The Nutcracker 2021
Synopsis
Act I, Scene I: The Party
The story begins at a Christmas Eve party given by Dr. and Frau Silberhaus for their children, Fritz and Clara. The guests arrive in leisurely fashion, then dance, play, and enjoy the holiday celebration. Next, Auntie Drosselmeyer arrives, who entertains the children with her magical dancing dolls. She presents Clara with the most special doll, a nutcracker. Everyone admires the nutcracker, except Fritz, Clara’s brother, who is jealous of her new gift. Fritz tries to grab the nutcracker away from Clara’s hand. As they pull it back and forth between them, Fritz breaks it. Fritz is punished while the guests attempt to console Clara. At the end of the evening, Clara puts the nutcracker to sleep in front of the Christmas tree, and then lies down on the sofa herself.
In her dream, Clara is awakened by a strange, scratching sound. She discovers that giant mice, led by their King, are taking gifts and toys from underneath the tree. Clara is terrified as she watches the mice battle an army of toy soldiers. Just then, the Drosselmeyer Auntie appears to turn the nutcracker into a real prince. The Nutcracker Prince duels with the Mouse King. The battle continues until Clara saves the day.
Act I, Scene II: The Land of Snow
The magic continues as Clara and the handsome prince find themselves in the Land of Snow. There they meet the Snow Queen and her dazzling Snowflakes, who dance for them. The Snow Gnomes and magic sleigh transport them to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Intermission
Act II, The Kingdom of Sweets
Clara and the Nutcracker Prince arrive in the Kingdom of Sweets where they are greeted by the Dew Drop Fairy and her bouquet of lovely Flowers, who introduce Clara and the Nutcracker to the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Cherubs trumpet their welcome and announce the beginning of the royal performance. Clara and her Prince are entertained by Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Trepak, a Russian Confection, and Mirlitons, marzipan shepherdesses. Mother Ginger and her troupe of Clowns make them laugh. The Flowers return to perform their Waltz, after which the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier perform the grand Pas de Deux for Clara and her Prince before they depart.
