The Nutcracker

★ Who are the characters in The Nutcracker?

The roles in the ballet are based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Although The Nutcracker made its debut in 1892 (in St. Petersburg, Russia), the first production in the United States – choreographed by William Christensen – was performed by San Francisco Ballet in 1944. It is a staple of ballet companies around the world.

(in alphabetical order)

Clara: Daughter to Mr. & Mrs. Stahlbaum

Drosselmeyer: Godfather to Clara

Fritz: Brother to Clara

The Mouse King: Antagonist of The Nutcracker Prince

The Nutcracker Prince: Antagonist of The Mouse King

The Sugarplum Fairy: Ruler of the Land of the Sweets

★ What is the story of The Nutcracker?

The original choreography for the ballet The Nutcracker was created by Marius Petipa & Lev Ivanov.

ACT I, SCENE 1: The Stahlbaum House

On Christmas Eve, the Stahlbaums are celebrating with friends and family when the curious Drosselmeyer arrives to their home. Bringing gifts for the all the children, he has a very special one for his Goddaughter Clara; it is a wooden Nutcracker doll with which the young girl immediately falls in love with.

When the party finishes, Clara sneaks back to the living room in order to be reunited with her beloved toy. She falls into a deep slumber and dreams of how her Nutcracker leads a battle of victory over the Mouse King and his army of mice. He then transitions into a Prince and takes her on a journey.

ACT I, SCENE 2: The Pine Forest

As they travel through the Pine Forest, Clara and her Prince are surrounded by the beauty of the snowflakes that fall all around them and ultimately reach their destination – The Land of the Sweets.

ACT II: The Land of the Sweets

Upon arrival, Clara and the Prince are greeted by the Sugarplum Fairy. The guests are presented with delightful treasures from all around the world – Spanish chocolates, Arabian coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Candy Canes – and are entertained by French Mirlitons and Mother Ginger with her Polichinelles. The Dewdrop Fairy leads the flowers in a beautiful waltz, and the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier close out the performance.

EPILOGUE

Many versions of The Nutcracker include some sort of epilogue during which Clara wakes from her dream.

(Classical ballets have evolved over time, lending themselves to different interpretations as choreographers and directors create works that reflect their visions of the story. The above is intended to provide general information; for details on different versions, click on each of the performances below.)

★ Who composed the music for The Nutcracker?

The musical score for The Nutcracker was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

★ Find Nutcracker Performances Near You

★ Recent Nutcracker Stories

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★ Take Our Nutcracker Quiz!

Feature Ballet Stories

Nutcracker Ballet Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

byCherilyn J. Lee

November 13, 2023 - Updated on December 18, 2024

You've danced or seen the ballet for years, perhaps even decades! Are you up to the challenge to take this...

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★ Watch The Nutcracker Online

The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet)

Choreography by: George Balanchine

Directed by: Emile Ardolino

Based on: Peter Martins's stage production of The Nutcracker

CAST

• The Sugar Plum Fairy: Darci Kistler
• The Sugar Plum Fairy's Cavalier: Damian Woetzel
• Dewdrop: Kyra Nichols
• Marie Stahlbaum: Jessica Lynn Cohen
• The Nutcracker/Prince/Drosselmeyer's Nephew: Macaulay Culkin
• Narrator: Kevin Kline

Watch New York City Ballet's Nutcracker Movie

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The Nutcracker (The Royal Ballet)

$9.99

Choreography by: Peter Wright, after Lev Ivanov

w/ Orchestra of the Royal Opera House conducted by: Barry Wordsworth

CAST

• The Sugar Plum Fairy: Marianela Nuñez
• The Prince: Vadim Muntagirov
• Herr Drosselmeyer: Gary Avis
• Clara: Anna Rose O’Sullivan
• Hans-Peter / The Nutcracker: Marcelino Sambé

Watch The Royal Ballet's Nutcracker

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01/28/2025 05:00 pm GMT

Barbie in the Nutcracker

$14.99

Directed by: Owen Hurley

Based on: "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E. T. A. Hoffmann & The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

CAST

• Barbie/Clara: Kelly Sheridan
• The Nutcracker/Prince Eric: Kirby Morrow
• The Mouse King: Tim Curry

Watch Barbie in the Nutcracker Movie

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01/30/2025 05:00 am GMT

★ List of Classical Ballets