The Nutcracker
ballet in two acts
music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Cast
Despite its reputation as the bonbon of the ballet world, The Nutcracker is a ballet far from a sugary cliché. The plot is as crazy as it is convincing, mirrored by Tchaikovsky’s ingenious orchestration, and Boyarchikov’s inventive choreography. The Nutcracker is a ballet popular both with children and adults. The surreal action takes place in an increasingly fantastical world, leaving the cozy domesticity of Masha’s parents’ house far behind. As soon as the audience adapts to one new world, another follows swiftly on as transformation follows transformation.
The magician Drosselmeyer sets out to find a young girl who can break the curse imposed by the Mouse King on his nephew, and restore him to human form. Mice and toys stage a pitched battle. Drosselmeyer sends Masha to the Land of the Snow. The story movingly tracks Masha’s own transformation from child to young woman — her triumph over the Mouse King is a rite of passage, which opens the door to the magical world beyond.
Act I
It’s Christmas Eve. Guests are coming to the Stalbaums. Drosselmeyer brings gifts for the children. His gifts are unusual wonderful puppets. Masha, Stalbaum’s daughter is fascinated by the Nutcracker. She cuddles and comforts her favorite puppet. After the celebration in the sitting-room magic begins. Chime of the clock heralds the arrival of Drosselmeyer and the beginning of the fairytale. Mice led by the Mouse King appear in the room. Masha, the Nutcracker and his toy friends courageously confront the mice. Masha saves the Nutcracker and he invites Masha to his world of fairytales.
Act II
The toy kingdom is oppressed by the Mouse King. The Nutcracker wins the Mouse King and sets the toys free. Masha’s imagination makes the Nutcracker a prince. The toys are celebrating the victory over the Mouse King. Masha and Prince are happy. Thus ends the Christmas fairytale.
Choreography: Nikolay Boyarchikov
Stage Design: Vyacheslav Okunev
