|
The Story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince
Act 1
It’s Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house in the early 1900’s. Clara and Frannie invite their friends to the family Christmas party. As the children begin opening presents, Clara's godfather Drosselmeyer (a magician and toy maker) and his nephew Kurt, arrive with a trunk of gifts for the children and a magical Angel. Clara’s father introduces his daughter to their new guests, Clara and her friends dance with them. Clara is taken with Kurt and finds him to be quite charming. Frannie teases Clara about her new friend and in turn, Kurt teaches Frannie a lesson about teasing her sister.
Drosselmeyer bestows gifts to the children and gives a special Nutcracker doll to Clara. Frannie becomes jealous and tries to steal the Nutcracker from Clara. In the midst of the fight, the Nutcracker breaks and Clara is heartbroken. Drosselmeyer mends the Nutcracker and promises it will be fine in the morning. Lifesize versions of a Harlequin and Victorian doll are carried into the parlor by Kurt and a party guest. Drosselmeyer uses his magic to bring them to life and they perform, much to the guests' delight. Soon Soldier dolls march into the room to perform for the guests as well.
After the magic performance, the guests depart. Clara searches the room for her Nutcracker doll before she is sent to bed by the maid. As the house sleeps, magical Drosselmeyer casts a spell on Clara, causing her to sleepwalk out into the parlor. Clara wakes up confused, surrounded by a dark house and mysterious dancing dolls, angels and Drosselmeyer. The magic continues as the Christmas tree grows. As the night unravels, the wonder proves to continue with the Nutcracker Prince coming to life and taking Clara on a breathtaking journey. After a battle with the Mouse Queen and Toy Soldiers, their Christmas adventure continues through the breathtaking land of snow.
Act 2
Heavenly angels lead them through the starry night sky to the Land of the Sweets. Once there, they are greeted by several fairies of the land, Dewdrop, Gumdrop and Sugar Plum, plus other whimsical characters. Clara is presented gifts of Spanish Chocolate, Russian Candy Canes, Chinese Tea, English Tea Cakes, Arabian Coffee, Gingersnap Cookies, Bon Bons and Flowers.
At the end of their journey, Clara returns to her home in her mysterious crown and is reconnected with Kurt, her Nutcracker doll and her home. She if left to wonder if this magical Christmas night was all just a dream.
|
