Hammer Theatre

Covering The San Francisco Bay Area & Sacramento Valley Since 2001

Hammer Theatre • 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113

Plays • Musicals • Opera • Dance

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Playing This Month

• MAR 27-28, 2026 •

Fast Forward / Ballet

For Tickets & Info:

Fast Forward, presented by New Ballet in San Jose, is a bold contemporary ballet showcase where innovation meets tradition. On this evening of dance you’ll experience a vibrant array of world-premiere pieces, each crafted by emerging and daring choreographers who challenge the familiar rules of ballet. One moment you’ll witness flawless technique rooted in classical form; the next you’ll be caught up in movement that feels fresh, electric and unexpected. The company’s dancers revel in having work designed specifically for them, and that energy translates to the stage as they leap, spin and extend boundaries with a sense of creative freedom. As an audience member you’ll be taken on a journey through movement that respects the elegance of ballet’s past while pushing toward its future. The lights, the music, the collaboration between choreographer and performer all combine to create an evening that feels alive, urgent and full of possibility. If you’ve ever wondered where classical ballet meets contemporary spark, this production invites you in.

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Coming Soon

• OPENS APR 24, 2026 • Kingdom of Cards / Play Kingdom of Cards is a fantastical theatrical play by Nobel Prize–winning writer Rabindranath Tagore that unfolds like a vivid dreamscape full of satire, music, movement, and sharp social commentary. Set in a surreal land where the citizens are two-dimensional playing cards bound by rigid rules and customs, the story follows a curious and daring young prince who, after being shipwrecked with his friends, stumbles into this bizarre society and begins to shake it to its core with his laughter, freedom of thought, and thirst for adventure. As the cards march to strict orders and avoid anything unexpected, the prince’s presence exposes their stifling conformity and awakens in them desires they never knew they had, from dancing and singing to expressing emotions and embracing life beyond the rules. With colourful characters inspired by a deck of cards and a narrative that cleverly uses fantasy to explore deep themes like individuality, freedom, and the human spirit, this genre-blending fantasy comedy drama enchants and challenges audiences alike with its whimsical imagery and thought-provoking heart.
• OPENS MAY 16, 2026 • Giselle / Ballet Giselle is a sweeping two act ballet of love, mystery, and supernatural consequence set in a quiet Rhineland village and a shadowed forest beyond it. We meet Giselle, a gentle peasant girl whose joy comes alive through dancing, and Albrecht, a nobleman who disguises himself as a villager to win her affection. Their connection grows during the lively grape harvest, filled with music, celebration, and the warmth of village life. When hidden truths begin to surface, the story shifts into a deeper and more haunting realm where loyalty is tested and emotions sharpen. Act Two moves into a world ruled by the Wilis, spirits of young women who died with broken hearts. In this eerie, moonlit place, Giselle’s compassion becomes a powerful force that guides the tension between vengeance and mercy. Through its unforgettable choreography, ethereal white costumes, and the evocative score by Adolphe Adam, the ballet blends human tenderness with otherworldly beauty. Giselle invites the audience into a tale that moves gracefully between joy and sorrow, offering a timeless exploration of innocence, devotion, and the strength of the heart.
• OPENS MAY 30, 2026 • Alice in Wonderland / Dance Alice in Wonderland follows a curious young heroine named Alice who tumbles into a magical world unlike anything she has ever known. What begins as a simple fall down a rabbit hole opens up into a realm bursting with oddball charm and surprising adventures. Along the way Alice encounters unforgettable characters like the hurried White Rabbit, the mischievous Cheshire Cat, the whimsical Mad Hatter, and the dramatic Queen of Hearts. Through graceful dance, imaginative choreography, vivid costumes and set-design, the show layers a sense of wonder, humor and enchantment to bring the classic story to life. Audiences are drawn into a dreamlike journey full of curiosity, whimsy and discovery. The ballet moves swiftly from scene to scene, offering a magical visual feast that appeals to kids and adults alike. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.