Now that I have a girl, (after two boys) my life has been full of frilly dresses, bows, headbands, tap, gymnastics, cheer, and dancing. It’s everything I could have ever imagined and this month will be the very first time I take her to see a professional performance of The Nutcracker. Growing up I always admired the elaborate costumes and was in awe of the incredible showmanship ballet dancers displayed. Now I get to take my own daughter and watch the amazement in her eyes.
History Of The Nutcracker
The origin of the Nutcracker, a classic Christmas Story, is a fairy tale ballet in two acts centered on a family’s Christmas Eve celebration. Alexandre Dumas Père’s adaptation of the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann was set to music by Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa. It was commissioned by the director of Moscow’s Imperial Theatres, Ivan Vsevolozhsky, in 1891, and premiered a week before Christmas 1892. Since premiering in western countries in the 1940s, this ballet has become perhaps the most popular to be performed around Christmas time. The story centers on a young girl’s Christmas Eve and her awakening to the wider world and romantic love. The composer made a selection of eight of the more popular pieces before the ballet’s December 1892 premiere, forming what is currently known as the Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, as is heard in Moscow Ballet productions. The suite became instantly popular; however the complete ballet did not achieve its great popularity as a Christmas performance event until almost 100 years later.
See The Nutcracker at The Irvine Barclay
Create holiday memories for your family by sharing the magic of The Nutcracker.
Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly, breathtaking production features superb, colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands. This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.
**Family Night Packages [4 performances: Dec 7 at 7p; Dec 13 at 7pm; Dec 15 at 6p; Dec 20 at 7p]
Purchase 4 or more tickets and save 20%. Does not include Tea Party tickets.
Guest Artists (Subject to change)
Tara Ghassemieh Luiz – Festival Ballet Theatre Company Dancer
Vitor Luiz – former principal dancer, San Francisco Ballet
Saturday, December 7, 2019 @ 7:00 PM **
Sunday, December 8, 2019 @ 1:00 PM
Beckanne Sisk – Ballet West
Chase O’Connell – Ballet West
Friday, December 13, 2019 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 14, 2019 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 14, 2019 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 15, 2019 @ 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 15, 2019 @ 6:00 PM **
Maria Kochetkova – former principal dancer, San Francisco Ballet
Vitor Luiz – former principal dancer, San Francisco Ballet
Friday, December 20, 2019 @ 7:00 PM **
Saturday, December 21, 2019 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 21, 2019 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 22, 2019 @ 1:00 PM
Tara Ghassemieh Luiz – Festival Ballet Theatre Company Dancer
Vitor Luiz – former principal dancer, San Francisco Ballet
Sunday, December 22, 2019 @ 6:00 PM
Jeraldine Mendoza – Joffrey Ballet
Dylan Gutierrez – Joffrey Ballet
Monday, December 23, 2019 @ 6:00 PM
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 @ 11:00 AM
Nutcracker Tea Party
(Limited number of tickets available)
Guests will enjoy tea, lemonade, finger sandwiches and sweet treats with Clara herself… champagne for the grown-ups as well. Clara will join in as the story of the Nutcracker ballet and the magical adventure is told. Expect a special appearance by the Nutcracker Prince and his archenemy, the Mouse King, too!
Photo opportunities and a party favor for each guest included.
The elegant sit-down tea will be prepared by Chef Laurent of White House Catering.
Party is held at the Barclay’s Jade Room.
Adults & Seniors – additional $30 (select “Adult w/Tea” or “Senior w/Tea” from dropdown menu)
Students & Children Under 21 – additional $25 (select “Under 21 w/Tea” from dropdown menu)
TEA PARTY START TIME
Saturday, December 7, 2019 @7pm (PARTY START TIME: 6PM)
Sunday, December 8, 2019 @1pm (PARTY START TIME: 12PM)
Saturday, December 14, 2019 @2pm (PARTY START TIME: 1PM)
Saturday, December 14, 2019 @7pm (PARTY START TIME: 6PM)
Sunday, December 15, 2019 @1pm (PARTY START TIME: 12PM)
Sunday, December 15, 2019 @6pm (PARTY START TIME: 5PM)
Saturday, December 21, 2019 @2pm (PARTY START TIME: 1PM)
Saturday, December 21, 2019 @7pm (PARTY START TIME: 6PM)
Sunday, December 22, 2019 @1pm (PARTY START TIME: 12PM)
Sunday, December 22, 2019 @6pm (PARTY START TIME: 5PM)
Monday, December 23, 2019 @6pm (PARTY START TIME: 5pm)
Tuesday, December 24, 2019 @11am (PARTY START TIME: 10am)
Please contact the Box Office directly at 949.854.4646 or [email protected] for assistance.
Return Policy: All sales are final, no refunds no exchanges.
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