Act 1

It’s Christmas Eve in a small, snow-covered German village where the Stahlbaum family is having a holiday party. Herr Drossylmeyer, an old toy maker and Stahlbaum family friend, is in his workshop making last minute touch-ups on a beautiful, handcrafted Nutcracker. Hans, Drossylmeyer’s nephew and young apprentice, watches and assists his mentor. Meanwhile, back at the Stahlbaum home, Clara and brother Fritz are very excited about the festivities. The maids and the butler are working to be sure everything is prepared and Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum are tending to their dress.

Fritz and Clara have a wonderful time dancing and playing with friends. Herr Drossylmeyer and Hans arrive at the party. They bring gifts for everyone, including magical life-size dolls that dance and amaze all the guests. Drosselmeyer saves the best for last – the magical Nutcracker doll that he presents to Clara. Clara is enthralled by her gift and dances with the wooden toy. Out of jealousy, Fritz breaks the Nutcracker, but Drossylmeyer is able to fix him with a little magic.

Later that night, after all the guests have gone home and the Stahlbaum family has gone to bed, Clara sneaks back downstairs to check on her Nutcracker. She finds him resting on the settee. There are strange noises everywhere! Suddenly giant mice fill the room and begin to chase Clara.

The living room is magically transformed into a battleground between giant mice and toy soldiers. Clara finds that her toy Nutcracker has come to life and is fighting to save her from the evil Mouse King. As the battle rages, Clara sees that the Mouse King is winning! Clara hits the Mouse King on the head with her shoe. This distracts the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker heralds the final blow.

Clara is distraught and faints from the commotion. When she awakens, she has grown and her beloved Nutcracker has magically transformed into a handsome prince. It is Hans, the young boy whom she met at the party! Clara and Hans travel through a winter wonderland, where they are greeted by dancing snowflakes. There they begin their magical journey.

Act Two

Prince Hans and Clara arrive in the Land of the Sweets where angels have blessed the path before them. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier greet the couple and introduce them to delectable treats and toys. Clara and Hans tell the story of their battle with the Mouse King. As a reward for her bravery, the Sugar Plum Fairy gives Clara her magic wand. In celebration, everyone dances for Clara and Hans. The exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance last and capture Clara’s heart with their dazzling performance. They all dance one last grand finale, until at last it is time for Clara to return home. Everyone bids her farewell as she and her Nutcracker prince fly away in their magical bird.

Clara awakens and finds herself back in her own home. Before she goes to bed, she runs to get her beloved Nutcracker. As she does, she finds on the floor the glittering magic wand that was given to her by the Sugar Plum Fairy and she wonders: Was it all a dream?