Entertainment

Out and About: Dancing ‘Cinderella,’ art al fresco, on-screen adventures

By Molly Gilmore Contributing writer

‘Cinderella’ unmasked

Studio West Dance Theatre’s “Cinderella,” on stage Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, marks a milestone for the Olympia company: It’s the studio’s first unmasked production since 2019’s “The Nutcracker.” Like other versions of the fairytale classic, the ballet — set to music by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, born in what is now Ukraine — tells a story that combines dysfunctional family drama with magic, romance and humor. Performances are at 4:30 and 8 p.m. Friday and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $22-$28. The company is also hosting Cinderella’s Royal Reception at noon and 4 p.m. Saturday; these kid-focused celebrations will feature stories, crafts, refreshments and the opportunity to meet Cinderella and friends. Reception tickets are $17 per child; parents accompanying children to the reception don’t need tickets. Audience members are encouraged to wear masks at center events.

Studio West Dance Theatre’s “Cinderella” — the company’s first unmasked ballet since before the pandemic — is on stage April 29 and 30 at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Studio West Dance Theatre’s “Cinderella” — the company’s first unmasked ballet since before the pandemic — is on stage April 29 and 30 at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Courtesy of Studio West Dance Theatre
The stepsisters make a scene in Studio West Dance Theatre’s “Cinderella” — the company’s first unmasked ballet since before the pandemic. The ballet is on stage April 29 and 30 at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia.
The stepsisters make a scene in Studio West Dance Theatre’s “Cinderella” — the company’s first unmasked ballet since before the pandemic. The ballet is on stage April 29 and 30 at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Courtesy of Studio West Dance Theatre

Meet well-known artists and a painting pig

Such notables as sculptor Aisha Harrison and ceramicist Joe Batt are among the 26 artists opening their workspaces for this year’s South Sound Studio Tour. The tour, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, is free. Get the map and directions online. But, The Olympian knows you are thinking, what about the pig? The artistic animal, named Mouse, will demonstrate her work on Saturday at West Central Park, 1919 Harrison Ave. NW. The pig, who really gets her snout into her work, will be on hand as part of the grand opening of the park’s Free Little Art Gallery, which offers the creative community the opportunity to swap miniature art pieces. The opening — from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the park — will feature performances, crafts, stories and face painting.

Olympia sculptor Douglas Cochrane gets his Olympia studio ready for the South Sound Studio Tour, happening April 30 and May 1.
Olympia sculptor Douglas Cochrane gets his Olympia studio ready for the South Sound Studio Tour, happening April 30 and May 1. Courtesy photo
West Central Park celebrates its Little Free Art Gallery, intended to facilitate community sharing of miniature works, with a grand opening Saturday, April 30.
West Central Park celebrates its Little Free Art Gallery, intended to facilitate community sharing of miniature works, with a grand opening Saturday, April 30. Courtesy photo

See mountains without a climb

The Banff Mountain Film Festival, which showcases both derring-do and gorgeous landscapes, is screening Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, in Olympia. Skiers, climbers, dogs and grizzly bears are among the subjects of the festival’s short films. The screenings — with a different program each night — are fundraisers for Olympia Mountaineers. Screenings begin at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, with doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $16 per screening or $26 for both. Proof of vaccination and masks are required.

“Follow the Light,” part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival screening at Olympia’s Capitol Theater, includes a bike trip through Cappadocia in central Turkey.
“Follow the Light,” part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival screening at Olympia’s Capitol Theater, includes a bike trip through Cappadocia in central Turkey. JB Liautard Courtesy photo

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.

This story was originally published April 28, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER