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Guide To The Festival Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker

Festival Ballet Theatre Nutcracker 2
(credit: Festival Ballet Theatre)

Few do the Nutcracker with the international guest talent, stunning sets and magical costumes quite like Festival Ballet Theatre. This year's full-length, traditional production is on stage at the Irvine Barclay Theatre for 14 performances over two weeks starting December 12. Around the world, The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition unlike any other, and the holidays would not be complete without seeing this ballet live.

Festival Ballet Theatre Nutcracker 3
(credit: Festival Ballet Theatre)

The Nutcracker
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Dr.
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 854-4607
www.FestivalBallet.org
Dates: Dec. 12, 2014 to Dec 24, 2014

The beautiful holiday ballet at the Irvine Barclay Theatre features a cast of professional dancers and more than 150 Southern California children for this year's version of the Nutcracker. The classic story starts with a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Christmas, when a young Clara receives a special gift from her Uncle Drosselmeyer. From there, the magic unfolds as Clara's dreams become bigger larger than life. Drama and beauty blends as snow, gingersnaps, mice and more dance across the stage.

"The treasures of our sets and costumes are unequalled and give the production a rich and magical atmosphere," FBT's Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla told CBS LA. "And audiences will revel in the enchanted music of Peter Tchaikovsky."

This year's production features renowned dancers from Joffrey Ballet , and American Ballet Theatre; pairs include Fabrice Calmels and Carla Korbes, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky, as well as Isabella Boylston and Sascha Radetsky.

Festival Ballet Theatre Nutcracker 5
(credit: Festival Ballet Theatre)

"We are so excited to have Fabrice and Carla with us. Irina and Maxim have danced with us for eight seasons, and they are audience favorites. Isabella and Sascha are amazing," said Rizkalla.

Audiences are sure to delight in the dancers and the spectacle of this holiday celebration that features the splendor of dancing toys, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers and sparkling snowflakes. Additionally, guests will be transported on a fantasy trip to the beautiful Land of the Snow and the Land of the Sweets, where the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier highlight the ballet.

Visit www.FestivalBallet.org for tickets to the Nutcracker on stage at Irvine Barclay Theatre. The show runs from Friday, Dec. 12th through Tuesday Dec. 24th.

Tickets: $40 adults; $37 seniors; $35 children

Family Nights: Dec. 17 & 18 at 7pm

Debbie Lavdas is a Southern California writer who also writes for Laguna Beach Magazine and more. Keep up with her at @DebLavdas on Twitter or DebbieintheOC.com.
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