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Southwest Washington Dance Center’s performing company, the Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble, will present its 29th annual production of the full-length classic “The Nutcracker” this holiday season.
The revamped production is being led by a new director in Hollie McGovern, who is helping to bring a new look to the local showcase.
The ballet will take place at the Corbet Theatre on the campus of Centralia College on Dec. 17, 18, 19 and 20. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, a “pay-what you can” night; 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19; and 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 20.
The 2026 production of “The Nutcracker” includes a cast of over 120 dancers from Southwest Washington Dance Center and children and adults from the Lewis County area.
Local performers with lead roles are Brian Green and Julia King as Heir Drosselmeyer; Brittany Unzelman and Jason Sikorski as Mr. and Mrs. Staulbaum; Matthew March as Mother Ginger; and Sofia Green and Juniper James sharing the role of Clara.
Dancing principal roles are Capri O’Neill, Kate Mordick, Charles Lawson, Abby March, Sophia Green, Juniper James, Myah Parriott, Lincoln James and Matthew Damian.
This year, the ballet has been restaged and is full of new choreography, costumes and lots of surprises, according to a news release from the dance center.
“The production is sure to delight all Nutcracker fans,” the dance center stated in the release. “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 nonprofit organization, the center depends on grants and fundraisers to help meet its budget.
This year so far, Southwest Washington Dance Center has received major sponsorships for Nutcracker from Allen and Brittany Unzelman, Vander Stoep, Blinks & Unzelman, Advocate Printing, Butler Surveying, The Ally Hair Bar, Gil & Kathy Elder, Dynamic Collectors, Inc., Gesa Credit Union, McCallum Rock Drilling, Unzelman Appraisals, Pohlman and Vanatta Family, Scheibmeir, Kelly & Nelson PS, Wagner Orthodontics, Pizza Girl, John L. Scott Real Estate, The Chronicle, KITI/Live 95, KELA, Cascade Community Healthcare, Brooks Baked Goods, Cascade Community Health, Zebra Computers and Totally Pawsome.
Many other area businesses and individuals have also contributed to making “The Nutcracker” a success, the news release stated.
The cost to attend is $28 for adults and $23 for seniors 62 and older, military members and children 18 and under. For those who want to watch a performance from the comfort of home, there will be live-streamed performances at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20. The cost is $20.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 31.
Tickets are available online at swwdance.org or by stopping by or calling the Dance Center at 360-748-4789. The dance center is located at 437 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis.
Beginning Dec. 14, tickets will only be available online, 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. Tickets will be sold for the Thursday Dec. 17 as a “pay-what-you-can” only at the door, beginning at 6 p.m.. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.
For more information regarding The Nutcracker ballet, visit www.swwdance.org or call 360-748-4789.
