Nutcracker Story

Nutcracker might well be called Clara’s Dreams—a little girl’s colorful dreams spring to life from the excitement and splendor of a holiday party.

The story begins on a crisp winter’s evening at the home of Clara’s parents, where close family and friends have gathered to celebrate a joyous holiday season. At the height of the evening’s festivities, Clara’s favorite uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives with his nephew, bearing glorious gifts for everyone at the party. Clara is presented with a wonderful Nutcracker doll, which Fritz, her mischievous brother, ends up breaking as he goes about teasing all the girls in attendance. Herr Drosselmeyer saves the day, however, by mending the doll for Clara.

After the party, the tired young Clara falls fast asleep, and Herr Drosselmeyer uses enchantment to guide her through a series of vivid dreams. The Mouse King arrives on the scene and attempts to kidnap Clara; but with the help of Drosselmeyer’s magic, the beloved Nutcracker doll comes to life and battles the Mouse King, ultimately saving Clara from an unhappy fate.

Drosselmeyer then transports Clara to the glittering Land of Snow. They are greeted by the Snow Queen and King before Drosselmeyer transforms the Nutcracker Doll into a handsome Prince. All of the snowflakes begin to dance for them, before Clara is sent off in an enchanted boat.

Again, with Drosselmeyer’s magic, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince arrive in the Land of Sweets where they are greeted by tiny Angels, the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, and the sweets of the kingdom. The Prince recounts their adventures and tells everyone about his battle with the Mouse King. He is congratulated by the Sugar Plum Fairy who seats Clara and the Prince in thrones, where they can enjoy the dances from all the sweets in the Land.

Clara and the Nutcracker Prince enjoy the Chocolates from Spain, the bubbling Tea from China, and they are entertained by the quite large Mother Ginger. Then the Marzipan dance for them, as well as Arabian Coffee, jumping Candy Canes and the Neapolitan Tiramisu. Finally, a garden of Flowers arrives led by a beautiful Rose. The Sugar Plum Fairy returns with her Cavalier for a final dance for Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. All the sweets wave goodbye as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier escort Clara back to her enchanted boat, and Clara waves goodbye to all of her new friends.