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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, born on May 7, 1840, in Votkinsk, Russia, is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era. He displayed an early talent for music and received formal training at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he honed his skills as a composer.

Tchaikovsky’s compositions are known for their emotional depth, melodic richness, and technical brilliance. His music often evokes a range of emotions, from profound sadness to soaring triumph, and is characterized by its ability to capture the human experience with great sensitivity and nuance.

Some of Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include his ballets, such as “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Sleeping Beauty.” These ballets, filled with captivating melodies and intricate orchestration, have become timeless classics, enchanting audiences worldwide with their imaginative storytelling and memorable dance sequences.

In addition to his ballets, Tchaikovsky composed numerous symphonies, including his powerful “Symphony No. 5” and his emotional “Symphony No. 6,” also known as the “Pathétique.” His symphonies showcase his mastery of orchestration and his ability to create grand, sweeping musical landscapes that leave a lasting impact on listeners.

Tchaikovsky’s body of work also includes operas, such as “Eugene Onegin” and “The Queen of Spades,” as well as concertos, chamber music, and choral compositions. His ability to convey deep emotion through his music has made him a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

Despite his immense success as a composer, Tchaikovsky faced personal struggles throughout his life, grappling with his identity and enduring bouts of depression. Nevertheless, he remained dedicated to his craft, leaving behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences to this day.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s compositions have stood the test of time, captivating listeners with their beauty, emotional depth, and profound musical expression. His works have become an integral part of the classical music repertoire, ensuring that his genius will be celebrated for generations to come.

“The Nutcracker” is a beloved ballet that tells the enchanting story of a young girl named Marie and her magical Christmas adventure. On Christmas Eve, Marie’s beloved Nutcracker doll comes to life and leads her on a journey to a fantastical world filled with dancing snowflakes, swirling sweets, and larger-than-life characters. Together, Marie and the Nutcracker Prince must face the wicked Mouse King and embark on a magical voyage through the Kingdom of Sweets, where they encounter the Sugar Plum Fairy and a dazzling array of whimsical inhabitants. Filled with stunning music, graceful choreography, and captivating visuals, “The Nutcracker” is a timeless holiday tale that celebrates the joy, wonder, and beauty of the holiday season.

THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS: A TALE OF THE NUTCRACKER’S MAGIC

As the cold Christmas Eve settles over the Stahlbaum house, the stage is adorned with a magnificent Christmas tree, resplendent with candies, chocolates, candy canes, and sugar mice. The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky fills the air, setting the enchanting tone for the evening. In the living room, Marie and Fritz stand in awe before the dazzling tree, marveling at the decorations and treats. Little do they know that this Christmas Eve holds a magical journey that will transport them to a world beyond their wildest dreams.

CHARACTERS:

MARIE

FRITZ

MR. STAHLBAUM

MRS. STAHLBAUM

HERR DROSSELMEYER

DANCING DOLL HARLEQUIN 1

DANCING DOLL HARLEQUIN 2

NUTCRACKER

PRINCE MOUSE

MICE

TOY SOLDIERS

CANDIES, CHOCOLATES, CANDY CANES

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY

DANIEL

SCRIPT:

ACT I

Lights on –

[The scene is set in the living room at the Stahlbaum house on a cold Christmas Eve. The room is adorned with a beautiful Christmas tree in the center, decorated with candies, chocolates, candy canes, and sugar mice. There are Christmas gifts neatly arranged under the tree]

[Soft music begins playing in the background: Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky – Overture Miniature]

[Marie and Fritz enter the room, their eyes filled with excitement as they gaze at the magnificent tree]

MARIE: Oh, look at all the Christmas tree decorations! Just look, Fritz! Chocolates and candy canes are hanging from the branches!

FRITZ: (takes a Christmas ornament) What are these?

MARIE: Let me see. They’re sugar mice!

[The doorbell rings, interrupting their enchantment. Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum enters the room]

MRS. STAHLBAUM: That must be Herr Drosselmeyer.

[Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum open the door to welcome Herr Drosselmeyer]

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Hello, hello! (He carries two small gift boxes and two big boxes stand on the floor)

MRS. STAHLBAUM: Please, come on in.

HERR DROSSELMEYER: It sure is cold tonight.

MR. STAHLBAUM: Marie, Fritz, Mr. Drosselmeyer is here!

[Marie and Fritz eagerly rush to the door]

MARIE AND FRITZ: Good evening!

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Hello, kids!

MRS. STAHLBAUM: (gazing at the two big boxes on the floor) What are those big boxes you have?

HERR DROSSELMEYER: You will see, it’s a surprise.

MR. STAHLBAUM: Let me help you take them to the living room.

[The music starts playing: Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker, Op.71: No. 4 Dance Scene – the Presents of Drosselmeyer. Herr Drosselmeyer and Mr. Stahlbaum carry the boxes into the living room. They all sit down, and Herr Drosselmeyer performs a magical trick. Two life-size harlequins emerge from the big boxes and begin to dance. Marie and Fritz watch in awe, laughing and cheering. The dolls return inside the box. Marie and Fritz applaud. The music fades]

FRITZ: You are a great magician!

