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| Prologue and Act I Our story begins with Clara and her brother, Fritz, getting ready for the annual Christmas party at their home. While the guests begin to arrive we also see Clara's godfather, Drosselmeyer, putting the last bit of paint on a nutcracker doll. When the curtain rises, Clara's parents and grandparents are welcoming the guests, while the butler takes their cloaks and the maid serves refreshments. Once all the guests have arrived, the children are invited into the parlor to watch the lighting of the grand tree and to receive their gifts. Everyone is dancing when suddenly a mysterious guest rushes in! There is great relief when they realize it is uncle Drosselmeyer. Relief is followed by amazement as Drosselmeyer entertains the children with life-size dolls that come to life and dance at his command. But the best doll is a beautiful nutcracker, which he presents to Clara. Delighted, Clara begins dancing with her new nutcracker. Fritz, though, is jealous and he snatches the doll from Clara and breaks it. Clara is heartbroken, but Drosselmeyer magically replaces her nutcracker with a new nutcracker that is larger and even more beautiful! Then, all the girls dance with their dolls as the boys try to frighten them, until Father says, "Enough!" Clara's Mother and Father invite the parents to dance one more time, before collecting their sleepy children for the trip home. Clara and Fritz are taken off to bed, while the maid and the butler tidy up. Drosselmeyer stays behind to leave the nutcracker doll under the tree. Clara returns to the darkened parlor looking for her nutcracker, and finding it, falls asleep clutching her new doll. Suddenly, she awakens as the great clock strikes midnight. It begins to glow and mist fills the parlor. Huge, mischevious mice start running about, stealing Clara's nutcracker! Clara is devestated and falls to the floor crying hoping that she is just having a terrible dream. Drosselmeyer returns to comfort Clara. The baby dolls left under the tree come to life, and the big toy soldiers come to Clara's defense. Then suddenly the nutcracker reappears, alive, and ready to lead the soldiers into battle against the mice. The mice are led by the Mouse King, who fights the Nutcracker. But just when it looks like the Mouse King will defeat the Nutcracker, Clara knocks him down with her shoe, saving her nutcracker's life. Then POOF! The Nutcracker is transformed into a prince! Grateful for how Clara has saved him, he invites her to visit his kingdom in the "Land of Sweets." On their way through the Enchanted Forest they are greeted by Snow Fairies. The Snow King and the Snow Queen dance for them, and Snow Maidens and Snowflakes swirl around them. Then the King and Queen present them with a sleigh so they can complete their journey to the wonderul "Land of Sweets." Act II This act begins with Candy Makers and Pages preparing to herald the arrival of their special guests. The Bakers also present their treats to the Sugar Plum Fairy for her approval. Just before we see the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court, the Head Page greets Clara and the Prince, announcing their arrival to the Land of Sweets. While clara explores her wonderous new surroundings, the Pages are granted permission to dance for all. Then the Prince tells the story of how Clara saved him. Clara is then crowned honorary Princess of the Land of Sweets, and a feast prepared in her honor begins. Dancers from different countries representing various sweets perform for Clara's entertainment. She sees a Spanish Dance (chocolate), Arabian Dance (coffee), and a Chinese Dance (tea). There is Russian Dance (trepak) and the Dance of the Mirlitons (marzipan). Mama Gigogne enters with acrobats (bonbons and gum drops) tumbling and rolling about. Then the lovely Waltz of the Flowers is danced by the Flowers of the Kingdom representing frosting flowers for Christmas cakes. Finally the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince dance the Grand de Deux (great dance for two) for Clara. Afterward, all the sweets join together in a last waltz as the sleigh arrives to take Clara home. As she leaves she wonders if she was only dreaming after all... Music by: Peter Llyich Tchaikovsky Based on the story by: E.T. Hoffman Original Choreography by: Marius Petipa |
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