S Y N O P S I S
Act I, Scene 1 – The Stahlbaum’s Parlor
Upon completing preparations with their household staff, Mr.
and Mrs. Stahlbaum, along with their children Clara, Louisa and Fritz,
welcome guests to their holiday party. Fritz’s schoolmates from the
military academy arrive, including one Cadet who is captivated by
Louisa’s charm.
Uncle Drosselmeier, who is always a little mysterious, brings
Clara the most unusual gifts. This year for Christmas, he presents
his niece Clara with a wooden Nutcracker Doll, and she falls
instantly in love with it. After much dancing, all retire to the dining
room for refreshments, except Louisa and the Cadet, who linger in
the parlor. Their courting is interrupted by Fritz and the other cadets,
who taunt their schoolmate with a rousing military romp. Fritz and
his chums tease Clara about her Nutcracker and during the scuffle,
the Nutcracker doll is dropped. Clara is heartbroken, but Uncle
Drosselmeier is able to mend her cherished gift. After posing for
a photograph, the party guests depart and the Stahlbaum family
retires for the evening. So excited by the Christmas Eve festivities
that she is unable to sleep, Clara tiptoes back downstairs in search
of her beloved Nutcracker. Clasping him in her arms, she curls up
under the Christmas tree and falls asleep.
As Clara sleeps, the parlor is invaded by mice and frightening
rats, led by their Queen. With Uncle Drosselmeier’s help, the
Nutcracker magically becomes life-sized and leads his toy
soldiers into battle against the rats. As the Nutcracker is about to
be defeated, Clara takes her slipper and hurls it at the Rat Queen,
saving her cherished Nutcracker. He is then magically transformed
into a handsome prince.
Act I, Scene 2 – Land of Snow
To thank Clara for her bravery and good deed, the Nutcracker
Prince and Uncle Drosselmeier lead Clara on a fantastic journey to
the Land of Snow where they meet the Snow Queen and King. As the
Snowflakes dance, Clara frolics in the glittering winter wonderland.
Uncle Drosselmeier and the Nutcracker Prince escort Clara onward
as their journey continues.
INTERMISSION..................................20 Minutes