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
A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
Pacific Symphony presents “Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton” on Feb. 13 and 14 at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The theatrical concert experience invites audiences into the imaginative, slightly…
The Groundlings Bring Legendary Improv to Musco Center
Musco Center for the Arts presents The Groundlings on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
For nearly 50 years, The Groundlings have turned the chaos of everyday life into comedy gold. The iconic Los Angeles improv and sketch troupe…
A Valentine’s Gift Guide for Every Kind of Love
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and this edit brings together beauty, fashion and lifestyle finds for every mood. From kiss ready lips and hair care that helps repair real life damage to cozy sets for staying in and even…
Valentine’s Sweets Worth Sharing at South Coast Plaza
Valentine’s Day shopping at South Coast Plaza comes with a sweet bonus. From storied European chocolatiers to California classics and beautifully crafted desserts, the confectionery lineup makes it easy to bring home something thoughtful, indulgent, and gift-ready. Here are a…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 02.12.26 – A Valentine’s Night Inside the Films of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman
- 02.10.26 – The Groundlings Bring Legendary Improv to Musco Center
- 02.09.26 – A Valentine’s Gift Guide for Every Kind of Love
- 02.08.26 – Valentine’s Sweets Worth Sharing at South Coast Plaza
- 02.02.26 – A Century of Modern Dance at the Musco Center Celebrating Martha Graham
- 02.02.26 – CHAGEE Opens at The Shops at Mission Viejo Feb. 6–8
- 02.01.26 – Bardega Sets Grand Opening Celebration in Laguna Hills
- 01.30.26 – More Nights, More Boots on the Floor at Westwood Coast
- 01.30.26 – Marelle Santa Monica Sets the Tone for Coastal Dining on Ocean Avenue
- 01.30.26 – Los Angeles Is Having a Moment in 2026
- 01.19.26 – Small-Batch Botanical Wellness for Dogs
- 01.17.26 – THE NOTEBOOK Musical Set for Segerstrom Hall in 2026
- 01.16.26 – A Valentine’s Weekend to Remember in Huntington Beach
- 01.13.26 – An Exciting Career Update
- 01.12.26 – Lunch & Learn at Zov’s Bistro Focuses on Brain Health
- 01.11.26 – Dry January, Done Right at Khan Saab
- 01.08.26 – Strickland’s Ice Cream Celebrates 90 Years and Two Sweet Years in Costa Mesa
- 01.04.26 – THE DAILY HEALING Presents Healing House Lido
- 01.04.26 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 12.30.25 – Mastro’s Ocean Club Irvine Toasts the New Year With Zero-Proof Style
More Daily Doses
- 02.11.26 – Cozy Earth Presidents Day Sale Brings Big Savings and New Toile Pajamas
- 02.11.26 – OCVIBE Unveils Six New Bar and Lounge Concepts Coming to Katella Commons
- 02.05.26 – A Valentine’s Day Dining Guide at South Coast Plaza
- 02.05.26 – Hands-On Science Takes Center Stage in 2026
- 02.01.26 – Ralph Lauren Brings Shopping and Ralph’s Coffee Together in Newport Beach
- 01.31.26 – What’s Next at The CAMP
- 01.31.26 – Napa Rose to Reopen Feb. 6 at Disney’s Grand Californian
- 01.19.26 – Georgia’s Marks The Wiz at Segerstrom Center With a Special Family Meal
- 01.19.26 – Ignite Dance: 35 Years of Movement in Orange County
- 01.13.26 – Newport Beach Restaurant Week Returns Jan. 15–25
- 01.12.26 – Earlybird Flies Into The LAB With One-Pound Burritos
- 01.08.26 – FACE FOUNDRIÉ Makes Its Southern California Debut in Newport Beach
- 01.04.26 – Parlor Doughnuts Opens 100th Location in Huntington Beach
- 12.21.25 – Phantom: A Perfect Gift Idea
- 12.18.25 – Celebrate the Season at Pendry Newport Beach
- 12.18.25 – Inside Poppy’s, Anaheim’s New Go-To for California Cuisine
- 12.14.25 – Fire & Lights Festival Returns to Newport Dunes
- 12.11.25 – Butcher’s House Marks Four Years With New Fromage Menu
- 12.09.25 – Manolo Blahnik Opens First West Coast Boutique at South Coast Plaza
- 12.09.25 – ClubSport Debuts New High-End Recovery Amenities in Time for the Holiday Season
