The Nutcracker (American Ballet Theatre)

- It is Christmas Eve.

In just a few hours the clock will chime midnight,

a time of magic and of dreams.

Our story begins as the loving,

but mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer conjures up

a gallery of magical presents for all the children

at the family Christmas party.

First to entertain the children, the doll,

the moor, the harlequin.

Then, another treat,

a puppet show with a beautiful princess.

A handsome prince.

And a wicked mouse king.

Finally, the surprise gift,

the nutcracker doll that Drosselmeyer creates

for his favorite godchild Clara.

With this gift, Clara will enter an enchanted world

when her beloved toy is transformed into a beautiful prince.

Tonight is a special Christmas night for Clara.

She is about to receive the gift of a dream.

While Drosselmeyer puts the finishing touches

on his surprise for Clara,

the Christmas party begins with the traditional

lighting of the tree.

Drosselmeyer commands all the children to be quiet.

It is time to reveal the first of his surprises,

the puppet show.

Clara is fascinated,

unaware that she is watching her own story unfold.

It is very late and Clara is unable to sleep.

She is determined to spend Christmas night

next to her beloved toy.

Clara finally falls into a happy sleep.

But then suddenly her peaceful dream

is interrupted by a grotesque nightmare.

As the clock chimes midnight, frightened Clara watches

the adults of her everyday world turn

into terrifying, gigantic mice.