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Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.
The house lights dim and the overture to Tchaikovsky’s legendary score transports us to the house of the Stahlbaum family on Christmas Eve.
Isabella Martino, Patrick Frenette and Vinnie Winderman. Photo: Doug Gifford.
The curtain lifts to reveal the bustling kitchen as the cooks and housekeepers prepare for the family’s annual holiday party. The Stahlbaum children, Clara and Fritz, are ushered out of the kitchen to greet guests. A group of mischievous mice appear in the kitchen to sneak a taste.
Photo: Doug Gifford.
A mysterious guest arrives at the party, who is revealed to be Clara’s godfather, Drosselmeyer. He has created life-like dolls and gifts Clara a handsome Nutcracker.
Photo: Doug Gifford.
After the guests leave, Clara tiptoes into the parlor and sees her Nutcracker in the hands of a mouse! A battle ensues between the mice and the Nutcracker, and Clara saves the day by striking the Mouse King with her shoe. She is stunned to see the Nutcracker transform into a young Prince.
Emilie Trauchessec and Kent Andrews. Photo: Rosalie O'Connor.
A flurry of snowflakes begins to fall, building into a dizzying blizzard. Drosselmeyer cuts through the storm with a sleigh and whisks Clara and the Prince away to safety.
Photo: Doug Gifford.
Welcomed into an enchanted kingdom by the Sugarplum Fairy, Clara and the Prince are delighted by a wondrous festival in their honor. They celebrate with a bevy of brilliant flowers, buzzing bees and charming dances from around the world.
Sarah Lane and Joseph Gorak. Photo: Gene Schiavone.
As the joyous ceremony ends, Clara envisions her future self as a beautiful Princess dancing in the arms of her Nutcracker Prince.
Isabella Martino. Photo: Doug Gifford.
The magic kingdom fades away, and Clara suddenly finds herself alone in her room on Christmas morning. She can’t help but wonder: “Was it all a dream?”
