December 3, 2012

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Celebrate the holidays with Central Washington University's Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) The Nutcracker. This classic ballet opens with a group of children captivated by the enchantment of a Christmas Eve party. Once they are put to bed, a fanciful wonderland of dance and holiday magic unfolds, culminating in a magnificent yet terrifying battle between the noble Nutcracker and the vile Mouse King.

CTE's performance of The Nutcracker is a joint production with the Orchesis Dance Company and the Central Washington Dance Ensemble (CWDE). Orchesis is CWU’s official performance dance company. CWDE is a non-profit company dedicated to bringing the art of dance to the Ellensburg community.

The Nutcracker will be performed at 7:30 p.m. December 7 and 8 at McConnell Auditorium. There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. on December 9. Tickets are $14 general admission, $11 for seniors/students, and $7 for CWU students with ID. Tickets are available online at www.cwu.edu/theatre/tickets, by phone at 509-963-1429, and in person at the CWU Welcome Center and the Wildcat Shop Service Desk.

Parking is free after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, excepted in specially designated spaces (handicapped, loading) or lots assigned to residence halls. For more information, call the Theatre Arts Department at 509-963-1750.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu