The new season at the Irvine Barclay Theatre will have a diverse selection of performances that all residents of Orange County are bound to appreciate. Performances include the Community Youth Orchestra of Southern California, the Mozart Classical Orchestra and the National Geographic Live Speaker Series. Fans can also enjoy a performance by Boy Bandz, who will sing a number of popular hits by different boy bands including New Kids on the Block, the Backstreet Boys, One Direction and more.

Karen Hanlon, the director of communications for the theatre, said these performances will not only differ in genre, but each one will have its own special story to share.

“We’re really focusing on presenting the best of these different styles of performing arts and showing a range of what these types of artists can do,” Hanlon said. “Jazz isn’t just one thing, contemporary dance isn’t just one thing, our Hawaiian music series isn’t one thing. So we really try to present a range.”

As a member of the theater for the past 24 years, Hanlon also said there has been a lot of expansion just within the last few years. There is still so much more art to share in the community and audiences have plenty more to see.

“We’ve gone from having one series to having seven or eight series, so we’re really trying to expand the types of things we do, which opens us up to new audiences,” she said.

Aside from the performances that continuously blossom at the theater, Hanlon also noticed the expansion of art throughout the entire community.

“The options are many times more than they used to be,” she said. “When I first moved here, it was kind of the big organizations and there weren’t many smaller organizations. It’s become a much more layered atmosphere with many more opportunities to seek different kinds of art.”

Photo courtesy of Irvine Barclay Theatre

Jerry Mandel, who became president of Barclay in 2015, said that he’s looking forward to a number of upcoming series — one in particular being the Broadway Series, which will include a performance by Tony Award–winning actress Sutton Foster.

“We are taking our Broadway Cabaret series in a new direction,” Mandel said. “Instead of showcasing single artists, we are presenting shows with larger casts that center around the music of beloved Broadway composers.”

Foster became an icon in theater with her starring roles in Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Violet. She will sing some of her favorite selections as well as a number of well-known songs in the world of Broadway. Mandel said that Foster is one of the brightest stars to grace the stage and she has a lot more big plans in her career.

“We were fortunate to book Sutton Foster when we did,” Mandel said. “She’s booked up between her TV series Younger and her New York City performances. It was just announced that she will be starring in The Music Man opposite Hugh Jackman, opening in October 2020, so our Southern California audiences will get to enjoy her cabaret show here in Irvine before she starts this next venture.”

One of the most unique artists who will appear at the theater for the new season is illusionist Ivan Amodei. As a performer in Los Angeles County, Amodei is set to bring some memorable acts to Orange County.

“Ivan Amodei’s ‘Secrets and Illusions’ will be a thrilling evening, full of intrigue and breathtaking magic with a mission,” Mandel said. “Amodei is a great example of an artist who approached the Barclay, and wanted to produce his show at our venue. We look forward to welcoming him to our stage.”

Aside from the performing arts, the season also includes a Fresh Take Speaker Series that will premiere in the fall. Audiences will have the chance to see writers talk about their work as well as well as ocean and wildlife experts discuss life on the outside. Mandel also mentioned that audiences are in for a good time since there is so much to be offered.

“Our Barclay audiences will enjoy world-class entertainment in an intimate setting,” he said. “A visit to the Barclay is an opportunity to see amazing artists at close proximity, as there is not a bad seat in our house. For select performances, we offer VIP upgrades that include post-show receptions, which are unique and exciting occasions to meet the artists.”

For a full list of upcoming shows at the Irvine Barclay Theater or for further information, visit thebarclay.org.

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