THE
NUTCRACKER

SCENE I – BLANCHE’S KITCHEN

Our story begins on Christmas Eve. There is a flurry of activity as the maids, butlers, and chef prepare for a party where friends and family of the Stahlbaums will gather to open presents and celebrate the holiday. The Stahlbaums’ son, Fritz, and their daughter, Clara, try their best to be helpful, but that is not without its complications.

SCENE II – THE PARTY

The Stahlbaum living room is bright and festive with the most beautiful Christmas tree imaginable. All the guests and children are having a marvelous time dancing, laughing, and opening gifts when suddenly, Herr Drosselmeyer bursts into the room. He is a mysterious doll maker who surprises everyone with his acts of magic. With the swipe of his cloak, dresses change color and dancing dolls appear. One doll is so beautiful Clara bravely asks if she can have it for Christmas, but Mother Stahlbaum says no. Clara is sad until Drosselmeyer places the most colorful Nutcracker in her hands. She joyfully dances around the room showing off her splendid gift. Fritz wishes that Drosselmeyer had given him the Nutcracker and in his frustration, grabs it fron Clara and breaks it. Immediately, the precocious Fritz is scolded by his father and sent off to bed. Herr Drosselmeyer comes to the rescue and mends the Nutcracker. The festivities continue into the night, highlighted with a stately dance initiated by Clara’s grandparents. As the evening comes to an end, Drosselmeyer is the last to bid the family farewell. Just before heading up to bed, Herr Stahlbaum brings out one last gift. He fastens an elegant necklace around his wife’s neck and there is one last embrace before the parlor grows quiet.

SCENE III – THE BATTLE

Clara, candle in hand, sneaks downstairs to check on her beloved Nutcracker. She finds herself in the drawing room and is startled by the sound of scampering feet and flickering eyes. Clara hears the chimes of the big grandfather clock striking midnight as a band of mischievous mice tries to steal away her precious Nutcracker. Drosselmeyer appears out of the darkness and, with a wave of his arms, the tree, parlor furniture, and toys begin to grow. A terrible battle ensues between the mice and the toy soldiers. The Nutcracker, having escaped the clutches of the mice, has grown to life-size and challenges the Mouse King to duel. It is a fierce fight but the Mouse King is distracted by Clara’s imaginary friend, Minnie the Poodle, allowing the brave Nutcracker to would his foe. As the mice scamper away and parlor grows quiet, Clara watches as her Nutcracker magically transforms into a handsome prince. He takes her hand and they soon find themselves in a magical snow forest. There, they meet the noble Snow Queen and King, who dance with a storm of Snowflakes. As the storm subsides, a beautiful flying balloon descends to take Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Sweets.

THE LAND OF SWEETS

As the curtain opens on Act II, we see a delightful assortment of filigree frosted cakes. It is the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Kingdom, a place so sweet it attracts characters from all over the world. All of the characters from the Land of Sweets are frolicking and playing together when suddenly the illustrious Queen, The Sugar Plum Fairy, arrives. All bow to honor her and her Cupcake and Gingerbread Attendants. The Sugar Plum Fairy graces the with a special dance when unexpectedly an enormous flying balloon appears carrying Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. The Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them and they are treated to the kingdom’s most sumptuous delights. Clara is reunited with Minnie, her poodle, and together they recount the fierce battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The entire kingdom cheers as the Nutcracker reenacts his victory. Each character honors them with a special dance. As the celebration continues, the Land of Sweets transforms into a beautiful garden full of flowers with flowering petals and one brilliant pink rose. Finally, The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cotton Candy Cavalier do a grand dance as a special treat for Clara. All the characters join together for a rousing finale.
 
As the dancing concludes, the flying balloon descends to take Clara and her Prince high over the mountains, farther and farther away from the Land of Sweets. When Clara opens her eyes, she finds herself at home in the parlor room with her imaginary friend Minnie by her side and her beloved Nutcracker watching over her, always.