Barclay’s ‘Nutcracker’ sets record for ticket sales

“The Nutcracker” set record ticket sales for the Irvine Barclay

Theatre during its 10-day holiday run.

Ballet Pacifica’s production set a record for gross ticket sales for a

single production exceeding $286,000 -- the highest grossing event in the

theater’s 10-year history -- while attracting nearly 13,000 patrons in

its 18 performances Dec. 14 to Dec. 24.

“The Nutcracker” has been performed at the Barclay since 1994, and

Ballet Pacifica’s edition has been in Southern California for 34

consecutive years.

Since it premiered at the theater in 1994, performances have almost

doubled in the 756-seat Barclay Theatre from the original 10-performance

run.

This year’s production was choreographed by artistic director Molly

Lynch. About 200 volunteers helped with ticket sales and assisted

backstage for the 18 performances.