Art Appreciation: The Maple Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker

If dinner theatre isn’t exactly your idea of culture (and it really shouldn’t be, let’s be honest), try for something with a bit more culture and little less over-acting with the Maple Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. That checks the box for theatre, but what about dinner? The team at Irvine’s Maple Youth Ballet has partnered with the Orchard Hills Village Center for a promotion that lets you support the arts and fill up before or after the show.

The Maple Youth Ballet Company will perform the beloved holiday classic at the Northwood Performing Arts Theatre in Irvine on Dec. 18-19 and 22-23.  On all of these performance days, participating restaurants at Orchard Hills Village Center will support the Maple Youth Ballet with donations of 15% from their sales from diners showing their performance tickets or vouchers with their orders. Favorites like Mediterranean spot Zov’s Neighborhood Café & Bar will be participating as well as fast-casual stops like Johnnie’s NY Pizzeria and La Sirena Gril for those pressed for time. Even if you only need a little pick-me-up, Peet’s Coffee & Tea will be participating, too.

The Maple Youth Ballet is an Irvine-based non-profit devoted to giving dancers exposure to the arts, dance training and performance opportunities. They work to bridge the gap between student and professional dancers, while offering Orange County the opportunity to be exposed to theatre and gain a greater appreciation for the art of dance all year long.

The Northwood Performing Arts Center is located at 4515 Portola Pkwy., in Irvine. For tickets and more information, visit the official web site at www.mapleconservatory.com or call 949.660.9930. Orchard Hills Village Center, owned and managed by Irvine Company, is located at Portola Parkway and Culver Drive in Irvine for more information on the property, visit www.shoptheirvinecompany.com.

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