The Story of The Nutcracker
Delve into the magical world of The Nutcracker, where whimsy meets tradition in a timeless tale cherished by audiences worldwide. Originally penned by E.T.A. Hoffmann and immortalized by Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, this enchanting narrative weaves together fantasy, adventure, and the spirit of the holiday season. Join us as we unravel the captivating story behind Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the unforgettable journey that has captivated hearts for generations.
Act I
It is Christmas Eve, a night of magic when anything can happen. The newly fallen snow glistens on the rooftops and excitement is in the air. Herr Drosselmeyer, an old friend of the Stahlbaum family and Clara’s Godfather, passes by their house to leave an early present for the family. Inside the Stahlbaum house, Clara and Fritz wait as their family makes sure everything is ready for that evening’s grand party. The guests arrive and the fun begins, with lots of dancing and many presents. When Drosselmeyer comes to the house, magical things always happen.
Every year he creates delightful toys unlike anything else in the world. This year, he has some very special surprises for Clara and her family. Although Clara loves the lifelike Spanish doll and Fritz the exciting Chinese doll, they cannot stay. Instead, Drosselmeyer has another very special and unusual gift: a remarkable nutcracker, that he gives to Clara. Angered that he cannot crack nuts with his teeth, Fritz regrettably breaks the nutcracker.
Drosselmeyer is quick to repair the nutcracker for Clara, but Fritz is still looking for trouble and finds a rat with which to tease Clara. Once all the guests leave the party, the Stahlbaums go to bed. Clara is awakened by a strange sound. Worried about her nutcracker alone downstairs, she goes to find him and falls asleep on the couch. Suddenly, she is surrounded by mice! Drosselmeyer is acting very strangely and her nightmare continues as the whole house transforms around her. A menacing Mouse King orders his minions to steal the nutcracker from Clara. The Spanish and Chinese dolls come to help her, but the marauding mice carry them off. Just when Clara thinks all is lost, her nutcracker suddenly comes to life and temporarily scares the mice away. A huge battle between the toy soldiers and the mice follows.
The Mouse King is about to defeat the nutcracker, but Clara saves the day. She discovers that by defeating the Mouse King, she has freed the prince who had been trapped in the nutcracker. She understands that Drosselmeyer had a purpose in all the strange things he had done that night after all.
Clara and her prince pass through a wondrous snowy land as they begin their journey together to his home in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
– INTERMISSION –
Act II
News that the young prince is finally returning home reaches the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where people from all corners of the world— and of the imagination—come to greet Clara and her prince. After hearing the story of Clara rescuing the prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy arranges a grand celebration in Clara’s honor filled with many remarkable surprises, including a reunion with the Spanish doll.
“This must be what it’s like,” Clara thinks, “to be inside one of Godfather’s inventions.” But the night must come to an end. Though Clara wants to stay, it is time to leave this enchanted land.
Like a wonderful dream, this magical night will stay with her forever
Now it’s time to get started on your own magical journey. Get your tickets to see The Nutcracker, coming to the Ohio Theatre from December 12 – 28, 2024.
Want to learn more? Meet the characters from the show!