Teaming up for holiday perennial

Olympic Ballet Theatre and the Everett Symphony are joining forces again for weekend performances of “Nutcracker” in Everett.

The traditional collaboration has resulted in one of the year’s premiere arts events, a fully staged production of the holiday classic performed Saturday and Sunday at the Everett Civic Auditorium.

Olympic Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

In Everett: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave., Everett. $12-$32, from the Everett Symphony, 425-257-8382, www.everettsymphony.org.

In Seattle: 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19 at Meany Hall, University of Washington. $18-$32, 425-774-7570, and at Ticketmaster, 206-292-ARTS.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The Edmonds-based dance company brings years of expertise to the elaborate story ballet, which includes the traditional “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Chinese Tea,” “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the lively “Party Scene.” The Everett Symphony, conducted by Ron Friesen, backs them every step of the way playing Tchaikovsky’s marvelous music.

“Nutcracker” is both a holiday and a family tradition at Olympic Ballet. Artistic directors John and Helen Wilkins choreographed the production 23 years ago. Their son, Daniel, a dancer and choreographer, has added to the steps.

Daniel Wilkins took on a more active role in the company upon the death of his father, and is now Olympic Ballet Theatre’s associate artistic director.

He’s also an accomplished dancer who runs his own dance company, and has appeared in OBT’s “Nutcracker” performances since childhood.

Once again he is dancing the principal role of Cavalier, joined on stage by Viktoria Titova, who dances the role of the Sugarplum Fairy. Titova is a former member of Stars of the Bolshoi and is artistic director of Ballet Bellevue.

Other principals include Danielle Wilkins, who is married to Daniel Wilkins, and dances the role of Arabian Coffee, and Peter de Grasse, who performs as the Nutcracker and Snow Prince. He is a member of Seattle’s Spectrum Dance Theatre.

Olympic Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker” also will be performed at Meany Hall at the University of Washington Dec. 18 and 19.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Ellis Johnson, 16, left, and brother Garrett Johnson, 13, take a breather after trying to find enough water to skim board on without sinking into the sand during opening day of Jetty Island on Friday, July 5, 2019 in Everett, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Epic ways to spice up your summer

Your ultimate guide to adventure, fun and reader-approved favorites!

Former Herald writer Melissa Slager’s new book was 14-year project

The 520-page historical novel “Contests of Strength” covers the 1700 earthquake and tsunami on Makah lands.

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Striking Nightshade Edition Creates Luxury Vibe For Less
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Edition Adds Wow Factor

Seven-Passenger SUV Checks All Boxes And Adds Some

Swedish-made XC90 Designed For All Seasons
2025 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra – The Best Gets Better

Swedish Luxury Hybrid SUV Includes All-Electric Miles

Steven M. Falk / The Philadelphia Inquirer / Tribune News Service
James Taylor plays Sunday and Monday at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville.
A&E Calendar

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV, shown here in the European version (Provided by Mercedes-Benz).
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has a 54-mile range

The plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV goes a class-leading distance in full electric mode.

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.