Whidbey Island Dance Theatre presents “The Nutcracker” holiday ballet at the South Whidbey High School Auditorium from Dec. 13 to 22, according to a press release.
Tickets are on sale now.
When the curtain rose for the very first production of “The Nutcracker” on South Whidbey, it was in December of 1991 at the old Langley Middle School auditorium. What started as a casual conversation between founder Charlene Brown and Jan Burrow took shape on stage as just the second act of the traditionally recognized “Nutcracker” with just one backdrop, a handful of props, and approximately 50 cast members.
Fast-forward to this year’s production, and you’ll find three expansive and artful backdrops, nearly 100 cast members colorfully clad in mystical and Gilded Age inspired costumes, dancing exuberant choreography, and dodging massive set pieces that transform the scene before your eyes, all presented at the much larger stage of South Whidbey High School’s Performing Arts Center with professional lighting and sound to bathe the audience in waves of bedazzlement.
WIDT’s version of “The Nutcracker” loosely follows the traditional storyline set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score: Clara receives a wooden nutcracker from her Godfather Drosselmeyer as a Christmas present, which comes to life and defends her from the evil Rat King and his army.
They travel through the land of snow, and on to a magical land. But instead of the traditional Land of Sweets, Whidbey’s version has their adventures take place in an enchanted forest. They meet all sorts of mythical characters, like the elusive mermaids of Puget Sound who “swim” high above the stage on silky strands of seaweed amongst shimmering pearls, glowing jellyfish, and a commemorative swim-by of Princess Angeline (Orca J17). They frolic with forest creatures, faeries, pixies, sprites and their sovereigns, the Faerie Queen and Forest King. They marvel at the sight of flitting butterflies, swirling dragons, tumbling elves, and vibrant flowers, ultimately to meet the flamboyant Madam Bumble who encircles the entire theater with her joyful swarm. A crescendo of pure holiday happiness.
This year’s performances will be bitter-sweet for all of us involved and the community that has seen “The Nutcracker” over the past 15 years. Danny Ward, brother of founder Brown, is retiring from the role he made famous, Great Uncle Neville. With his bushy silver hair and wobbly cane assisted hobble, this hard-of-hearing patriarch of the Rothchild family endears himself as a silent favorite of audiences over the years. He brings a lovable comic relief as he conspires with the mischievous boys to torment their siblings, flirts with the maids, and struggles to keep up with the others in the dance.
“We want to make his last performances extra special and memorable,” the WIDT press releases states. “If you have loved Great Uncle Neville as played by Danny Ward, it’s time to catch his final performances this year before he returns to being a fellow audience member.”
You can catch Ward and the many talented performers beside him in this grand production of “The Nutcracker” at South Whidbey High School’s Performing Arts Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 13–22. Show times are Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., and there is no evening show on Dec. 14.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at our.show/widt-nut24 or visit widtonline.org.
Online sales prices: Adult: $28; Senior/Military: $24; Youth (2-17): $18.
If you have trouble with the online method, you can alternately order your tickets by calling the WIDT Box Office at 360-341-2221 or buy your tickets at the door.
At the door prices: Adult $34; Senior/Military $29; Youth (2-17) $23.
Tickets sell out quickly, so order early, and for the best deal, order online.
For more information about The Nutcracker or what WIDT does as a non-profit organization, please contact WIDT at 360-341-2221 or whidbeyidt@gmail.com.
“We perform this show year after year as a Whidbey tradition, ringing in the holiday spirit for the entire island and surrounding communities,” the press release states. “Tradition brings people together, creating connections and community. It’s the deep sense of community that has supported this production for 32 years. And it’s the creativity, dedication, and talent of the community that makes every production bigger and better than the last. We want to continue the celebration of the joy of the season as it inspires goodwill; so needed in these divisive times.”
