A year before the Irvine Barclay Theatre was unveiled, the movie “Field of Dreams” popularized the line: “If you build it, they will come.” For The Barclay, that notion arrived right on cue.
Soon after its opening in 1990, The Barclay became Irvine’s stage of dreams, attracting world-class talent such as Elvis Costello, Yo-Yo Ma, Chita Rivera and George Benson to its intimate venue. Celebrities who normally perform at Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl and on Broadway have embraced The Barclay’s 750-seat auditorium for 35 years. What accounts for the enduring and outsized success, plus an unsurpassed year for revenue and ticket sales?
Nestled on the edge of UC Irvine’s campus across from bustling University Center, the theater’s story began in 1974 when the city of Irvine, UC Irvine and private donors began a collaboration that continues today. Their 16-year effort produced a sleek and stylish 50,000-square-foot space with astounding acoustics and 750 seats arranged to maximize a personalized experience.
“There are hundreds of performing arts centers around the country, but this is the only one that has a three-point mission,” says President Emeritus Jerry Mandel, who was in charge from 2015 to 2023. “Obviously we present great performances, but we also provide professional space for community groups. And we’re the performing arts venue for the university. All three points are important and bring diverse productions to the theater. That makes us unique.”
In fact, 50% of The Barclay’s productions are community events, including the Festival Ballet Theatre, Lunar New Year celebrations and other cultural offerings. UC Irvine hosts another 25% of the programming, and the headline acts account for the final 25% of performances. “We would not have the breadth and depth of our offerings without community and university support,” Mandel says. “This really is the community’s theater.”
Because of this collaboration, The Barclay hosts roughly 250 events during its 11-month season, welcoming 100,000 patrons each year. Responsive to their audience’s desires, the theater’s leadership takes their surveys seriously. “We’re always working to bring what the community wants,” President Craig Springer says. “The founders would be proud that we’ve delivered on their vision.”
Early adapters
Its lean staff also makes The Barclay nimble enough to take advantage of rare opportunities. Mandel recalls seeing Joey Alexander, a young jazz pianist prodigy, on “60 Minutes.” “We called immediately and got him before anybody else in Orange County,” he says. They also nabbed George Benson (who was playing at the Hollywood Bowl and came down for an impromptu performance) and Renée Fleming. “We find ways to get those kinds of stars before anybody else.”
Both artists and audiences are drawn to the outstanding acoustics, which rival any concert hall in the country. Credit goes to the 3-foot-thick concrete walls that tripled the price of construction and astounded developer and founding Chairman Richard Sim, but have paid dividends over the decades. “That’s the secret,” Sim says. “The architects really educated me on theaters. The music sounds fantastic.”
So fantastic that Mandel recalls an unusual performance by jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. “He sat on the lip of the stage with his octet around him and almost no amplification. We couldn’t believe it.”
A lot of stories come out of 35 years: A private birthday concert by Yo-Yo Ma, who served the guests wine after his performance. Backstage antics with Broadway stars Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune. Countless evenings with luminaries like David Sedaris, Fran Lebowitz and Garrison Keillor.
“When artists go on stage, they show you the best of humankind in a world where we often see the worst,” Mandel says. “That’s why the arts are so important.”
Irvine residents seem to agree. Ticket sales last season were up 18% from the prior year, and last year’s revenue rose by 14%. With that success and top talent continuing to appear, The Barclay has proven itself the theater of dreams.
Big names through the years
Barclay Block Party
Celebrate Irvine Barclay Theatre’s 35th anniversary at the free Barclay Block Party on Sept. 28. Enjoy family-friendly activities on the plaza from 1 to 2:30 p.m., then head inside at 3 p.m. for a high-energy performance by Southern California swing band Phat Cat Swinger. Registration required.
Other events at The Barclay this month
Sept. 12
Gershwin Swings: The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra featuring Patti Austin and Paquito D’Rivera
Sept. 21
Down Syndrome Showcase
Sept. 25
Limón Dance Company
Sept. 26
Raiatea Helm, A Legacy of Hawaiian Song & String
Sept. 27
Joshua Redman Quartet
