ACT I

Scene 1 - The Party

It is Christmas Eve and relatives are making their way to the Stahlbauhm house for their annual Christmas party. The children, Clara and Fritz, anxiously await the arrival of their cousins.

The party grows festive with music and dance as godfather Drosselmeyer arrives. He is a skilled clock and toy maker and always full of surprises. Drosselmeyer draws everyone's attention as he presents animated dolls and soldiers who delight the party with their dancing.

The children all receive gifts from Drosselmeyer but the most special is a wooden nutcracker made in the shape of a soldier that he gives to Clara. Fritz becomes jealous, grabs the nutcracker from Clara and promptly breaks it. Clara is heartbroken and looks on as Drosselmeyer temporarily binds the Nutcracker's injury with a handkerchief and promises to return the next day with his tools to repair him. All the guests depart and the Stahlbaum family retires for the evening.

Scene 2 - Midnight and the Battle

At the stroke of midnight, Clara sleepily sneaks back to the tree to check on her beloved Nutcracker She is startled to see mice appearing from all corners of the living room and finally takes refuge atop a love seat.  The mice disappear and Clara is distressed to find the Nutcracker has also vanished. She watches in amazement as Drosselmeyer reappears bringing the Nutcracker and his soldiers to life to battle the mice. Suddenly a huge Mouse King arrives to fight the Nutcracker. Just as the Mouse King is about to overpower the Nutcracker, Clara bravely distracts him and the Nutcracker is able to stab him. The Mouse King drops to the floor and the mice sadly cary off their leaders body.

 

Scene 3 - Land of Snow

The victory that Clara has brought about breaks the spell on the Nutcracker, transforming him into a gallant prince. Turning to her gratefully, the prince invites Clara to accompany him to the Land of Snow where snowflakes dance with their queen and king.

 

 

ACT II

The Court of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets

Clara's dream continues with the entrance of the Christmas tree Clara's departure for home angels. The Nutcracker and Clara arrive at the court to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and tell the story of their battle with the mice. Delighted with their heroism, the Sugar Plum invites them to be her special guests. Dancers representing the many delicacies of the Kingdom of the Sweets perform in Clara's honor. There is chocolate from Spain, coffee from Arabia, Chinese tea, a Russian trepak, marzipan candies, and Mother GInger with her impish children. A bouquet of flowers waltzes with the Sugar Plum and her Cavalier leading to a grand finale and Clara's departure for home.