#russiannutcracker

Act I Christmas Eve. In a few hours, the clock will strike midnight — a time of magic and of dreams. Our story begins as the loving but mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer gathers all the children at the family party to give them Christmas presents: a beautiful Princess, a handsome Prince and a wicked Mouse King. Finally, the surprise gift, the Nutcracker doll, Drosselmeyer gives to his godchild Masha. Masha is fascinated by the Nutcracker. She cuddles and comforts her favorite toy. As the evening grows late, the guests depart and the Stahlbaum family retires for the evening. Masha, worried about her beloved Nutcracker, sneaks back to the tree to check on him, falling asleep with him in her arms. As the clock strikes midnight strange things begin to happen. The toys around the tree come to life while the room fills with an army of mice, led by the wicked Mouse King. As the Nutcracker awakens, he leads his army of toy soldiers into battle with the mice. The Mouse King drops to the floor and the mice run away, carrying off their leader’s lifeless body. The Nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes Masha on a journey to the Magic Land, where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes. Act II The toys of the Magic Land are celebrating the victory over the Mouse King. They dance different dances from all over the world. Masha and Prince are happy. Masha knows that she has to leave this wonderful dream but it will stay with her forever.