Ballet Nutcracker (Anna Pavlova Ballet Theatre)

ACT 1

Guests are gathering at the Stahlbaums' house for the Christmas party. Among them is the doll and watchmaker Drosselmeyer, the godfather of the Stahlbaum children, Masha and Fritz. He has prepared a wonderful gift for them - a Nutcracker, a toy that can crack nuts. The children are eagerly awaiting the beginning of the party. Finally, the long-awaited moment arrives, and a Christmas tree lit up with lights appears before everyone. Suddenly, Drosselmeyer, unrecognized by anyone, appears among the guests in a wizard's costume. His ability to bring toys to life fascinates the children, but also scares them, then Drosselmeyer takes off his mask, and the children recognize him as their beloved godfather.

Masha examines the gift with interest. The doll reminds her of Drosselmeyer, and she draws the children's attention to this - everyone giggles at him. Drosselmeyer tells the story of the Nutcracker: "In a certain kingdom there lived a King, a Queen, and a little princess Perlipat. And in the dungeon of the royal castle lived the evil Mouse King. The little princess was a spoiled girl, and one day she began to tease the Mouse King. In his anger, he turned her into a terrible ugly creature. Only a handsome prince who could crack the magic nut Krakatuk could disenchant the princess. One day the Prince cracked the nut, and a miracle happened - the princess became beautiful again, but in revenge for this the Mouse King turned him into a Nutcracker."

Enchanted by the Nutcracker, Marie ties her blue ribbon on him, elevating him to the rank of field marshal.

Franz, Marie's brother, appears in the living room. He is also interested in the new doll. But Masha does not give the Nutcracker to her brother. A fight ensues and eventually the toy breaks. Drosselmeyer fixes the Nutcracker. Marie carefully rocks her favorite doll.

The living room is filled with noisy merriment. The last ceremonial dance (Grossvater) - and everyone leaves. Masha rocks the Nutcracker and does not notice how she herself falls asleep.

Night. The room where the Christmas tree stands is flooded with moonlight. Masha wakes up from a strange noise. Suddenly there is a rustling and scratching of mice. Masha becomes scared. She wants to run away, but suddenly the clock strikes and the room is filled with mice. They are going to destroy the Christmas tree. And suddenly... The Nutcracker comes to life. He fearlessly blocks the mice's path. The room is transformed. The mice appear again and again. The Mouse King stands at the head of the mouse army. The mice rush into battle. They are confronted by an army of tin soldiers led by the Nutcracker. The duel between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker begins. Another moment - and the Mouse King will win! Masha is in despair! She throws a candle at the Mouse King, he looks back, and the Nutcracker, taking advantage of the moment, kills him. The mice disappear. The battlefield is empty, only the Nutcracker lies motionless on the floor.

And then a miracle happens: Masha grows up, and the Nutcracker turns into a handsome prince. He comes to meet her. The walls disappear, and they find themselves under the dome of the starry sky. Snow falls, and snowflakes whirl in a magical round dance.

ACT 2

The Magic Palace of Konfetyurenburg. Masha and the Nutcracker arrive at the palace. The guests are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince Orshad, accompanied by a large retinue.

Everyone thanks Masha, to whom the Nutcracker owes his salvation.

The Sugar Plum Fairy announces the beginning of the holiday. Masha and the Nutcracker admire the performance in their honor.

The holiday is coming to an end. Masha and the Nutcracker leave the fairytale land...

Again the living room, where the New Year tree stands. Masha wakes up. It turns out that it was just a dream. She is little again, and on her lap is a doll, the Nutcracker.