The Story of the Nutcracker

ACT I

Once upon a time, the family of Judge Silberhaus prepares for a magical Christmas Eve. The children, gentle Clara and temperamental Fritz, excitedly await a party that will include their mysterious godfather Drosselmeyer. Amidst dancing and merriment, Drosselmeyer appears and all the children scurry in bewilderment for he is an eccentric figure. The children, however, are soon charmed by the wonderful life-like mechanical dolls he has brought and are thrilled when they receive gifts from him. Among the lovely presents given out is Clara’s special gift of a Nutcracker.

Clara adores her Nutcracker and dances with him gleefully. Fritz, who is jealous of Clara’s gift, takes the Nutcracker away from her and petulantly throws it to the floor breaking it. A tearful Clara is consoled by Drosselmeyer, who bandages the toy and then tells a lively tale foreshadowing Clara’s dream to come.

Late that night while Clara is asleep, Drosselmeyer emerges and works magic, placing Clara in a wondrous dream. An army of mice and rats led by the Rat Queen torment her. Drosselmeyer brings Clara’s Nutcracker to life to lead a troop of soldiers into battle against the dreaded Rat Queen and her battalion. Just as the Rat Queen injures the Nutcracker with her mighty sword, Clara rescues her Nutcracker and is awe-struck when he is transformed into a handsome prince.

The dazzling Snow Queen appears and dances with Drosselmeyer, Clara and the Nutcracker. Beautiful, swirling snowflakes enter and twirl in the snow-covered forest.

On his magical sleigh, Drosselmeyer takes Clara and her Nutcracker on a journey through a winter-wonderland.

Intermission

Act II Kingdom of the Sweets

Drosselmeyer, Clara and the Nutcracker enter a magical land where the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns. Clara and the Nutcracker recount the battle with the Rat Queen and are placed upon a throne surrounded by confections of every kind. Other confections enter to dance for Clara’s amusement – Mirliton Marzipan, Spanish Chocolate, Chinese Tea, Arabian Coffee, Mother Ginger and Russian Candy Canes. Clara and her Nutcracker also delight in the Waltz of the Flowers and the elegant Pas de Deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

As the dancing ends, Drosselmeyer returns Clara to her home where she awakens from her dream to find her handsome prince has transformed back into her toy Nutcracker.  Drosselmeyer disappears, having given Clara the gift of a most magical and wonderful Christmas.