Greer's OC

Festival Ballet Theatre presents the return of its critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker to the Irvine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s premiere entertainment venues. The production has been delighting audiences in Orange County for more than 30 years. The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s renowned score, opens December 10 with 13 matinee and evening performances through December 24. This year Festival Ballet Theatre welcomes back international ballet stars as guest artists, and families can once again enjoy the pre-show Nutcracker Tea Party.

Festival Ballet Theatre’s breathtaking production of The Nutcracker makes this age-old holiday tradition sparkle like new. Audiences will be swept away as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing toys, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and a cast of hundreds take them on a magical journey to mystical lands.

The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are a highlight of Clara’s adventure. These roles will be performed by international ballet stars, and Festival Ballet Theatre’s spectacular guest artists. The Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Maria Kochetkova (former San Francisco Ballet), Lauren Lovette (former New York City Ballet), and Jeraldine Mendoza (Joffrey Ballet). The handsome Cavalier will be danced by Constantine Allen (Dutch National Ballet), Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet), and Connor Walsh (Houston Ballet).

The full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla. In addition to the world-renowned guest artists, it features professional Festival Ballet Theatre Company dancers and exceptional young talent from across the Southland. The production shines with magnificent colorful sets and dazzling costumes by award-winning designers Simon Pastukh and Galina Solovyeva,

All 13 performances will take place at the intimate Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine.