George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

George Balanchine was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century and has often been called the father of American ballet. He was a co-founder of the New York City Ballet and served as its Artistic Director for over 35 years. A choreographer known for his musicality, Balanchine collaborated with numerous leading musicians of his generation to express music and dance as a single and interdependent art form. A confluence of Tchaikovsky’s luring music, George Balanchine’s dazzling choreography, and Barbara Karinska’s costume design, The Nutcracker is a masterpiece work of music and dance. The various stage and lighting elements provide grand visual experiences that are unlike any other.

The Story

Marie Stahlbaum receives a handsome wooden Nutcracker from her godfather, Here Drosselmeier, on a snowy Christmas evening. She ends up falling asleep on the sofa along with the Nutcracker. Sensing something wrong, she sits up and sees massive mice run into the room. The Christmas tree grows larger and larger, and everything except for her brother's toy soldiers and the Nutcracker, all as big as Marie now, disappears. The Nutcracker, who transforms into a handsome price, slays the Mouse King and his minions, along with his army. He presents Marie with the crown of the Mouse King. They soon find themselves in a beautiful forest and enter the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy. What will Marie and the prince find here? Will she return to her home and family?

Good For

Lovers of Ballet | Fans of The Nutcrackers | Tchaikovsky Fans