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 cherished holiday classic has been delighting audiences for nearly 40 years. The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, opens December 7 with 14 matinee and evening performances through December 24. Festival Ballet Theatre is thrilled to welcome back world-class ballet stars as guest artists in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
INTERNATIONAL BALLET STARS AND LOCAL TALENT SHINE IN BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITION
TO ENCHANT AUDIENCE MEMBERS OF ALL AGES
“We’re honored to be a part of so many families’ holiday traditions, and we look forward to welcoming new audience members each year,” said Salwa Rizkalla, Artistic Director, Festival Ballet Theatre. “There’s something for everyone in this exquisite production. The Nutcracker beautifully embodies the festive spirit of the season and showcases the talent of our Company through its music, sets, costumes and choreography.”
The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are a highlight of Clara’s adventure. These roles will be performed by international ballet stars, Festival Ballet Theatre’s spectacular guest artists. This year, the Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Jeraldine Mendoza (Joffrey Ballet) and Tiler Peck (New York City Ballet). The handsome Cavalier will be danced by Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet) and Roman Meija (New York City Ballet). More guest artists will be announced soon.
Festival Ballet Theatre’s breathtaking The Nutcracker, choreographed and directed by Rizkalla, brings fresh vibrancy to the full-length traditional production. Audience members of all ages 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. 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.
Festival Ballet Theatre will host a pre-show Tea Party, featuring delightful treats, story time for the little ones, champagne for the adults and a chance to meet and take photos with select cast members including Clara.
All 14 performances will take place at the intimate Irvine Barclay Theatre, located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612.
Esteemed Guest Artists and Performance Dates:
To Be Announced
Saturday, December 7, 2024 @ 2:00 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
Tiler Peck – New York City Ballet
Roman Meija – New York City Ballet
Saturday, December 14, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Jeraldine Mendoza – Joffrey Ballet
Dylan Gutierrez – Joffrey Ballet
Friday, December 20, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
Saturday, December 21, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 22, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 22, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
To Be Announced
Monday, December 23, 2024 @ 1:00pm
Monday, December 23, 2024 @ 6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 @ 11:00 am
Please note: Guest artists subject to change
Tickets
$45 – $70
Tickets can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org/ or by calling 949.854.4646.
The Nutcracker is approximately 2 hours in length, including one intermission. For more information, please visit: https://www.festivalballet.org/productions-2023/the-nutcracker-2024/.
RELATED EVENTS
Nutcracker Tea Party
Attendees of The Nutcracker ballet may purchase an additional very special holiday treat to The Nutcracker Tea Party.
Guests will enjoy catered gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours and scones with tea and lemonade in the elegantly holiday decorated Jade Room at Irvine Barclay Theatre. A glass of champagne adds to the festive experience for adults. Characters from the Nutcracker ballet, including Clara, will join the party as the story of The Nutcracker ballet and the magical adventure is told. Photo opportunities and a party favor are included for each guest.
Nutcracker Tea Parties will be held one hour before the performances on the following dates and times:
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1:00pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Friday, December 20, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 12:00pm
Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Monday, December 23, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Monday, December 23, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at 10:00 am
Tickets:
Adults & Seniors: $45
Children Under 21: $35
Contact the Barclay Box Office directly at 949.854.4646 or tickets@thebarclay.org for assistance with Nutcracker Tea Party tickets.
Please note: Tea Party tickets are for the Tea Party only and do not include admittance to The Nutcracker ballet production.
About Festival Ballet Theatre (FBT)
Festival Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 by Salwa Rizkalla. Its mission is to enrich Orange County’s artistic and economic vitality, to inspire love and appreciation for dance, and to invigorate ballet by:
• Presenting a season of exhilarating classical and contemporary performances
• Providing a nurturing environment for dancers and choreographers
• Offering stimulating educational outreach programs
For more information, visit www.festivalballet.org.
About Salwa Rizkalla, Artistic Director
Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla has contributed to the Orange County community for more than 40 years by presenting excellence in dance performance through Festival Ballet Theatre and providing top-tier classical ballet training at Southland Ballet Academy.
During her professional dancing career, Ms. Rizkalla graced the stage in leading roles in well-known classical ballets as well as contemporary pieces. She had the privilege of working under the direction of world-renowned choreographers, including Leonid Lavrovsky, Serge Lifar and many others. As a young dancer, Ms. Rizkalla trained in the Vaganova method and studied with Russian ballet masters. As the culmination of her training, Ms. Rizkalla completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ballet Pedagogy. She established Southland Ballet Academy in 1983 and debuted Festival Ballet Theatre in 1988. In addition to teaching and directing, Ms. Rizkalla was a faculty member of several area institutions.
Many arts organizations have recognized her service. The Orange County Music and Arts Administrators and Orange County Performing Arts Center jointly presented her the Orange County Arts Educator of the Year Award for Secondary Dance (2003); Youth America Grand Prix awarded Ms. Rizkalla Outstanding Teacher accolades since its inception; and Arts Orange County recognized Ms. Rizkalla with the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award (2014). Ms. Rizkalla was named one of OC’s 100 Most Influential in 2017 by the OC Register.
Ms. Rizkalla has been honored to impact the lives of hundreds of students and their families through her teaching. She is proud to be a dedicated educator, an energetic promoter of the arts and an active participant in the cultural life of her community.
For more information, visit www.festivalballet.org.
Photo Credit: Festival Ballet Theatre
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