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The Nutcracker is a staple for many ballet companies. A season is not complete without this cherished performance, and attending The Nutcracker has become a tradition for many during the holiday season. The storyline of this ballet is well-known—Clara is transported to a fantastical world, where her beloved nutcracker doll comes to life, battles the Mouse King, and takes her on a journey to the Land of Sweets. The score by Tchaikovsky is also widely recognized, thanks to the popularity of the ballet and the growing commercialization of Christmas.
Many ballet companies and schools have taken the story of this iconic ballet and altered it to reflect the production’s location, historical events, and more.
Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, The Joffrey Ballet’s adaptation of The Nutcracker is set just before the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
On a magical Christmas Eve, months before the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago opens, Marie and her mother—an artist sculpting the iconic Statue of the Republic—join in a festive celebration that includes a surprise visit from the enigmatic Great Impresario. Later that night, after witnessing a dramatic battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, Marie is whisked away by a Nutcracker Prince on an enchanting adventure to the fairgrounds of the World’s Columbian Exposition, where pavilions representing countries from around the world come to life.
Directed by Laura Sciortino, Artistic Director of Turning Pointe Dance Studio, this production features choreography created through a collaboration with professional, world-renowned dancers, including Sciortino, Catherine Batcheller, Joseph Cipolla, and Yves de Bouteiller.
This innovative take on the classic holiday ballet stays true to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score but begins with John Lennon's "So This Is Christmas." Set in a mid-1800s Chatham Sea Captain's home, the script, written by local authors Donna Smith and Anne LeClair, takes the audience on a magical journey through Cape Cod’s history and folklore. The battle scene unfolds aboard a ship attacked by mooncussers off Eastham, with a fierce storm near Monomoy Point threatening their voyage. The traditional Drosselmeyer character is replaced by the Sea Captain, who, after years of sailing, returns to Chatham with exotic gifts for Clara. Audiences are enchanted by the Waltz of the Sea Grass and thrilled by the Dance of the Icy Winds.
Created by Artistic Director Emily Runkle, this "Maryland Nutcracker" celebrates iconic Maryland landmarks, historic figures, and pastimes.
On Christmas Eve, Clara, her brother Fritz, and their parents host a festive party, but things take a turn when Clara’s mysterious godfather, Edgar Allan Poe, arrives. Poe entertains the children with dark tales, scaring them until Clara reminds him that it's a time for joy. He then conjures a magical Nutcracker for her. Later, Clara dreams of an enchanting adventure, stepping into a world where the Ice Queen and Frost King summon a wintry storm. As the Nutcracker transports her through changing seasons, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, who guide her through Maryland’s delights, from crabs to Ocean City. The Fairy’s magic fills each season with holiday spirit, reminding Clara to appreciate the present. She awakens, grateful for her dream and the magic of her new Nutcracker.
Unique adaptations of The Nutcracker demonstrate the enduring appeal and flexibility of this classic ballet. Whether set against the backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, infused with Cape Cod folklore, or reimagined through the lens of Maryland's history and culture, each production brings a fresh perspective to the beloved story while honoring the timeless music of Tchaikovsky. These interpretations not only celebrate the magic of the holiday season but also connect audiences to their local traditions and histories, making the ballet an even more meaningful and cherished part of the holiday experience. Through these creative reimaginings, The Nutcracker continues to captivate and inspire.
