Blog
UCI Opera and Symphony Present Puccini’s Suor Angelica at Irvine Barclay Theatre
05.06.25
Experience the emotional power of Puccini’s Suor Angelica as UCI Opera and UCI Symphony bring a modern, staged production to the Irvine Barclay Theatre on Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m.
Set in a 17th-century Tuscan convent, Suor Angelica tells the heartbreaking story of Sister Angelica, a noble-born nun who has spent seven years behind convent walls after bearing an illegitimate child. When her steely aunt finally arrives with devastating news, the opera builds to one of Puccini’s most shattering revelations—culminating in a transcendent finale of tragedy and redemption. Through Puccini’s luminous score, this one-act masterpiece delivers a stirring tale of maternal love, loss, and grace.
The performance, directed and designed by Andreas Mitisek, conducted by Dr. Geoffrey Pope, with Dr. Yuliya Minina as assistant music director, will be sung in Italian with supertitles. Approximate run time is one hour with no intermission.
Tickets are $21 general admission; $18 for seniors (62+), UCI faculty, alumni, staff, emeriti, retirees, and groups of 10 or more; $16 with an Arts Package (three or more events); and $10 for students and youth age 17 and under.
Generous support for this production is provided by the Opera Guild and the Marjorie and Robert Rawlins Endowment Fund.
Blog
A Weekend Escape to Catalina Island Just Got Even Better
05.04.25
Just a short ferry ride from Orange County, Catalina Island makes the perfect weekend escape—with scenic views, laid-back charm, and now, even more to experience. Whether you're craving ocean breezes, outdoor adventures, or great food and drink, Catalina has something new (and nostalgic) in store.
Catalina Horseback Adventures Are Back
After a 17-year hiatus, horseback riding has returned to Catalina Island. Catalina Horseback Adventures now offers scenic rides for visitors and locals alike, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. Riders can expect panoramic ocean views from clifftops, tranquil valleys, hillsides, and even the occasional sighting of deer or island foxes.
The revival of horseback riding on the island draws on a longstanding tradition dating back to the 1930s, when the Wrigley family—then-owners of Catalina—established El Rancho Escondido. Located 12 miles outside Avalon, the Arabian horse-breeding ranch still operates today and is often open for Saturday tours.
Sip Island-Made Brews at Catalina Brewhouse
Catalina Brewhouse is the island’s only craft brewery, serving six small-batch beers created by brewmaster Danny Gutierrez. Popular picks include the Gariblonariblondie Blond, Rabid Fox Amber, Island Hop IPA, Lovers Cove Wheat, Dancing Goat Harbor Porter, and Buffalo Milk Stout. Each brew features a distinct flavor profile and malt aroma—click here to learn more.
Waterfront Dining at Pier 24
Pier 24 is Avalon’s newest waterfront dining spot, located where Antonio’s Pizza once stood. The modern restaurant pays tribute to the original Steamer Pier—where passengers aboard William Wrigley’s iconic vessels, the S.S. Avalon and S.S. Catalina, once disembarked. Vintage photographs, playful nods to island history, and large harbor-facing windows set the scene, while two patios invite guests to enjoy open-air dining with postcard-worthy views of the Catalina Casino and Avalon Bay.
Casual Fare at Sunset Bar & Grill
Sunset Bar & Grill at the Catalina Canyon Inn is now open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The casual eatery offers a mix of American and Mexican favorites, plus a full bar. Don’t miss the house specialty michelada. The restaurant is operated by Catalina hospitality veterans Francisco and Veronica Bravo and Miguel Chavolla.
Explore Avalon by Golf Cart
Get a local’s perspective on Avalon with custom guided golf cart tours. These 2-hour (or longer) experiences combine history, sightseeing, and local insights. Space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 10.07.25 – Moonlit Magic to Shine at 2025 Wish Gala
- 10.05.25 – Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Musco Center
- 10.04.25 – Puesto Celebrates National Taco Day with Golden Ticket Giveaway
- 10.02.25 – Musco Presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- 10.02.25 – Newport Beach Becomes Global Beach Volleyball Capital Oct. 7–12
- 10.01.25 – Laguna Cliffs Hosts Harvest Moon Sound Bath
- 09.29.25 – Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Discovery Cube OC This October
- 09.29.25 – Zov’s Debuts New Brunch Menu Inspired by Family Traditions
- 09.26.25 – Segerstrom Center Expands Feel Good, Do Good Donation Drives
- 09.25.25 – GLOW Coalition Hosts First Fundraiser for Save Newport Nature
- 09.24.25 – Ilissa Michele Jewelry: Purpose-Driven, Handmade, and One-of-a-Kind
- 09.21.25 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 09.19.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season With Free Block Party
- 09.16.25 – Seconds at PCH Food Week Returns to 2ND & PCH
- 09.13.25 – Pasta Sisters Marks 10 Years With $8 Pasta Day
- 09.12.25 – Wrap Up by Valerie Perez Unveils Luxe Robe Collection for Fall
- 09.11.25 – Sgt. Pepperoni’s Partners With CHOC for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- 09.11.25 – Concert Shines Light on Mental Health
- 09.10.25 – Bruxie Introduces Dubai Chocolate Shake
- 09.09.25 – Is it Real or Fake? JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Explores Food Replica Culture
More Daily Doses
- 10.05.25 – Fashion Meets Film: StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island October 15–19
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
- 09.26.25 – Mastro’s Brings Its Iconic Dining Experience to Irvine Spectrum
- 09.25.25 – San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein Comes to Segerstrom Center
- 09.19.25 – 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
- 09.16.25 – Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- 09.16.25 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns September 20
- 09.15.25 – The Market Place Opening Celebration
- 09.12.25 – Segerstrom Center Welcomes Yearlong Karon Davis Installation
- 09.08.25 – Pacific Symphony Opens 47th Season with Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
- 09.08.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market
- 08.24.25 – An Evening at The Lido Theater to Benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
- 08.20.25 – Seafolly Opens First U.S. Flagship in Corona del Mar
- 08.16.25 – Stone Groove Stillhouse Brings World’s First Audio Distillery to Anaheim
- 08.14.25 – Harvest Restaurant Showcases Seasonal California Cuisine
- 08.06.25 – ClubSport Aliso Viejo Debuts Recovery Upgrades and New Friends Membership
- 08.05.25 – A Taste of Japan in Irvine: Izakaya Osen
- 08.01.25 – Bubble Blast Brings Summer Fun to The District
- 07.24.25 – Exciting Additions at Anaheim Hills Festival: Egg Tuck, Story Bar + Kitchen, and More!
- 07.21.25 – Gala of the Stars Returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre