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Wait until you see what I have for you! (He performs another magic trick and hands Fritz a gift box)

FRITZ: Oh, thank you! Can I open it now?

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Of course!

FRITZ: (opens the gift box) Toy soldiers! Thank you! (He hugs Herr Drosselmeyer)

MRS. STAHLBAUM: Fritz, you know where the box should be, don’t you?

FRITZ: Yes, Mother, under the tree. (He places the box under the tree)

MARIE: Godfather, did you bring me a gift?

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Sure, I did, and it is the best gift of all!

MARIE: Oh, what is it? (Herr Drosselmeyer hands Marie a gift box). (Marie opens the gift) What a splendid toy soldier!

HERR DROSSELMEYER: It’s a nutcracker!

MARIE: I love it! Oh, thank you!

[The music changes to Tchaikovsky’s “Grandfather’s Dance.” Marie takes the Nutcracker and begins to dance. The music stops, and Fritz grabs the doll]

FRITZ: Let me try it! I’ll crack a few nuts! (He takes some nuts and the nutcracker breaks)

MARIE: Look what you did! You broke my doll!

FRITZ: Sorry, Marie.

[Marie starts to cry]

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Don’t worry, dear. I’ll fix it. (He mends the nutcracker and returns it to Marie)

MARIE: Thank you, Godfather.

MRS. STAHLBAUM: Now, put it inside the box and under the tree. [Marie places the nutcracker back inside the box and under the tree] Hurry now, kids, it’s time for bed!

MARIE AND FRITZ: Good night, everybody.

[Marie and Fritz kiss their parents and Herr Drosselmeyer, then leave the room]

Lights off –

ACT II

Lights on –

[Marie is sleeping in her room. She wakes up and quietly tiptoes to the living room. The Christmas tree lights are turned off. She opens the gift box and takes out the Nutcracker. She lies down on a sofa, cradling the doll in her arms, and falls asleep. Suddenly, the Christmas tree lights turn on, accompanied by a loud noise. Marie wakes up startled as the clock strikes midnight]

MARIE: Who turned on the Christmas tree lights? What’s that noise?

[The music begins playing: Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker, Op. 71. The Nutcracker battles against the army of the Mouse King. The sugar mice from the tree come to life and start moving toward Marie. The prince mouse, wearing a crown and carrying a sword, leads the charge. Marie becomes frightened as she sees the mice and toy soldiers grow to life-size. The Nutcracker and the toy soldiers stand in formation with their muskets loaded. They engage in a fierce battle with the mice. The nutcracker falls to the ground, and Marie, filled with bravery, takes off her slipper and throws it at the prince mouse, defeating him. The mice flee, taking the defeated prince mouse with them. The toy soldiers exit the stage. Marie and the nutcracker stand alone in the center, holding hands. The Nutcracker has transformed into a handsome prince. The music stops]

MARIE: You have turned into a prince!

NUTCRACKER: My dear Marie, you’re so beautiful! Come with me, let’s go outside!

Lights off –

ACT III

Lights on –

[Marie and the Nutcracker stand in the center of the stage]

MARIE: Where are we?

NUTCRACKER: We are in the Kingdom of Sweets!

[Children dressed as candies, chocolates, candy canes, and other sugary treats enter, dancing to Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a – The Waltz of the Flowers. The Sugar Plum Fairy enters and performs the Tchaikovsky – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. When she finishes her dance, Marie and the Prince join together for a captivating dance, Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker – Pas de deux. Marie becomes overwhelmed with all the twists and twirls, and she faints]

Lights off –

ACT IV

Lights on –

[Marie wakes up under the Christmas tree, still holding the Nutcracker toy in her arms. The doorbell rings. She stands up and opens the door to find Herr Drosselmeyer with his nephew, Daniel, who is dressed as the Nutcracker/prince. Marie looks surprised]

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Hello, dear! (He hugs Marie).  (To Daniel) Aren’t you going to say hello to Marie?

DANIEL: Hello, Marie.

MARIE: Hello, Daniel.

HERR DROSSELMEYER: What’s wrong? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost!

MARIE: It’s just that I had a wonderful dream… and…

HERR DROSSELMEYER: Sometimes dreams do come true, dear.

MARIE: You’re right. Merry Christmas Day!

HERR DROSSELMEYER AND DANIEL: Merry Christmas! (They all share a group hug.)

[The music begins Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker, Op. 71. Closing Waltz – Grand Finale

In the warmth of the Stahlbaum house, the Christmas festivities draw to a close. Marie, having witnessed the extraordinary transformation of her beloved nutcracker into a prince, embraces the realization that dreams can indeed come true. With Herr Drosselmeyer and his nephew, Daniel, by her side, Marie cherishes the joyous memories of her adventure in the Kingdom of Sweets. The magic of the night lingers in her heart as the family bids farewell to a Christmas Eve filled with wonder and the timeless spirit of love and imagination. With the closing strains of Tchaikovsky’s grand finale, the audience is left with a sense of enchantment and the reminder that the true magic of Christmas lies within our hearts.

THE END

AUTHOR: PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY, COMPOSED IN 1891–92.

ADAPTED BY: K I D S I N C O

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The Nutcracker

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