Irvine, CA, July 17, 2024 – Irvine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s top performing arts venues, has announced its 2024-25 season. While the Barclay is known for its intimate setting that provides unique experiences and personal interactions with top performers in an array of genres, the Theatre also presents shows that are fun for the whole family. Family-friendly performances on sale now include:
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1pm & 6pm
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a blend of the unique comedy of Gregory Popovich (award-winning star of the Moscow Circus and champion juggler) and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. Popovich and his cast of over 30 gifted animals have been voted "Best Family Show in Las Vegas" and were finalists on America’s Got Talent. Comedy Pet Theater features an amazing cast of housecats, dogs, parrots and even geese and mice. Gregory Popovich has rescued the animals from shelters all over the country, transforming them into Las Vegas stars by using positive reinforcement and working with the animals' natural abilities to create a fun, one-of-a-kind show. Recommended for all ages. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org. Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine, adjacent to UC Irvine. For more information or to review the entire season schedule, please visit www.thebarclay.org.
The Nutcracker Presented by Festival Ballet Theatre, Dec. 7– 24, various times
A cherished holiday classic perfect for all ages, “The Nutcracker” is a beloved tradition at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Festival Ballet Theatre’s 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. Patrons will also enjoy the beautifully decorated lobby and a unique Nutcracker boutique to complete this time-treasured holiday experience. Tickets start at $54 and can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org. Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine, adjacent to UC Irvine. For more information or to review the entire season schedule, please visit www.thebarclay.org.
Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock LIVE, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 6pm
Starring the characters of the beloved original Jim Henson series, and currently seen in the hit Emmy Award-winning Apple TV+ reboot, Fraggle Rock LIVE will feature the iconic Fraggles alongside all the favorite characters from the show, as well as new characters in this exciting new, interactive, live musical adventure perfect for all ages. When Gobo Fraggle discovers a legend about a long lost Fraggle treasure called the Great Song Stone, his pals Mokey, Boober, Wembley, and Red join him on an adventure to find it, and end up celebrating the greatest treasure of all — something much more special than they could have ever imagined. Featuring gorgeous new walk-around versions of the Fraggles, puppet-sized and mechanized Doozers, appearances from the giant Gorgs, and exclusive new magical puppet creatures all from the acclaimed Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, this all-new musical stage adventure will welcome audiences into the incredible world of the iconic and beloved Fraggle Rock. Written and directed by John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Shrek the Musical, Stephen Schwartz’s The Secret Silk), the show will include favorite songs, fantastic in-theater immersive special effects, and exciting physical staging, as well as magical heartwarming moments, hilarious and endearing new characters, and much more to make this unforgettable theater experience perfect for families with young first-time theater goers, and for Fraggle Rock fans who are young at heart. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org. Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine, adjacent to UC Irvine. For more information or to review the entire season schedule, please visit www.thebarclay.org.
Doktor Kaboom's "Look Out Science is Coming!" Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025 at 1pm & 6pm
David Epley, through the character of Doktor Kaboom! performs an original interactive Science Comedy show for audiences of all ages. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join Kaboom! for a comedic journey of increasingly spectacular (and often successful) science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate, and entertain. Epley has been performing across the country, sharing his love of science and mathematics, for 20 years. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org. Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine, adjacent to UC Irvine. For more information or to review the entire season schedule, please visit www.thebarclay.org.
Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty, April 12 & 13, 2025
A timeless love story for the whole family, Sleeping Beauty is the story of Princess Aurora who, at her christening, is bestowed with enchanting gifts from her father’s kingdom. An Evil Fairy places a curse on the princess to prick her finger and fall into a 100-year-long sleep until a handsome prince awakens her with a kiss. On Aurora’s 16th birthday, the curse is fulfilled. After 100 years of sleep, Prince Florimund finds the sleeping princess and awakens her with a kiss, and declares his love for her. A royal wedding follows and the prince and princess live happily ever after in this fabled story. Set to music of Peter Tchaikovsky with choreography by Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, after famed French dancer and choreographer Marius Petipa. The Sleeping Beauty was first performed by the Russian Imperial Ballet in January 1890. Tickets start at $54 and can be purchased at www.thebarclay.org. Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive in Irvine, adjacent to UC Irvine. For more information or to review the entire season schedule, please visit www.thebarclay.org.
