First performed in 1892, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. In the ballet, a young girl named Clara receives a nutcracker as a Christmas gift. The nutcracker transforms into a prince, and the pair travel to the beautiful Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Sweets worldwide celebrate their arrival, including chocolate from Spain, coffee from Arabia, tea from China, candy canes from Russia , and Mother Ginger, who has her children, the Polichinelles. A hallmark of the holiday season, The Nutcracker captivates audiences worldwide with its gorgeous music, fantastic setting, and joyous celebration of the magic of Christmas.  

—Jennifer More, ©2024