Blog
The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
11.16.25
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
McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
11.13.25
James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton, in partnership with Caruso and River Jetty Restaurant Group, announced plans to open Spacca Tutto, a new Italian American steakhouse, at Caruso’s Palisades Village in Pacific Palisades. The restaurant is set to open in August 2026, but early renderings and details hint at one of Los Angeles’ most anticipated culinary openings.
"Los Angeles has such a strong community, and the restaurant industry has always been a big part of that. I wanted to bring a new concept to the west side, pulling inspiration from the Italian flavors that Angelenos know well, alongside some new dishes inspired by a classic American steakhouse. I'm honored to be a part of the future of the Palisades,” said Nancy Silverton.
Spacca Tutto will blend elements of Silverton’s chi SPACCA with classic steakhouse traditions. The menu will feature a robust steak program, American favorites, salads, seafood, and seasonal vegetable dishes, along with a bar menu of smaller bites. The wine list will include nearly 250 Italian and domestic labels, paired with a “fast craft” cocktail menu designed for all-day service.
“The name Spacca Tutto reflects resilience, creativity, and courage – the same qualities driving the Palisades community to come roaring back in 2026,” said Rick Caruso, founder and executive chairman of Caruso. “With Nancy and River Jetty, we’re creating something bold and unmistakably Palisades.”
The phrase “spacca tutto” translates to “go for it” or “give it your all.” The restaurant will anchor the reimagined Palisades Village, marking a milestone in the property’s rebuild after the January 2025 fires.
“At River Jetty, we pride ourselves on creating spaces that bring people together through exceptional food and genuine hospitality,” said Joseph “McG” Nichol, partner and co-founder of River Jetty Restaurant Group. “We’re honored to partner with Nancy and the Caruso team on a concept that brings that shared passion to life and celebrates the Palisades community we’re so proud to join.”
River Jetty Restaurant Group is behind several acclaimed Orange County restaurants, including A Restaurant and A Market in Newport Beach, A Crystal Cove, and CdM Restaurant in Corona del Mar. And, in Long Beach, there is A PCH.
Spacca Tutto will be designed by AvroKO, a global design firm known for its award-winning hospitality interiors.
For updates, visit PalisadesVillageCA.com.
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from the blog
- 11.23.25 – Musco Center Welcomes Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace
- 11.22.25 – A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table
- 11.20.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.19.25 – Uncle Fluffy Opens Soon at Triangle Square
- 11.19.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.19.25 – Thanksgiving Dining in Orange County
- 11.17.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.16.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
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- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
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- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
More Daily Doses
- 11.23.25 – QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley
- 11.23.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
- 11.21.25 – Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness
- 11.17.25 – Santa Maria Novella Brings Centuries of Craft to South Coast Plaza
- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
- 11.13.25 – Prairie Opens in Mariners Square: A New Home for Refined, Relaxed Interiors
- 11.11.25 – Mother-Daughter Duo Launch Eugénie Boutique in Newport Beach
- 11.09.25 – You’re Invited to South Coast Plaza’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
- 11.03.25 – Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange
- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
- 10.15.25 – Tales of Wonder and Imagination: Alexander Shelley Leads Pacific Symphony in ‘Scheherazade’
- 10.14.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
