ACT 1 Synopsis

It’s Christmas Eve in the Stahlbaum home, and Frau Stahlbaum and her children, Clara & Fritz, are welcoming their guests to a holiday party. There are games, dancing, and gifts for the children. Clara’s godfather arrives, Herr Drosselmeyer, accompanied by his nephew. He is known as the town’s marvelous magician, and presents Clara and her guests with magical presents! During the party, he gives Clara a wonderful holiday gift, a handsome wooden Nutcracker.

After the party, Clara falls asleep on the Sofia in the parlor. Suddenly, she sits up — something is not quite right. Out of nowhere, a colony of mice start entering the parlor! Clara is in shock and disbelief as the mice overtake the parlor, the Christmas tree begins to grow to indescribable heights, and Fritz’s toy soldiers become life-size! The Nutcracker doll leads the soldiers to battle with the mice and their Queen. Once the Nutcracker slays the Queen, he is transformed into a handsome prince, resembling Herr Drosselmeyer’s nephew. The Nutcracker Prince and Clara travel through the enchanted forrest where they are guided towards the Kingdom of the Sweets by the Snow Queen and Snowflakes.

ACT II Synopsis

Clara and The Nutcracker Prince arrive a the Kingdom of the Sweets where they are greeted by The Sugar Plum Fairy and all the in habitants of her realm. The Nutcracker tells the story of the battle of the mice, describing how Clara helped him defeat the Mouse Queen and break the long standing spell that transformed him from a Nutcracker doll to a prince. Everyone is overjoyed that The Prince and Clara are safe and they are escorted back to the throne, where they enjoy sweets and candies from around the realm. Everyone dances for the two guests; Hot Chocolate from Spain, Chinese Tea, Coffee from Arabia, the Candy Canes from Russia, the Marzipan Shepherdesses from France, Mother Ginger with her little children, and the waltz of Flowers led by the Dew Drop shimmering among the blooms!

After the performances, it’s time for Clara and the Prince to say goodbye. Everyone returns to the Kingdom to wish them well and the two soar off in a sleigh.