07 January 2022 (Fri), 11:30 - Peter Tchaikovsky "The Nutcracker" (Ballet in 3 Acts). Production of the Jacobson Ballet Theatre (Classical Ballet) - World famous Mariinsky Ballet and Opera - Mariinsky II (New Theatre)

The Nutcracker’s music score became an integral part of culture and is counted among the most precious gems of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s heritage.

Libretto by Marius Petipa. Based on a story by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann, edited
Choreography by Vasili Vainonen
Set and Costumes by Vladimir Firer and Aleksandr Khramtsov
Lighting design by Maksim Greller and Evgeny Ganzburg, Honoured Cultural Worker of the Russian Federation

The Nutcracker’s music score became an integral part of culture and is counted among the most precious gems of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s heritage.

Since the very birth of this music in 1891, generations of production directors have been tackling a most challenging task — creating a ballet that would be both a fairytale and a philosophical poem at the same time, interesting for children and adults alike. The job is all the more daunting since this particular ballet is one of the most beloved plays across the world. It is extremely popular in a lot of countries, especially during the December festive season. Every year, thousands of new Tchaikovsky connoisseurs keep delving into the magical realm of dreams and faerie adventures.

The choreographer Vasili Vainonen created his own version of The Nutcracker in 1934. The premiere took place in Leningrad, at the Kirov State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (now renamed into Mariinsky Theatre), and turned out to be an ideal performance for kids. Vainonen’s ballet had unbelievable magic tricks, brightly coloured dolls, and a Christmas tree with sparkling festive lights, which had been designed by the art director Vladimir Dmitriev. But at the same time, the choreographer filled the ballet with philosophical musings about the impossibility of reaching ideal happiness, and saturated it with romantic undertones that changed a run-of-the mill kids’ show into an all-time classic of the twentieth century.

Act I
The action takes place in an old German town at the start of the last century but one. Night is falling. It is Christmas Eve and the streets are busy and festive. Drosselmeyer, an eccentric inventor and toy maker loved by children, is among those invited to see the Christmas tree at the large, brightly lit house of Herr Stahlbaum.
The drawing room in Herr Stahlbaumґs house is beautifully decorated. The guests assemble. Drosselmeyer enters carrying presents.
The party is ready to start. The children rush in.
There is a game of blind manґs buff and Drosselmeyer takes part. He is blindfolded. Masha, Herr Stahlbaumґs young daughter, is the first to be caught.
After the games, there is dancing. Now dressed as a magician, Drosselmeyer does magic tricks and puts on a puppet show–The Mouse King Wishes to Kidnap the Princess, but the Courageous Nutcracker Kills the Mouse King and Saves the Princess.
Drosselmeyerґs ideas seem inexhaustible. He makes clockwork toys including a clown, a doll and a blackmail dance for the children. The Nutcracker, however, is Mashaґs favourite.
Franz takes the Nutcracker from Masha and the head comes off in his hands. Drosselmeyer quickly mends the Nutcracker. Masha cuddles and comforts her damaged favourite. It is late and the guests must depart. The party comes to an end with some dances.
Masha says goodnight to the Nutcracker and the candles on the tree are extinguished. Mashaґs nanny takes her to bed.

Act II
Masha goes to bed and falls asleep. She dreams that mice have taken over the drawing room. They are headed by the Mouse King.
The Nutcracker leads the tin soldiers in the attack. Masha follows him. Overcoming her fear, she throws her slipper at the Mouse King at a decisive point in the battle, thus saving the Nutcracker. The Mouse King has been defeated and disappears together with his troops.
Drosselmeyer turns Masha and the Nutcracker into a beautiful Prince and Princess. They are caught up in a blizzard and their journey to a fairy-tale land begins.

Act III
Masha and the Nutcracker are sailing along a magical river. The Nutcracker drives away some bats and clears the way to an enchanted island.
Celebrations begin. Masha and the Nutcracker are delighted. They dance and celebrate with the others.

Epilogue
Masha is asleep in bed. It will soon be morning. Her magical dream is over. Masha awakes.