The Nutcracker
LIBRETTO AND CHOREOGRAPHY BY ANDREI LITVINOV
Step into Clara's world and immerse yourself in a delightful Christmas party that promises to unfold into a truly magical experience. As the night grows late and everyone else has retired to bed, a wondrous transformation begins. In the enchanting realm of this performance, you will witness the splendor of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, which weaves its melodic tapestry throughout the ballet, setting the stage for Clara's extraordinary journey. The music will transport you to a realm where dreams come to life and the spirit of the holiday season dances in the air. As Clara's adventure unfolds, you will be captivated by the battle between her enchanted Nutcracker and the formidable Mouse King. Prepare to hold your breath as the tale takes an unexpected turn, leading Clara and her loyal companion into a mesmerizing world beyond imagination.
Sinopsis
“The Nutcracker” is a famous ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” It premiered on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Although the initial reception was mixed, “The Nutcracker” has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed ballets worldwide, particularly during the holiday season.
The ballet is typically divided into two acts, with three main scenes in each act. The first act sets the stage for the magical journey, taking place on Christmas Eve at a festive gathering. The character Drosselmeyer, a toymaker and magician, plays a prominent role in orchestrating the magical events. The children, including Marie (also known as Clara), eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas gifts and the enchantment that accompanies the holiday season.
ACT 1
Scene 1:
The scene opens with President Sielberhaus hosting a Christmas Eve reception. The children in attendance are excitedly anticipating the unveiling of the Christmas tree and the distribution of gifts. As the guests mingle and enjoy the festivities, a mysterious figure enters the room. This person is Drosselmeyer, a toymaker who is disguised as a magician. He captivates everyone with his impressive tricks and illusions.
Drosselmeyer then presents a puppet show to entertain the children. The show revolves around the story of the Nutcracker, a brave toy soldier who defeats the Mouse King to protect the Princess. The children are enthralled by the performance.
Seeing Marie’s disappointment, Drosselmeyer decides to give her another doll as a consolation. He presents her with a clumsy and funny Nutcracker doll. Unfortunately, Marie’s mischievous brother, Fritz, intentionally breaks the Nutcracker doll, much to Marie’s dismay. Drosselmeyer chases Fritz away and offers to fix the broken doll. Marie, still attached to the Nutcracker, cradles the damaged toy affectionately.
As the adults return from the neighboring room, they partake in a delightful ceremonial dance called the Grossfater. The scene ends on a joyous note as the dancers leave the room.
Scene 2:
Drosselmeyer returns to his home and discovers a lonely toy left behind—the Mouse King. To his surprise, the toy suddenly comes to life and disobeys Drosselmeyer, running away. Determined to catch the toy, Drosselmeyer gives chase.
Scene 3:
Marie falls asleep in an armchair near the Christmas tree. Unbeknownst to her, the Mouse King sneaks into the room and hides under the tree. Drosselmeyer enters the room, unaware of the lurking danger.
As the clock strikes midnight, Drosselmeyer waves his wand, and the room undergoes a magical transformation. The walls shift, the Christmas tree grows in size, and the toys come alive. Suddenly, mice led by the Mouse King emerge from the fireplace. The dolls are terrified by the invasion.
Courageously, the Nutcracker rallies the tin soldiers and leads them into battle against the army of mice. However, the odds are stacked against them. The Nutcracker becomes the sole soldier left standing against the formidable Mouse King and his minions. Witnessing her beloved toy in peril, Marie takes off her shoe and throws it at the Mouse King, causing the mice to scatter in fear.
In a miraculous turn of events, the Nutcracker undergoes a transformation. The once ugly and comical toy is now a handsome Prince. Grateful to Marie for saving his life, the Prince expresses his gratitude to her.
Scene 4:
The frost on the windowpanes creates intricate patterns, evoking a magical winter forest. The Prince and Marie find themselves transported into a wondrous realm as they dance together in the enchanting Waltz of Snowflakes.
ACT 2
ACT II
Continuing the magical journey, Drosselmeyer guides the Prince and Marie to a fairy tale castle. The castle is illuminated, and the Christmas toys come to life, joyfully greeting the couple. However, their happiness is short-lived as the Mouse King reappears, accompanied by his army of mice.
Undeterred, the Prince Nutcracker engages in a fierce battle against the Mouse King and emerges victorious. The defeat of the mice is cause for celebration, and the entire castle revels in the triumph.
To commemorate the occasion, various characters perform lively dances. The Chocolate presents a spirited Spanish dance, the Coffee performs an exotic Arabian dance, the Tea captivates with a graceful Chinese dance, and the Candy Canes dazzle with a vibrant Russian dance. Finally, the French lollipops enchant the audience with the Reed Flutes dance.
Amidst the festivities, the kind-hearted toymaker presents Marie and the Prince with a basket of pink flowers, signifying their joy and happiness.
However, the entire experience turns out to be a dream. As Christmas Eve comes to an end and a new day dawns, Marie finds herself near the Christmas tree once again, with the Nutcracker toy by her side.
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