SJDT • Nutcracker2025 • Program

60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

1 | San Jose Dance Theatre

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

MIS S IO N 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.

BO A R D O F DIREC TORS 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!

S J DT H IS T O RY 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.

1 | San Jose Dance Theatre

60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

F ROM TH E ARTISTIC DIR ECTO R 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

2 | San Jose Dance Theatre

60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

F R OM THE BOARD PRESI D ENT 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

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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

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

TH E N UTCRACKER ST O R Y 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

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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.

60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

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.

TH E C AMBRIAN SYMPHO NY 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

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OBOE Claudia Engel* Lorna Kohler Kate Stuckman

TROMBONE John Fitzhugh* Keefe Ismael Katie Watts

ENGLISH HORN David Allen^ Lorna Kohler Peter Stahl

BASS TROMBONE Jackson Baker^ Ryan Liu

CLARINET Marcelo Meira*^ Ulisses Reyna* Susan Biskeborn Jordan Selburn

TUBA Jay Perry

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

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

G UEST 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.

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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.

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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.

S JD T STUDIO COM PA NY

Aliyah Benedek

Ranya Farooque

Ava Forde

Nanami Cheng

Sofi Figueroa

Jocelyn Garcia

Jocelyn Hsieh

Elyse Huynh

Anika Sison

Lorelei Vienne

Ellie Wong

Ashley Xu

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The SJDT Studio Company will be attending The Ballet Alliance Festival in Reno, NV in 2026. Consider supporting our young artists as they embark on this exciting journey.

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

CAST LIST Red Cast*:

Green Cast**:

12/13, 7:30PM 12/20, 2:00PM 12/21, 2:00PM

12/13, 2:00PM 12/14, 2:00PM 12/20, 7:30PM

PROLOGUE/ACT ONE Flower Vendor Isabel Pettitt Baby Mouse Shelby Luu Chestnut Vendor Nestor Boscan Soldier Captain Jacqueline Vo Scarf Vendor Emily Joe Soldiers Thea Ear, Abigail Juni, Eve Puppeteer Eleen Kamas Megidesh, Sofia Nery, Kayla Chimney Sweep Michael North (12/13, 2PM), Nievera, Kennedy Nievera, Elizabeth Sweeney (12/13, Lara Ramirez, Elena Robles, 7:30PM), Ron Muriera (12/14, Eloise Tang, Chloe Truong, 2PM), Shan Berries (12/20, Victoria Viloria, Maya 2PM), Hollie Barr (12/20, YamAmoto-Kuwano 7:30PM), Mayor Matt Mahan Snow Cavalier Augusto Silva (12/21, 2PM) Snow Queen Alison Ramoran Urchins Maya Abouelein, Kailani Snowflakes Aliyah Benedek, Nanami Cretella, Sofia Nery Cheng*, Ava Forde, Ranya Drosselmeyer Michael Hazinski Farooque, Sofi Figueroa, His Apprentice/ Kaji Cheng Jocelyn Garcia, Jocelyn Nutcracker Kaji Cheng Hsieh, Elyse Huynh*, Eva Mr. Stahlbaum Iris Pettitt Ruiz, Anika Sison, Sydney Mrs. Stahlbaum Beth Avon Strong**, Lorelei Vienne**, Family 1 Crystal Campbell, Charlotte Ellie Wong, Ashley Xu Cattivera 12/20, 2PM), Jeremy Reindeer Aliana Acosta, Tatiana Shapiro, Elizabeth Lindberg, Campbell**, Arabella Do*, Mari Torosyan, Zoe Brasil, Mila Kadah, Ke Wei Ow Defne Faham, Sophia Cumbo Yong, Elizabeth Yu Family 2 Alvaro Viloria, Sarah Clish, Valeria Viloria, Shelby Luu Family 3 Amy Lee (as Grandma), Ke Wei 15-MINUTE Ow Yong INTERMISSION Family 4 Michael Forde, Joyce Song, Soleil Khanna, Emily Sanchez, Lauren Corn, Arabel Perez Maid Amy Lanteigne ACT TWO Butler Andrew Heilman Angels Beth Avon, Janelle Cooper, Fritz Benjamin Figueroa Amy Lanteigne, Amy Lee, Clara Tatiana Campbell*, Arabella Eleen Kamas, Joyce Song Do** Cherubs Thea Ear, Kayla Nievera, Ballerina Doll Jocelyn Hsieh*, Ellie Wong** Mercedes Pena-Villanueva, Soldier Doll Ava Forde*, Ranya Farooque** Evey Perez, Elena Robles, Mouse King Iris Pettitt Ziya Sharma, Eloise Tang, Mouse Captain Aliana Acosta Maya YamAmoto-Kuwano Mice Maya Abouelenin, Aliana Chocolate Ashley Xu*, Sofi Figueroa**, Acosta, Zoe Brasil, Janelle Anika Sison*, Jocelyn Cooper, Lydia Gahrahmat, Garcia** Octavia Harrington, Emily Joe, Elizabeth Kamas, Nina O’Brien, Lead Marzipan Aliyah Benedek*, Anika Sison** Elizabeth Yu

