, Chloe Truong, Victoria Viloria, Jacqueline Vo
Lost Cookie
Dew Drop Fairy Waltz of the Sugar Flowers
Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Plum Cavalier
Defne Faham*, Victoria Viloria**
Jocelyn Garcia*, Ashley Xu** Aliyah Benedek*, Nanami Cheng**, Ranya Farooque, Sofi Figueroa, Ava Forde, Jocelyn Garcia**, Jocelyn Hsieh, Elyse Huynh, Eva Ruiz, Anika Sison, Sydney Strong, Lorelei Vienne, Ellie Wong, Ashley Xu*
Olivia Powell
Jacob Seltzer (Dec 13-14), Elijah Hartley (Dec 20-21)
MEET OUR GUEST CHIMNEY SWEEPS
In honor of the 60th Anniversary of The Original San José Nutcracker, San Jose Dance Theatre is delighted to welcome special guest performers from across our community into the magical role of the Chimney Sweep.
Traditionally, chimney sweeps are symbols of good fortune— legend says shaking their hand brings luck for the year ahead! In this production, each guest artist brings their own sparkle, spirit, and a touch of San José magic to the stage. Join us in celebrating these community members who help keep our holiday tradition shining bright!
• 12/13, 2PM: Viscount Michael North - San Jose Restaurateur
• 12/13, 7:30PM: Elizabeth Sweeney - SJDT Alumni & Executive Director
• 12/14, 2PM: Ron Muriera - Arts Industry Support Director, San Jose Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs
• 12/20, 2PM: Shan Berries - Radio Host at Mix 106.5 in the Bay Area & founder of Shades By Shan Cosmetics & The MamaBerries Nonprofit Foundation
• 12/20, 7:30PM: Hollie Barr - Realtor & Founder of Willow Glen Charm
• 12/21, 2PM: Matt Mahan, Mayor of San Jose
Viscount Michael North
Elizabeth Sweeney
Ron Muriera
Shan Berries Hollie Barr Matt Mahan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Lighting Design: Anthony Sutton
Scenic Design: Stephen Wathen
Stage Manager: Jordan Michelena
Costume Director: Kay Pettitt
Production Committee: CJ Cheng, Julie Tran
Program & Poster Design: Melissa Brown & Jacqui Culler
Photography: Maximillian Tortoriello Photography
Videography: Joe Bandy Videographyz
Additional Photography: Bo Xu
Accounting: Barbi Hamilton
Executive Director: Elizabeth Sweeney
Front Desk Receptionist: Iris Pettitt & Sydney Strong
Boutique: Carmen Cook
Candy Kingdom: Kim Nguyen & Tina Nguyen
Website & Digital Marketing: Robbie Zylstra, Elizabeth Sweeney, John Torrey, Melissa Brown
Physical Therapy: Katrina Lee & Kim Gardner-Align Pilates
Girl Scout of Northern California Liaison: Jen Manson
VIP: Gilbert Sanchez
Dressing Room Chairpersons: Laura Gahrahmat & Yessika Labrador Flowers: Ani Cumbo
Security: Cathe Huynh-Sison & Aimee Forde
Makeup Application: Trang Le & Rachel Wang
Snack Shack: Shiauyeng Lai
Box Office: John Torrey & Elizabeth Sweeney
New Parent Liaison: Siury Puglar
Finger Puppets: Monique Figueroa & Aimee Forde
Volunteer Coordinator: Charlotte Cattinera
Lobby Carolers: Continental Harmony Choir
Snow Scene Choir: Bytes and Notes
12/13, 7:30PM
12/14, 2PM 12/20, 2PM
Snow Scene Choir: Musical Theater Friends Choir
12/13, 2PM
12/20, 7:30PM 12/21, 2PM
GRANTS
CANDY KINGDOM SPONSORS
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
As part of our community outreach and theatre arts education, San Jose Dance Theatre performs a shortened version of the show, Once Upon A Nutcracker. This special presentation is ideal for younger children, as well as local schools and educators who would like to attend with their students. We provide this opportunity to spread the love of ballet and perform this professionally produced production for Bay Area schools. Interested in attending next year? Visit www.sjdt.org for more information.
GIRL SCOUTS THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNER
We welcome the Girl Scouts to The Nutcracker! This partnership is the longest continuous fundraiser for Girl Scouts of Northern California and was created by Girl Scout, Courtney Chin, who danced in this production in elementary school. Her love of dance and theater lead to a collaboration between what was Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County and San Jose Dance Theatre. Girl Scouts from all over the Bay Area attend performances and receive a badge from San Jose Dance Theatre.
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
NUTCRACKER 2025 VOLUNTEERS
A BIG thank you to our dancers, parents, and our wonderful volunteers for making this production possible!
Anthony Acosta
Melanie Acosta
Sahin Akhtar
Beth Avon
Aliyah Benedek
Rick Best
Néstor Boscán
Keith Boyert
Victoria Boyert
Olivia Brasil
Crystal Campbell
Ellie Chou
Tina Chua
Sarah Clish
Janelle Cooper
Jenn Cretella
Ranya Farooque
Mike Forde
Gabriela Gonzalez-Do
Ryan Harrington
Michael Hazinski
Andrew Heilman
David Huynh
Ila Ismail
Lizbeth Jaime
Alia Kadah
Eleen Kamas
Lia Kozuki
Jeff Kuwano
Shiauyeng Lai
Amy Lanteigne
Amy Lee
Nick Lindberg
Shane Luu
Tamara Malave
Joseira Malledo
Johana Medina
Ella Sciamma O’Brien
Cheryl Pulanco
Siury Pulgar
Grace Qiu
Mabel Rada
Jean Robles
Angelica Sanchez
Jeremy Shapiro
Flora Soghoyan
Joyce Song
Sydney Strong
Miriam J. Villanueva
Gomez
Catherine Vien
Alvaro Viloria
Rachel Wang
Bo Xu
Kimberly Yu
60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker
DONORS & SPONSORS
Gold Sponsor:
City of San Jose
Silver Sponsors:
Krisen & Tim Pettitt
Lee & Renee Forbes
Benefactors:
Sean Tyan
Cheung Jen Cheng
Elyse Huynh
Paul & Ann Summers
Ron Lamica
Marilyn Sefchovich
Michael Forde
Michael Howerton
Ann & Howard Timoney
Devin Wikke
Michael Hazinski
Thien Do &
Gabriela Gonzalez-Do
Golden Gate Speranza Lodge No 30
Patrons:
Shin Chen
Alexander Hayes
Jennifer Joyce
Boris & Natasa Vulovic
Rui Zhu
Joan Lamica
Melinda Harrington
Kayvon & Laura Gahrahmat
Friends:
Claudia & Anthony Cheng
Xperi
Chuan Foo
Matt & Nicole Duke
Amandine Gagniere
Rachel Wang
Bob Ng
Courtney O’Hagan
Barbara Orth
Raimond Sinivee
Charlotte Cattivera
Ann Timoney
Vanessa Wallace
Ben Wilson
Sharon & John Torrey
Holly Barr
William Neighbors
Christina McClelland
Briana Larsen
Consider making a donation to San Jose Dance Theatre to support your local arts and keep the magic of The Nutcracker alive in San Jose! INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DONOR?
