Alante Photography The Nutcracker Prince dances in the 2015 production of Olympic Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.” The story is on stage again this weekend at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

Alante Photography The Nutcracker Prince dances in the 2015 production of Olympic Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.” The story is on stage again this weekend at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

You don’t need to go far for fabulous ‘Nutcracker’

For Snohomish County families who enjoy a live, full-length performance of a traditional version of “The Nutcracker,” Olympic Ballet Theatre does a fabulous job.

In fact, when one considers the cost of parking in Seattle and ticket prices for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s (albeit wonderful) version, Olympic Ballet is a remarkable deal. The cheapest PNB tickets are $27; the most expensive OTB tickets are $38.50.

After playing the Everett Performing Arts Center this past weekend, the company’s “Nutcracker” production moves today to the Edmonds Center for the Arts for another weekend of performances.

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

Led by talented artistic directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, a married team of former Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers, the nonprofit Olympic Ballet Theatre has established an exciting version of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.”

The sets and lighting are well done, the costumes (and the quick costume changes) are great, much humor is evident in the choreography and the dancing is delightful.

Company dancers with special roles in Olympic Ballet’s “Nutcracker” include Charles Gordon, Christine Hamstra, Arashi Kunita, Kyohel Masaoka, Miri Orido, Beatrix Paulay, Mana Sasaki, Riho Shimada and Mayuka Takamura. In addition, Olympic’s student dancers are marvelous as the children at the Christmas party, the little mice, the toy soldiers and Mother Ginger’s little buffoons.

Vinson and her friend Le Yin (from China) flawlessly danced the roles of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in Everett. In Edmonds, audiences will see the professional talents of Laura McQueen Schultz and her husband Nicholas Schultz. The guest artists are best known in Michigan where they have been members of Grand Rapids Ballet.

Frank Borg, who portrays Uncle Drosselmeyer, is a wonderful character dancer, best known for his work with Kansas City Ballet. The role of Clara (Alexa Kinley in Everett) will be danced by Camilla Power in Edmonds.

The Christmas party scene and the start of Clara’s dream, which opens with the battle between the mice and the toy soldiers, are followed by a beautifully choreographed dance by the snowflakes.

When Clara’s dream moves to the Land of the Sweets, enjoy the Spanish, Arabian, Chinese and Russian dances, as well as Mother Ginger’s appearance with her children.

These vignettes are topped only by the ballet’s famous pas de trois, the waltz of the flowers and the grand pas de deux.

If you go

Olympic’s “The Nutcracker”will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 5 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. For tickets, which range in price, go to www.olympicballet.com or phone 425-774-7570.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

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

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.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… 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

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

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.