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

C AS T LIST (conti nue d) Marzipan Ranya Farooque**, Ava Forde*, Jocelyn Hsieh**, Elyse Huynh*, Eva Ruiz, Lorelei Vienne**, Ellie Wong* Lead Ribbon Candy Sofi Figueroa*, Nanami Cheng** Ribbon Candy Aliana Acosta, Mila Attendants Kadah, Ke Wei Ow Yong, Elizabeth Yu Tea Lead Ranya Farooque*, Elyse Huynh** Tea Attendants Ava Forde**, Jocelyn Hsieh*, Lorelei Vienne*, Ellie Wong** Tea Lion Iris Pettitt, Isabel Pettitt Coffee Princess Nanami Cheng*, Aliyah Benedek** Coffee Attendants Janelle Cooper, Lydia Gahrahmat, Octavia Harrington, Elizabeth Kamas Mother Cupcake Xander Lopez ‘No One’ Lead Cookies Caterina Boscan, Sophia Cumbo, Soleil Khanna, Shelby Luu, Nina O’Brien,

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Cookies

Lost Cookie Dew Drop Fairy Waltz of the Sugar Flowers

Sugar Plum Fairy Sugar Plum Cavalier

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 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)

60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

MEET OUR GUE S T CHIM NEY SWE EP S 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

J o in t he M a gic!

Enjoy the show? You can be in it!

SJDT holds open auditions every year in September. We have many roles for youth and adults, beginner to advanced.

Visit sjdt.org or contact godance@sjdt.org for more information.

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

AC K N OWLEDGEMEN TS 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

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

C AN D Y KINGDOM SPONS O R S

E D UC AT IONAL OUTRE A CH 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.

T HAN K YO U TO OUR PA R T NER GIRL SCOUTS 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.

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

N U TCRACKER 2025 V OLUNTEERS 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

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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

D ON ORS & SPONSO R S Gold Sponsor: City of San Jose Silver Sponsors: Krisen & Tim Pettitt

Lee & Renee Forbes

Ann & Howard Timoney

Benefactors: Sean Tyan Cheung Jen Cheng Elyse Huynh Paul & Ann Summers

Ron Lamica Marilyn Sefchovich Michael Forde Michael Howerton

Devin Wikke Michael Hazinski Thien Do & Gabriela Gonzalez-Do

Golden Gate Speranza Lodge No 30 Patrons: Shin Chen Rui Zhu Alexander Hayes Joan Lamica Jennifer Joyce Melinda Harrington Boris & Natasa Vulovic Kayvon & Laura Gahrahmat Friends: Claudia & Anthony Cheng Charlotte Cattivera Xperi Ann Timoney Chuan Foo Vanessa Wallace Matt & Nicole Duke Ben Wilson Amandine Gagniere Sharon & John Torrey Rachel Wang Holly Barr Bob Ng William Neighbors Courtney O’Hagan Christina McClelland Barbara Orth Briana Larsen Raimond Sinivee INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DONOR? 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!

Scan or click to donate today!

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

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60 Years of Magic | The Nutcracker

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