Blog
The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
11.25.25
Festival Ballet Theatre presents its beloved holiday production of The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre from December 6 through 24, 2025. This family favorite enchants audiences of all ages with breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, bringing the magic of the season to life.
Under the direction and choreography of Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, this full-length traditional production features Festival Ballet Theatre’s professional dancers, exceptional young performers from across Southern California, and world-renowned guest artists.
Guest Artists
- Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, New York City Ballet - Dec. 13 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Tyler Donatelli and Angelo Greco, Houston Ballet - Dec. 20 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, Joffrey Ballet
A Special Holiday Tea Party Experience
Before select performances, guests can enjoy a festive Tea Party in the Barclay’s Jade Room. The elegant event begins one hour prior to showtime and includes gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours, and scones with tea and lemonade. Adults may enjoy a glass of champagne, and children will delight in meeting characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara, as they share the story behind the ballet. Each guest will receive a party favor and photo opportunities will be available.
Tickets for the Tea Party are limited and must be purchased in conjunction with a Nutcracker performance. The option to add the Tea Party appears after selecting performance seats while tickets remain.
Tickets and more information can be found here.
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Ticket Office: (949) 854-4646
Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat–Sun, Noon–4 p.m.
Photo Credit Skye Schmidt Varga
Blog
HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
11.24.25
HAVEN craft kitchen+bar has introduced a new Taco Tuesday menu featuring inventive, globally inspired tacos that celebrate a beloved Orange County favorite from more than a decade ago, Taco Asylum.
Taco Asylum opened in 2011 as the sister restaurant to HAVEN and quickly gained a loyal following for its non-traditional, gourmet tacos influenced by flavors from around the world.
Known for creative ingredients, house-made sauces, sustainable meats and seafood, and support of local farms and vendors, the restaurant made its mark before changing ownership and later closing. It left a noticeable gap in Orange County’s dining scene.
HAVEN is bringing that spirit back every Tuesday with its new à la carte menu available all day. Executive Chef Scott Green has created a lineup that includes:
Braised Pachamama Pork
salsa quemada, smoked pork cracklings
Beer Battered Icelandic Cod
chili-lime slaw, aji crema, pico
Steak Alambre
beef filet, bacon, panela cheese, pickled serrano, bone marrow aioli
Charred Spanish Octopus
smoked shishito chimichurri, charred scallion aioli, crispy bistro potato
Duck Confit
mole, avocado crema, pickled onion, cotija, pico, cilantro
Sofritas
tofu chorizo, avocado, pico
The beverage team has also created agave-based cocktails that pair with the bold flavors. Highlights include the Scorched Earth, a margarita variation with Pueblo Viejo tequila, mezcal habanero honey, mango and lime, and Mexican Morphine with Pueblo Viejo tequila, mezcal, coconut pineapple, orange, lime and aromatic bitters. Guests can also explore an extensive list of craft beer, wine and spirits.
Taco Tuesday is offered from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for in-house dining. For reservations and details, visit HAVENCraftKitchen.com.
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar
190 S. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
714-221-0680
Follow Greer on Pinterest
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