Whidbey Island Dance Theatre opens its 31st production of ‘The Nutcracker’

Among the whirlwind of the holiday season, there is that undeniably lovely and tempestuous affair fluffed with snow and tulle and cute children in creature costumes that few can resist. That is “The Nutcracker,” of course, and Whidbey Island Dance Theatre returns to the South Whidbey High School Auditoriums stage with the beloved holiday favorite.

Countless productions of the holiday ballet abound all over the world this time of year, but nothing makes the heart sing more than seeing one’s own community bring this holiday winter dream to life on stage. Tickets are on sale now for the show, which opens Friday, Dec. 8 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 17.

Longtime Island Dance and Whidbey Island Dance Theatre teachers, Jamee Pitts and Mark Thrapp, have taken on the leadership roles of co-artistic directors and are planning many new surprises for this annual favorite with this dedicated company of dancers and community members.

“We are so excited to add some fresh ideas to this long tradition,” Thrapp said. “We’ve added a new perspective through some new elements with more dynamic choreography, new special effects and some interesting new storytelling.”

The ballet dramatizes the tale of Clara’s enchanted Christmas Eve, when her mysterious godfather’s magic leads to a dream of unexplainable and wonderful events through the night. Clara journeys to lands where snowflakes and flowers dance; and where audiences will be treated to a new dragon scene and see a newly constructed ice castle.

The company is skilled enough to turn out a professional-caliber performance every year, much to the delight of its enthusiastic island audiences and this year some will be adorned in newly built, colorful costumes, including the hilarious Madame Bumble, the delicate snowflakes and the Nutcracker.

The company manages to combine the traditional and the deliciously daring in a production in which more than 100 characters come to life. As always, Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s production is full of color and fun, newcomers and familiar faces, and new twists in choreography, along with the artistry of several professional guest dancers and the charming collective of an all-ages cast.

“Seeing how dedicated these dancers are makes the process very exciting; to see where they all can go when they hit that stage. It’s a pleasure and a joy to watch it all unfold,” Pitts said.

Principal company dancer Callahan Dobmeier takes the role of Clara, supported by Lars Larson returning in the role of Godfather Drosselmeyer and Michael Lodell as the funny Madame Bumble. Professional guest artist Robbi Moore returns in the role of the illustrious Forest King, with special guest Sierra Muller performing as the moon aerialist.

“Every year, newcomers marvel at how joyous and spectacular our local production is,” said Whidbey Island Dance Company founder Charlene Brown, who began bringing this holiday event to islanders back in 1992.

It’s a community effort as this ensemble of dancers, buoyed by their directors, choreographers and parents come together to create a special holiday gift for their community, one that has all the hallmarks of the season, namely bringing joy to others.

“The Nutcracker” plays at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 15, 16 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17.

Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors/military and $18 for youths 17 and younger. Get them online at widtonline.org.

Melyssa Smith is the Nutcracker Prince and Tay Pitts plays the Rat King in WIDT’s 31st performance of The Nutcracker at SWHS. (Photo by Michael Stadler)