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.
The Latest from greer's oc
Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
The Balboa Island Museum in Newport Beach is hosting its first-ever Book Club event, now rescheduled for Wednesday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m. Emmy Award-nominated writer and producer Bruce Cook will moderate the evening and lead a conversation with…
NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach April 12–13
NOBLEMAN Magazine founders Doug and Lydia McLaughlin present the third annual NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend, returning April 12–13, 2025, to the Pendry Newport Beach. This two-day culinary celebration brings together world-class chefs, premium wines, and star power—set against the…
Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrates Broadway’s Legendary 50th Season
Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents A Fabulous 50th: Broadway’s Most Legendary Season! on Friday, April 18, at 8 p.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This special event features Broadway stars Tony Yazbeck, Eden Espinosa, Klea Blackhurst,…
SAJJ Mediterranean Rolls Out New “Mediterranean Refresh” Menu in Irvine
Spring brings change, and SAJJ Mediterranean is embracing it with a fresh new menu. The Bay Area-based fast-casual concept, known for its customizable Mediterranean eats, just launched “Mediterranean Refresh”—a lineup of updated offerings available now at its Irvine location.
The…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.04.25 – Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
- 04.04.25 – NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach April 12–13
- 04.04.25 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrates Broadway’s Legendary 50th Season
- 04.04.25 – SAJJ Mediterranean Rolls Out New “Mediterranean Refresh” Menu in Irvine
- 04.01.25 – Gary Howard to Be Honored at Casa Youth Shelter’s 2025 Bootstrap Ball
- 03.31.25 – Free Outdoor Movies and More This Spring at Irvine Spectrum Center
- 03.31.25 – Puesto Welcomes Spring With Seasonal Dishes From Creative Chef Raul Casillas
- 03.30.25 – Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City
- 03.28.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 03.27.25 – South County Outreach’s Empty Bowls Gala 2025: Setting the Table for Change
- 03.27.25 – Live Music and Sunset Sips Midweek at A Crystal Cove
- 03.25.25 – Lights, Camera, Brunch! Broadway Divas Return to Segerstrom Center
- 03.24.25 – Z SUPPLY Rides Again With Diamond Cross Ranch Collaboration
- 03.24.25 – Craft & Create: DIY Wood Workshop at Puesto Los Olivos
- 03.21.25 – WonderCon Returns to Anaheim March 28-30
- 03.20.25 – World-Class Training Returns: Sunday Master Class Series at ABT Gillespie School
- 03.20.25 – Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Hosts Fintastic Fun for National Mermaid Day
- 03.19.25 – Multi-Brand Warehouse Sale Returns to Tustin
- 03.19.25 – Preserve Your Flowers in a Unique Way at Maivie
- 03.18.25 – San Pedro Fish Market Hosts Special Fundraiser for the Western Flyer’s Return
More Daily Doses
- 04.04.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 03.30.25 – Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens
- 03.28.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events
- 03.25.25 – Dr. Jennifer Armstrong: Subtle, Beautiful Results That Make All the Difference
- 03.21.25 – Legendary Ramen Nagi Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.20.25 – Escape to Relaxation: A Spa Day at Pacific Waters Spa
- 03.19.25 – Spring Dining Experiences at Patina Restaurant Group in Downtown Disney
- 03.16.25 – Graze Craze Expands to Costa Mesa with Charcuterie Boards & Boxes
- 03.13.25 – Executive Chef Jeffrey Boullt Unveils Flavor-Packed New Dinner Menu at SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar
- 03.11.25 – Spring at Irvine Barclay Theatre: A Season of Music, Dance, and Conversation
- 03.09.25 – Deli Nerds Brings High-Quality, Clean Eating to Costa Mesa
- 03.05.25 – Discover Endless Summer Fun at the Summer Opportunities Jamboree!
- 03.04.25 – Golf For A Cause: Join ‘18 For The Elephants’ and Support Conservation Efforts
- 03.02.25 – Now Open: CasaDamí – An Intimate European Café & Wine Bar in Newport Beach
- 02.24.25 – Celebrate OC Restaurant Week March 2 - 8, 2025
- 02.16.25 – Dizzy Bird Expand to Irvine Spectrum with Bold Rotisserie Flavors
- 02.12.25 – Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week: 10 Delicious Reasons to Join the Fun
- 02.11.25 – Love at First Bite: Valentine’s Dining in Orange County
