Act I
The story is set in Vienna in the middle of the 19th century. Herr Stahbaum and his wife, along with children, Clara, Fritz and Liesel, celebrate the holiday festivities with their friends and family. During this Christmas Eve night, the guests and their children rejoice in the magical Christmas atmosphere that Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather, brings to the Stahlbaum home. He fills the festivities with magical entertainment, dancing dolls, and toys for the children. Herr Drosselmeyer has a special surprise for Clara — a Nutcracker doll. Overjoyed, Clara dances with her new Nutcracker, but her jealous brother, Fritz, damages the Nutcracker. Herr Drosselmeyer repaired the doll with his magical powers, and the festivities draw to a close. The family retires, but Clara, who is too excited to sleep creeps downstairs once more to see that her Nutcracker doll is safe. Cradling the Nutcracker in her arms, Clara falls into a deep sleep and magical things begin to unfold.
Clara is suddenly awoken by mice that steal her Nutcracker doll. To Clara’s amazement, the Christmas tree grows to a giant size. Herr Drosselmeyer reappears bringing with him a life-sized Nutcracker that he transforms into a handsome prince. The Prince invites Clara on a magical journey, only to find that he must first battle the Mouse Queen and her army of mice with the aid of his soldiers. When the outcome seems uncertain, Clara strikes the Mouse Queen and the battle is won. Clara and the Prince find themselves in the Kingdom of Snow, presided over by the Snow Queen.
- Intermission -
Act II
The Nutcracker Prince then takes Clara to the Land of Sweets, where drinks, candies and flowers come to life and dance for them. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform the most beautiful dance of all, The Grand Pas de Deux. Drosselmeyer returns after the final waltz and to Clara’s astonishment the Land of Sweets disappears. Cradling her Nutcracker in her arms, Clara realizes that her magical dream has ended.
Finale
