A lot has changed since the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre first took the stage to perform “The Nutcracker” in 1991. Nearly three decades later, the cast has doubled in size and several new backdrops have freshened the production.

Brittany Falso, one of the production’s artistic directors, is excited about this year’s newest addition. A new living room backdrop was recently painted to replace the old one, which was 20 years old.

“That’s a big deal for us. It costs $6,000 to have one made,” she said. “So we’ve done a lot of fundraising to make that happen.”

Last year, a new forest backdrop was added to the performance. Regular attendees of the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s version of “The Nutcracker” may recall the Whidbey-specific theme of an enchanted forest, in lieu of the traditional “Land of Sweets.”

This is Falso’s first year as one of the artistic directors for the production. She said this year’s male dancers add a professional layer to the show with their experience.

“I always believe that every year it gets better and better,” she said. “There’s this really cool process of evolution. We improve every time.”

The Nutcracker runs Dec. 13-22. Matinees and evening shows are both available.

With the exception of opening and closing nights, tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.widtonline.org, emailing info@widtonline.org or by calling the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre box office at 360-341-2221.

This year money can also be donated to send a child to “The Nutcracker,” benefiting families with financial hardship.