Festival Ballet Theatre Presents THE NUTCRACKER, Now thru 12/24

The Festival Ballet Theatre in Fountain Valley, Calif., is the premiere ballet company in the Orange County Area. The ballet will present a handful of upcoming Nutcracker performances from tonight, December 14th to the 24th at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. 

Special guest artists include Irina Dvorovenko (American Ballet Theatre), Maxim Beloserkovsky (ABT), Carla Korbes (Pacific Northwest), Fabrice Calmels (Joffrey), Stella Abrera (ABT) and Sascha Radetsky (ABT) all performing in the ballet's stunning rendition of the children's classic.

The Nutcracker is the story of a young lady, Clara, who receives the gift of an enchanting wooden nutcracker soldier from her mysterious godfather, Dr. Drosselmeyer. During the night, magical events unfold – the Christmas tree grows taller, toy soldiers and little mice become larger, Clara's beloved toy comes to life and battles the ferocious Mouse King. Just as it seems all is lost, Clara distracts the evil Mouse King and saves her beloved Nutcracker Soldier. Her act of bravery transforms the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince. To show his gratitude, he takes Clara on a magical journey – complete with a storm of swirling snowflakes – to the Kingdom of Sweets. Upon their arrival, the Sugar Plum Fairy calls for a celebration in honor of Clara. One after another, delectable and exotic dancers from faraway lands pay tribute to our heroine. Set to the music of Peter Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russian, on December 18, 1892.

SCHEDULE:

Irina Dvorovenko & Maxim Beloserkovsky
American Ballet Theatre
Friday, December 14, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 15, 2012 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 15, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 16, 2012 @ 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 16, 2012 @ 6:00 PM

Carla Korbes, Pacific Northwest Ballet &
Fabrice Calmels, Joffrey Ballet
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 20, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Friday, December 21, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 22, 2012 @ 2:00 PM

Stella Abrera & Sascha Radetsky
American Ballet Theatre
Saturday, December 22, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 23, 2012 @ 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 23, 2012 @ 6:00 PM
Monday, December 24, 2012 @ 11:00 AM

Tickets: $40 adults; $37 seniors; $35 children. For group discounts, call the box office. *Family Nights: Dec 19 & 20 at 7pm. Buy 4 or more tickets for $30 each.