Synopsis of the Story
Our story begins 150 years ago on a snowy Christmas Eve in St. Petersburg, Russia. Drosselmeyer, an ingenious toymaker, finishes gifts for a party at the Petrov house. On his way, he passes the magical town clock he created. As it chimes, three curious—and prophetic-images appear: a ballerina, a soldier, and a terrifying Rat King.
The Petrov party guests await the arrival of Drosselmeyer. Restless, the children are allowed to open one gift. To her delight, young Marya Petrov receives satin ballet shoes. When the toymaker arrives, he reveals his new creations. He gives the most enchanting toy to Marya: a handsome nutcracker. Nicholas, Marya's naughty brother, receives a ratchet with a rat's head. Envious, Nicholas breaks the nutcracker with his ratchet. Drosselmeyer fixes the broken toy for the weeping girl, who goes to bed as the party winds down. In her bedroom, Marya fantasizes about being a ballerina someday. Once asleep, the dreaming girl slips downstairs, where she and Nicholas frolic with baby mice. At midnight, horrible rats run out followed by the horrible Rat King. Amazingly, a real-life Nutcracker and his soldiers come to fight the rats and their hideous Rat King. Marya throws her shoe at the Rat King, he is distracted, and the Nutcracker defeats him. Magically, the Nutcracker and brave Marya turn into a handsome Prince and an elegant ballerina. Together, they dance into a snowy landscape, then fly into the night in an ornate sleigh.
The winged dreamfairies lead Marya and the Prince to a fantastic realm. The prince reappears and kisses her. Marya, a ballerina again, follows him to the court of the Dew Drop Fairy. A glorious ball, complete with dancers from exotic lands, celebrates the defeat of the Rat King. After they dance, Marya and the Prince fly away in their enchanted sleigh. Little Marya is a child again, safe in her bedroom. Hugging her cherished gifts - the slippers and the nutcracker—she falls asleep. Her dreams have come true—or are these dreams yet to come?
