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.
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from the blog
- 05.08.26 – Lido Theater Receives 2026 Preservation Award
- 05.08.26 – Free Summer Dance Nights and Concerts Return to Segerstrom Center
- 05.08.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With Seafood Tastings and Holiday Specials
- 05.08.26 – Outpost Kitchen at South Coast Plaza Debuts Mother’s Day Menu
- 05.05.26 – Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
- 04.29.26 – ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
- 04.28.26 – Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
- 04.28.26 – Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
- 04.28.26 – Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center
- 04.27.26 – March for Babies Returns to Irvine May 2
- 04.25.26 – Classic Packards Take Center Stage in Newport Beach
- 04.23.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.23.26 – SpiceQuest Brings the Heat Home
- 04.20.26 – Honda Center Serves Up Playoff-Ready Menu for Ducks Fans
- 04.17.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.13.26 – A Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me
- 04.13.26 – Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location
- 04.13.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With New Seafood Cookbook
- 04.13.26 – SOMBR Brings Fall Arena Tour to Anaheim’s Honda Center in October
- 04.12.26 – A Film Festival Putting Neurodivergent Talent Front and Center
More Daily Doses
- 05.10.26 – Cozy Earth’s Cuddle Collection Brings Luxury Comfort to Corona del Mar
- 05.07.26 – Sweetgreen Opens at Irvine’s University Center
- 05.06.26 – Icons of Napa Valley Wine Dinner Returns to Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
- 04.29.26 – Mother’s Day Dining Across Orange County
- 04.29.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Grand Opening at Irvine Spectrum
- 04.29.26 – J Ruby: A Colorful Creative Find in South Laguna
- 04.28.26 – A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente
- 04.23.26 – A Coastal Spa Experience Arrives at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
- 04.23.26 – David Spade Takes The Lido Theater Stage
- 04.20.26 – Arrive in Style. Leave the Driving to Us.
- 04.19.26 – Candace Bushnell Brings One-Woman Show to South Coast Repertory
- 04.18.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 04.13.26 – An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – Spring in Full Bloom at South Coast Plaza
- 04.05.26 – Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley
- 04.01.26 – A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar
- 03.30.26 – STAUD Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.27.26 – South Coast Plaza Easter Dining Picks
- 03.26.26 – Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County
