Lewis County’s Original Nutcracker
Southwest Washington Dance Center’s performing company, Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble, will present their 23rd annual production of the full-length Holiday classic “The Nutcracker”. The ballet will take place in the “state of the art” Corbet Theatre, on the campus of Centralia College, on December 14, 15 & 16. Performance times are 7:30 pm on December 14, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm on December 15 and 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm on December 16. The 2018 production of “The Nutcracker” is under the direction of Danielle Brosco. The Dance Ensemble is made up of over 130 dancers from Southwest Washington Dance Center and children and adults from the Lewis and South Thurston County areas. Local performers with lead roles are Scott Middleton as Heir Drosselmeier; Mark and Sandra Young as Mr. & Mrs. Staulbaum and Trent Vlach as Mother Ginger and the Rat King. Isabel Langhaim and Katelynn Guenther share the role of Clara. Dancing principal roles are: Marisa Hall, Sofia Lopez, Brenna Witchey, Brianna Jones, Delanie Hill, Gracie Ericson, Gideon Newkirk, Lily Ericson, Sophie Moerke, Tanner Calder and Conner Bailey.
As always, the ballet is full of new choreography, costumes, and lots of surprises. Under the directorship of Brosco, this year’s production is sure to delight all Nutcracker fans. Even if you have come before, this year’s Nutcracker is not to be missed. The cast is very excited to share this year’s production with a continually supportive community. Each performer brings something special to their part and with over 100 parts in the ballet, there is plenty for the eye and ear to feast on! It’s a magical experience for the whole family.
One does not need to drive to Seattle or Portland to see a wonderful Nutcracker. This production truly rivals the big city productions with handmade costumes and sets created by gifted local artists. A faithful group of volunteers labor on costumes, props, all the behind the scene jobs and serves as the technical crew.
This event is a major source of income for Southwest Washington Dance Center. As a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization, they depend upon grants and fundraisers to help meet their budget. This year so far, SWDC has received major sponsorships for Nutcracker from Advocate Printing, Shelton Structures, Inc, Innovations in Eye Care, The Chronicle, KITI/Live 95, Security State Bank, John L. Scott Realty, McGregor Auto & Muffler, IP Callisons, Traci Hall, Dave’s Dry Cleaning and Giske Image Design. Many other area businesses and individuals have also contributed to making “The Nutcracker” a success.
Ticket prices are $24 for adults and $16 for seniors 62+, military and children 18 and under.
Tickets are available online at swwdance.org or by stopping by or calling the Dance Center at 360-748-4789. SWDC is located at 437 N. Market Blvd. in Chehalis. After December 9th, tickets will only be available online, at the box office of Corbet Theatre on the campus of Centralia College from the hours of 1:00-8:00 pm or by telephone. All seating is reserved. Two special ticket deals are available this year. Tickets will be sold for the Thursday December 13 dress rehearsal as a “Pay What You Can”. Tickets will be sold only at the door beginning at 4:30 pm. The performance will begin at 6:00 pm. A special family rate will be offered at the Sunday, December 16, 5:30 pm performance. For every 4 tickets purchased you will receive one free. Tickets for the family special rate must be purchased at Southwest Washington Dance Center. For groups over 10 a group rate is available through the Dance Center office.
For information regarding the Nutcracker Ballet visit the web site at www.swwdance.org or call 360-748-4789.