‘Amazing in Every Way’: Special Audience Previews The San Jose Nutcracker at Historic California Theater

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) – On Friday, in the South Bay, the curtains were raised at the historic California Theater in downtown San Jose.

The New Ballet premiered The Nutcracker of San Jose. From the live orchestra to dancers, designers and more, New Ballet’s official return to audiences has arrived just in time for the holidays.

“Everyone that’s involved in theater, none of us have been doing what we love to do for almost two years now,” Dalia Rawson, artistic director and executive of New Ballet, told ABC7 News.

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She said Friday’s show also marked New Ballet’s first time on stage in the restored theater.

It was a special occasion for a very special audience. Over 200 families had the opportunity to preview Friday’s show at no cost.

“I think the opportunity is ours,” said Rawson. “We are delighted to invite in the audience today, local families – children from local elementary schools in downtown San Jose. And also families affected by sensory and learning disabilities.”

Local families with children in Title 1 schools and local chapters of organizations such as the National Council on Severe Autism were invited.

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The event was organized by City Councilor Raul Peralez, who represents the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.

“I didn’t come to the California Theater very often,” City Councilor Peralez said of his childhood memories in San Jose.

“We have so many of our young people here in San Jose who are not enjoying the theatrical performances here at the California Theater,” he continued. “And so, for us to be able to accommodate them, it was really great. It also gives them a little visibility in this historic place.”

The show gave Mariana Lopez and her extended family a reason to reunite.

“It brings us all together, especially since we haven’t seen our godparents for a while. So it brings us a little closer as a family,” she said.

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For Lopez, family is everything. Thankfully, Friday’s preview gave her family an experience they won’t soon forget.

“The music in particular, and the performance is amazing in every way,” she described. “Like, he’s able to tell the story without saying anything.”

Go here for more information on the San Jose Nutcracker.