In Focus: Scenes from Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble dress rehearsal ahead of 28th annual production of ‘The Nutcracker’

Scenes from a dress rehearsal for Southwest Washington Dance Center’s production of “The Nutcracker” at Corbet Theatre on Monday, Dec. 15.

Southwest Washington Dance Center’s performing company, the Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble, will present the 28th annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 21.

The ballet will take place in the Corbet Theatre at Centralia College. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18; a “pay-what-you can” performance at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20; and 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 21.

The 2025 production of “The Nutcracker” includes a cast of over 120 dancers from the Southwest Washington Dance Center and children and adults from the Lewis County area, a news release from the Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble stated.

Local performers with lead roles include Brian Green as Heir Drosselmeier; Mark and Sandra Young and Stacy Jones and Warren Hall as Mr. and Mrs. Staulbaum; Matthew March as Mother Ginger and the Rat King; and Laney McGregor and Hannah Feaster sharing the role of Clara.

Dancing principal roles are Austyn Laufenberg, Anna Hoinowski, Gideon Newkirk, Charles Lawson, Brianna Jones, Kate Mordick and Elizabeth Osborne.

Ticket prices are $27 for adults; $20 for seniors 62 and older, military and children 18 and under; and  $20 for livestream performances on Dec. 20 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets will only be available online and at the box office of Corbet Theatre on the campus of Centralia College from the hours of 3 to 7 p.m., or by telephone. All seating is reserved. For information regarding the Nutcracker ballet, visit https://www.swwdance.org/ or call 360-748-4789.