The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a magical treat – a holiday favorite for the entire family. Universal Ballet’s The Nutcracker is from the original Mariinsky Theater version created by Vasily Vainonen in St. Petersburg in 1934.

Uncle Drosselmeyer weaves his delightful magic at the Christmas party, and again in the silence after midnight when everything becomes still. Little Clara awakens and finds herself in the midst of a battle waged by her beloved Nutcracker doll against the odious Mouse King and his minions who have all grown larger than life. After helping the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King, Clara and her Nutcracker are magically transformed into a princess and prince traveling through a beautiful winter forest with dancing snowflakes. They then embark on a fairy tale adventure over the sea to the Land of Sweets and the Festival of the Toys begins. Life-sized dolls perform dances from many countries, and the majestic Rose Waltz inspires Clara to perform a splendid pas de deux with her Prince and four handsome cavaliers. The scene fades to Clara and her doll as they awaken on Christmas Day.