THE NUTCRACKER STORY

It is Christmas Eve and Clara and her family are celebrating the evening with friends. Suddenly, the party is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious man and his handsome young assistant. He reveals himself to be Clara’s Godfather, Drosselmeyer, who has brought his nephew to the party. Drosselmeyer entertains the party with magic tricks, automatons, and mechanical dolls. He gives Clara a marvelous nutcracker doll. The party ends, guests take their leave, and the family retires. Clara is sad to leave her nutcracker doll behind and returns to retrieve it, falling asleep under the Christmas tree.

A magical spell falls over the room and the Christmas tree begins to grow to an enormous size. Drosselmeyer uses his magic to make the nutcracker doll grow to the size of a man so that he can lead his toy soldiers in battle against the rats. The Rat King appears and the Nutcracker and Rat King fight in single combat. The Nutcracker seems to be failing and Clara, unable to stand it any longer, attacks the Rat King. The Rat King is distracted, and the Nutcracker strikes a fatal blow ending the battle. The Nutcracker, exhausted by the battle, falls lifeless to the ground. Drosselmeyer revives the Nutcracker and transforms him into a handsome young prince.

The Nutcracker Prince thanks Clara for saving his life and invites her to visit his kingdom. Clara eagerly accepts and they journey to the Kingdom of Sweets. On the way they pass through a beautiful snow-covered forest, the Kingdom of Snow. They are met by the Snow Queen and her court who dance a waltz for them. As the wind dies down, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince continue on their way in a magical sleigh to the Kingdom of Sweets. Dew Drop assembles the magical court at the Sugar Plum Fairy’s castle. Everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of the Nutcracker Prince and Clara.  Finally, they arrive and there is much rejoicing. The Nutcracker Prince tells the court how Clara saved his life and they bow before her in gratitude. The Nutcracker Prince places a beautiful crown on Clara and presents her as his Princess. Dew Drop leads the young couple to the throne and commands that the banquet in Clara’s honor begin. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince enjoy dances from distant lands and the Waltz of the Flowers.

At last – the moment that everyone has been waiting for – the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier appear and dance beautifully together. The entire court joins in a joyous waltz. Suddenly the waltz is interrupted and the magical spell begins to fade. The Sugar Plum Fairy’s castle and her court become distant. Clara awakens to find herself at home under the Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker.