‘The Nutcracker’ will be presented at Centennial Auditorium

STERLING – Nearly 50 dancers and actors from across the Sauk Valley are part of Woodland Arts Academy’s seasonal production of “The Nutcracker.”

The cast members range in age from 6 years old and up, hailing from Sterling, Rock Falls, Dixon, Morrison, Milledgeville, Amboy and Harmon.

Live performances will be 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School. Tickets are $11 and on sale at centennialauditorium.org.

“Our 2016 and 2018 productions of the ballet offered an incredible, unique experience to the participants and the community, and we are excited to bring this show backto the stage in 2021,” said Christy Zepezauer, executive director at Woodlawn Arts Academy. “We encourage everyone to attend our upcoming production and be a part of ‘TheNutcracker’ magic. What a great way to kick off the holiday season and support the arts locally.”

Woodlawn Arts Academy is an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee Counties. Programs are partially funded by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and The Chicago Community Trust. Programming for the 2021-22 school year has started, and registration is available throughout the year for various programs. Visit WoodlawnArtsAcademy.com for details on programs and financial assistance.

Clara, played by Morelia Vargas; the Nutcracker, played by Quinn Stahr; Drosselmeyer, played by Annie McGrail; and the Sugar Plum Fairy, played by Taylor Masters, appear during a rehearsal for Woodland Arts Academy's production of "The Nutcracker." (Woodlawn Arts Academy)

‘The Nutcracker’ will be presented at Centennial Auditorium

Two performances of the holiday classic will be Saturday and Sunday