Dance-Along Nutcracker® 2025: A Wicked Dance-Along Nutcracker
Thanks for making Dance-Along Nutcracker 2025 a huge success!
We’re incredibly grateful to our sensational cast, marvelous band members, talented crew, and energetic volunteers. Photos from the show are available in the Dance-Along Nutcracker 2025 Flickr gallery.
Mark your calendars — we can’t wait to see you again December 19–20, 2026 for our next Dance-Along Nutcracker adventure!
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Thanks to our 2025 supporters
Sponsors
Event Sponsors
Michael L. Mehr
Krista Hennig
Sally Canjura-Clayton
Moira Wilmes & Denni Harp
Ian Gerrard
Joel Shapiro
Organization & Media Sponsors
Want to make a difference? Support the band as a sponsor! View sponsorship opportunities
2025 Performers & Cast
San Francisco Pride Band
Founded in 1978 by Jon Sims at the height of Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade and credited as the first openly-gay music organization in the world, the San Francisco Pride Band has inspired the formation of many LGBTQ+ choruses and performing troupes world-wide. Named the “Official Band of San Francisco” in 2018, the band has promoted visibility and built understanding between gay and non-gay communities through public musical performances for over 45 years.
Each year, the band presents its award-winning Community Concert Series, its beloved fun-filled holiday production, Dance-Along Nutcracker, and performs at numerous parades and civic events throughout the Bay Area.
Landyn Endo
as Ross
Landyn (he/they) is a queer, transmasculine-of-center actor, dancer and circus performer, specializing in aerial/acrobatics. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a double major in Dance and Drama. Since graduating, they have enjoyed dancing professionally in LA and on tour with Multiplex Dance Company, helping to found the West Hollywood Dance Festival. He also had the opportunity to perform in Europe with DTM2 Improvisational Ensemble, Off-Broadway in NYC, and in Japan in “Dreaming Forward,” an artistic collaboration with choreographer Motoko Hirayama, as well as teaching dance for two years in Grenada. They have been an instructor of circus, dance, and gymnastics for over 18 years. Landyn is a proud member of Flying Rabbit Circus, Bow and Arrow Circus Collective and People’s Circus Theatre. He currently teaches at the SF Circus Center and at VRV3, and has a deep passion for encouraging queer and trans youth to find their voice through movement and art. Find them on IG @smooth_landyn
Angelo Giusti
as Mac/Uncle Max
Angelo Giusti (he/they) has been described as an actor, musician, and nightlife cryptid. Starring in everything from San Francisco’s Gay All Male Review “Baloney”, Peaches Christ’s “Troop Beverly Heels”, to Media Meltdown’s “Select Thine Own Journey”. Per their namesake, Angelo Giusti exudes a mischievous cherub-like energy. You can listen to their original music under the artist name, Another Bard. @anotherbard on instagram
Alix Feinsod Guerrero
as Clara/Ruby
Alix is a performer and teacher based in Oakland. Alix has been performing in musicals around the Bay Area all her life with Stagedoor, YMTC, The Marsh, and The Thrillpeddlers. She has also written and directed plays with her students. In past years, Alix designed costumes for the Magic Theater and other companies. She is so excited to be in her sixth Dance Along Nutcracker!
Zelda Koznofski
as Stahlbaum/Madame Sugarplum
Zelda is a singer/composer/actor who records and releases original music as well as scores for original film and stage productions with band Gelb Rot Blau. She has performed onstage in a great many drag parodies and musicals in roles including Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in Star Trek Live, Rupert Giles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer Live, Judy Garland in Thrillpeddlers’ Club Inferno, and – of course: Clara, Fritz, Drosselmeyer – you name it, in Dance Along Nutcracker!
Evan Kaminsky
as Uncle Drosselmeyer
This is Evan’s fifth Nutcracker. Previous roles include Clara’s Dad/Fagrid in Clara Potter, Aurora Borealis in Nutcracker in Space and Drosselmeyer the Pumpkin King in Nutmare Before Christmas. Evan has been a bay area stage and screen actor and singer for thirty years. Most recently he can be seen throughout Santa Clara County as Ragnar The Terrible for Star One Credit Union’s newest campaign. Evan is also San Francisco’s Beauty and Grooming Guru and owner of Oui, Three Queens Productions (www.ouithreequeens.com) where he provides Skin Care, Waxing, Grooming and Makeup Artistry for all bodies and all genders. “The Best Bear to Make You Bare! (Down There!)”
Remi Sunshine
as Fritz/Franklin
Remi Sunshine is a singing drag king (Glitter Daddy) and karaoke host, who daylights as a psychotherapist in private practice. This is their second time performing in the Dance Along Nutcracker after being in the ensemble of Clara Potter and the Elder Baton in 2018. While their theater background is in Shakespearean acting, they are happiest when they get to sing and dance! They are a longtime member of the Queer Chorus of San Francisco, where they have earnestly exhibited their classical kazoo training, song parody writing, and amateur choreographer skills. In addition to performing, they worked backstage at Oasis as a stage manager for Harry Poofter and the Chamber of Secretions. Remi is also very pro-rat and fosters orphaned baby squirrels with Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife rescue (please be kind to rodents!).
