Festival Ballet Theatre's THE NUTCRACKER Welcomes World-Class Guest Artists

Celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence, Festival Ballet Theatre (FBT), Orange County's resident professional ballet company, will present the family favorite production of The Nutcracker, December 8 - 24, 2018 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, California.

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, dancing toys, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes, waltzing flowers 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.

The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are a highlight of Clara's adventure - FBT's spectacular guest artists. The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by: Tara Ghassemieh (Festival Ballet Theatre), Maria Kochetkova (former San Francisco Ballet), Sara Mearns (New York City Ballet), Teresa Reichlen (New York City Ballet) and Beckanne Sisk (Ballet West). The handsome Cavalier will be danced by: Jared Angle (New York City Ballet), Fabrice Calmels (Joffrey Ballet), Vitor Luiz (San Francisco Ballet) and Chase O'Connell (Ballet West).

Festival Ballet Theatre's holiday celebration The Nutcracker is made even more magical with sets and costumes by Simon Pastukh and Galina Solovyeva.

Esteemed Guest Artists And Performance Dates:

Teresa Reichlen - New York City Ballet

Fabrice Calmels - Joffrey Ballet

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 8, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 9, 2018 @ 1:00 PM

Tara Ghassemieh - Festival Ballet Theatre Company Dancer

Vitor Luiz - San Francisco Ballet

Friday, December 14, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Maria Kochetkova - Former San Francisco Ballet

Vitor Luiz - San Francisco Ballet

Saturday, December 15, 2018 @ 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 15, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Sunday, December 16, 2018 @ 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 16, 2018 @ 6:00 PM

Beckanne Sisk - Ballet West

Chase O'Connell - Ballet West

Friday, December 21, 2018 @ 2:00 PM

Friday, December 21, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 22, 2018 @ 2:00 PM

Saturday, December 22, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Sara Mearns - New York City Ballet

Jared Angle - New York City Ballet

Sunday, December 23, 2018 @ 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 23, 2018 @ 6:00 PM

Monday, December 24, 2018 @ 11:00 AM

Please note: Guest artists may be subject to change

Tickets: $45 - $60

Nutcracker attendees may purchase in addition to their Nutcracker tickets a very special seasonal treat; The Nutcracker Tea Party. While adults sip a glass of champagne, children will be gathered to listen to the story of The Nutcracker and be visited by some of the characters from the ballet. The elegant sit-down tea will be prepared by Chef Laurent of White House Catering and include delicious finger sandwiches, sweet treats, tea and lemonade. Photo opportunities and a party favor are included for each guest. Please check the website for the Nutcracker Tea Party times.

Nutcracker Tea Party Cost:
Adults & Seniors - additional $30
Students & Children Under 21 - additional $25