PAST SEASONS

The Nutcracker 2013

At the Irvine Barclay Theatre

In cities around the world, The Nutcracker has become a Christmas holiday tradition, and the holidays are not complete without seeing The Nutcracker live. Festival Ballet Theatre’s breathtaking production features superb colorful sceneries and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new!

Starting with a spectacular 19th-century holiday party, the story follows a young girl on a journey to the wondrous Land of Sweets into the Sugarplum Fairy’s glorious kingdom. Set to the timeless music of Peter Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives the gift of a nutcracker soldier from her mysterious godfather. During the night, magical events unfold: the Christmas tree grows taller, toy soldiers and little mice become larger, and Clara’s nutcracker comes to life. He battles the ferocious Mouse King, and just when it seems all is lost, Clara distracts the Mouse King and saves her beloved nutcracker. Her act of bravery transforms the nutcracker into a handsome prince who takes Clara on a magical journey.

This full-length, traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, and features a cast of professional dancers and more than 100 Southern California children.

Guest Artists:
Fabrice Calmels – Joffrey Ballet
Friday,Dec 13 at 7pm
Saturday, Dec 14 at 2pm
Saturday, Dec 14 at 7pm
Sunday, Dec 15 at 1pm
Sunday, Dec 15 at 6pm

Irina Dvorovenko & Maxim Beloserkovsky American Ballet Theatre
Wednesday, Dec 18 at 7pm
Thursday, Dec 19 at 7pm
Friday, Dec 20 at 7pm
Saturday, Dec 21 at 2pm

Sascha Radetsky & Stella Abrera American Ballet Theatre
Saturday, Dec 21 at 7pm
Sunday, Dec 22 at 1pm
Sunday, Dec 22 at 6pm
Monday, Dec 23 at 2pm
Tuesday, Dec 24 at 11am

Artists subject to change.