Allen Sawyer
Cast Director
Allen Sawyer is a San Francisco-based playwright and director. He began his theatre career at the legendary Valencia Rose and also performed stand up at the Rose’s revolutionary Gay Comedy Open Mic. Collaborating with John F. Karr, Sawyer created several musicals at Theatre Rhinoceros, notably Talking to the Sun, Dirty Dreams of a Clean Cut Kid, and Some Men Do. With the ArtFul Circle Theatre Sawyer helmed Jungle Red, Those Damn Calla Lilies, Christmas with the Crawfords, Way Out West, and Women’s Prison Christmas. He wrote and directed Gross Indulgences: The Trials of Liberace and Whatever Happened to Sister George. For his troupe the Hot Pants Homo Players, Sawyer penned a trilogy of plays, inspired by pulp paperbacks. Sawyer has directed shows at Theatre Rhinoceros, The New Conservatory Theatre Center, Feinstein’s at The Nikko, and many other San Francisco venues.
Marilynn Fowler
Choreographer
Marilynn Fowler returns for her ninth season with the Dance-Along Nutcracker. She began dancing simultaneously with Page Hodel’s Box Dance Troupe and Voice Farm’s Oblong Rhonda. Her choreography credits include The Cool Ones, Way Out West, Hillbillies on the Moon, Rocky Horror Superstar, Rocket Girl, License to Kiss, The Untamed Stage, Club Inferno, and Cyberotica. She has worked with the Sick & Twisted Players, the Tuck & Roll Players, Artfull Circle Theatre, Teatro Zinzanni, the Thrillpeddlers, and countless drag luminaries. Her dance inspirations are James Brown and Ann-Margret.
Michael J. Wong
Guest Conductor
Michael J. Wong is the first Artistic Director of the Marching & Pep Bands for the San Francisco Pride Band. A third generation San Franciscan, Mike joined the Band in 1998 while he was a teenager studying physics and music at U.C. Berkeley. He has literally grown up in the Band taking on the roles of Horn Section Manager, Music Librarian, Drum Major, and volunteer Marching Director and Assistant Conductor, before being appointed to the position of Artistic Director of the Marching & Pep Bands in 2016. This will be Michael’s 25th Dance-Along-Nutcracker. His first (in 1998!) was one of the things that has kept him coming back to the Band over the past decades.
Steve Bolinger
Music Director
Steven Bolinger is a San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalist and composer. He has contributed his talents to the musical productions of D’Arcy Drollinger/Oasis Nightclub Cabaret (“SQREAM”, “Golden Girls Live”, “Above and Beyond the Valley of the Ultra-Showgirls”), Ray of Light Theatre (“Rocky Horror”, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), Peaches Christ Productions (“Showgirls: The Musical”). He composed original music for the film “Sh*t & Champagne” and Third Cloud from the Left stage productions “The Mariner” and “Putas Asesinas”, co-wrote songs for the original stage musical “Dernier Cri”, and produced parody pop hits for web series “Hot Trash”. Steve has released dozens of albums of original music, including his latest release, “Sabir”, which you can hear at stevenbolinger.com
Todd Young
Art Props & Dancer
Todd Young is a masterful fabricator renowned for his exceptional work in crafting one-of-a-kind props and set pieces for the Dance-Along Nutcracker where he has been an integral part of the production for several years. His artistic prowess extends beyond the dance floor, as Todd is the creative force behind the monthly “Security Gate” installation at 220 Page Street. This ongoing project has amassed an impressive collection of over 100 installations, showcasing Todd’s ability to transform spaces into captivating visual experiences. Recognized for his artistic contributions, Todd holds the esteemed position of number 23 on the list of “23 Extraordinary Things to Do in SF’s Hayes Valley” by Secret San Francisco. To catch a glimpse of his artistic journey and latest creations, enthusiasts can follow him on Instagram under the username @thegateguysf. Todd Young’s imaginative touch continues to leave a lasting impression on the vibrant arts and culture scene in San Francisco.
Raphael Buenaventura
Stage Manager
Raphael Buenaventura is honored to rejoin the San Francisco Pride Band’s Production Team in its annual production of Dance-Along Nutcracker after having first stage-managed its return in 2022. Raphael is a Los-Angeles transplant, having relocated to the Bay Area in August 2022. His previous acting work in Los Angeles include La Cage Aux Folles at The Long Beach Playhouse, Ben & George in The Hollywood Fringe Festival, and Kenny in Fil-Am (2022), a short film directed by Tony Marquez, produced by VisionRey. Since moving to the Bay, he resumed involvement in theatre through stage and production management, working with Crescent Moon Theatre Productions, San Francisco Pride Band, Sarah Bush Dance Project, Left Coast Theatre Company, Fuse Theatre, and currently with Phoenix Arts. His most recent acting work include a staged-reading with Theatre Rhinoceros and a stage performance with Bindlestiff Studio’s Queer as F*ck. When not juggling with work, Raphael spends his time with his 10-year old puppy, Trixie, who has been a long-time constant in his life. E-mail Raphael for work and collaborations: rsd.buenaventura@gmail.com
What is Dance-Along Nutcracker?
A one-of-a-kind holiday experience that reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet in an entirely refreshing way!
Every year, the San Francisco Pride Band brilliantly infuses the beloved The Nutcracker ballet with a fresh and delightful theme, creating an original musical production like no other. Packed with humor, artistic flair, and high-energy performances, the show blends live music, dance, and theater to captivate audiences of all ages.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! When the iconic “Dance Along!” cue appears, attendees are invited to join the fun, donning colorful tutus and taking center stage alongside the performers. Whether you’re twirling in the aisles or enjoying the spectacle from your seat, it’s a heartwarming and joyous celebration you won’t forget.
Experience the joy and excitement of Dance-Along Nutcracker, a one-of-a-kind celebration that combines entertainment and audience participation for an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family.
See what others are saying about the show!
Inspired foolishness, tomfoolery on a grand and witty scale!C.W. Nevius, San Francisco Chronicle
It’s fun, it’s affordable and it’s uniquely San Francisco. This isn’t your grandma’s stuffy old Nutcracker…Traci Vaughn, Milk + Fog
One of the city’s most delightfully idiosyncratic events.Wall Street Journal
Oh my God – it’s the best thing in the world! It’s the best holiday event there is!Dance-Along Nutcracker Attendee since 1998
Beautifully unexpected and witty!Dance-Along Nutcracker Attendee
I’m gonna tell my friends that I went to the Nutcracker and it’s not embarrassing at all to wear a tutu as a boy!Dance-Along Nutcracker Attendee, 7-years old
Thank you for an amazing afternoon and a new family tradition.Dance-Along Nutcracker Attendee
What to Expect at Dance-Along Nutcracker
A Live Concert Performance
Hear music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker alongside Broadway, pop, and movie favorites — all performed live by the 75-piece San Francisco Pride Band.
An Original Musical Theatre Production
Each year features a brand-new scripted show with an original story, bold characters, lively choreography, and campy musical numbers created just for this production.
You’re Part of the Show
Dance along to the music, enjoy playful audience-participation moments, and watch the entire theatre transform into a joyful, tutu-filled dance floor.
Who Will Enjoy This Family-Friendly Holiday Event
For Kids
A family-friendly, high-energy holiday concert filled with music and fun audience-participation moments that children love — especially those who find a traditional Nutcracker ballet tough to sit through.
For Adults
The perfect way to feel like a kid again — tug on a tutu, twirl to “Waltz of the Flowers,” or simply sit back and enjoy the show’s witty dialogue, humor, and joyful people-watching.
For the Entire Family
A light-hearted, humorous, and uniquely San Francisco holiday tradition that brings families together and creates lasting memories year after year.
Photo Gallery
Show History 40 Years of Dance-Along Magic
Created by the San Francisco Pride Band in 1985, Dance-Along Nutcracker® began as a simple but joyful way to bring the LGBTQ+ community together during the holidays. Early shows featured live holiday and Christmas-season music, swing tunes, tap performances, and selections from The Nutcracker Suite, with the audience invited to dance during select movements. That first performance planted the seed for what would become an annual Bay Area holiday tradition rooted in imagination and the kind of audience participation that now fills the theatre.
Over the years, Dance-Along Nutcracker evolved from a modest concert with a few participatory moments into a full-scale theatrical production. Each season began adding more humor, larger characters, original storylines, and choreographed dance numbers that sent Clara, Fritz, and Drosselmeyer on whimsical new adventures — each with its own thematic twist. Audiences have discovered children’s stories and nursery rhymes in Once Upon a Tutu (2004), blasted off in Nutcrackers in Space (2019), and joined the high-energy whodunit of Mission: Nutcracker (2024).
What began as a lighthearted escape for adults gradually became a celebration for all ages as more families from across the region discovered the show. Today, the audience is a joyful mix of kids, parents, LGBTQ+ community members, longtime fans, and first-timers — all sharing the same dance floor under the mirror ball.
Now, after forty years, Dance-Along Nutcracker has grown from a small community performance into a beloved Bay Area tradition — one that has drawn national attention from outlets such as NPR’s All Things Considered, The Wall Street Journal, and the TODAY Show, among others.
From the beginning, Dance-Along Nutcracker has embraced a spirit of playful imagination — a place where adults and kids alike could step out of everyday life and into a world of music, humor, and joyful make-believe.
Explore the gallery below for a nostalgic look at Dance-Along Nutcracker program covers from past productions, including our inaugural show in 1985. View full programs from Dance-Along Nutcracker and many other San Francisco Pride Band concerts in the Program Archive .
Health and Safety at the Show
Visitors to Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) must follow the venue’s current health and safety requirements , which are summarized below and may change based on local health conditions.
Masks are strongly recommended but not required while indoors. Proof of vaccination or a negative test is not required to enter. However, in conjunction with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), YBCA encourages everyone to get vaccinated and boosted for their own health and for the well-being of the community.
The San Francisco Pride Band takes COVID-19 seriously. For more information about the measures we’re taking at Dance-Along Nutcracker, see the band’s full Health & Safety Plan .