Clara's Dream - a nutcracker story

So there have been many references to Clara's Dream on this blog already, but what's the story?  Because there is no talking in ballet, it's usually a good idea to have a basic understanding of the story you're about to see before attending the performance, this makes it easier to understand what is happening on stage so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the performance.

Clara's Dream- a nutcracker story is City Center Ballet's adaptation of The Nutcracker, however they have tightened up the story to fit it into one act to maintain the attention of younger children.  The Nutcracker is a Christmastime story, and attending this ballet annually grows into a tradition for many families, so City Center Ballet has gone that extra step to make this ballet even more family friendly.

Here's an outline of what will unfold on stage at The Lebanon Opera House on December 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2013:

The curtain rises on a sleeping Clara, a young girl whose family just hosted a Christmas Party, she had a long day and has fallen asleep in an arm chair. It had been an exciting day full of treats and sweets and lots of merry dancing.   Her Godfather, Heir Drosselmeyer, was a surprise guest at the party. Drosselmeyer, a magician and toymaker, brought gifts for all the children in attendance. Drosselmeyer presents Clara with a carved nutcracker doll, which she cherishes immediately. As the curtain rises Clara awakens and rises to check on her new nutcracker doll, Heir Dorsselmeyer appears and performs some magic on the nutcracker.  Suddenly, something begins to happen, either Clara and Drosselmeyer are shrinking or the entire living room is growing, and then Clara's Nutcracker appears to have come to life! But wait, something is not right, Clara's now gigantic living room has filled with giant mice with a Rat King as their leader! Magically, toy soldiers emerge from under the Christmas Tree and a battle between The Nutcracker and the Rat King, and their minions ensues. Clara is terrified, suddenly it seems the Rat King is about to defeat her Nutcracker! In a moment of quick thinking Clara distracts the Rat King, who is then quickly killed by her Nutcracker. 

Victorious, Clara's Nutcracker transforms into a Prince and escorts his heroine away.  Outside in a pine forest near Clara's home  it begins to snow, the King and Queen of the Snow dance as Clara and her Prince enter the forest.  Suddenly it begins to snow harder and a group of Snowflakes dance gracefully around Clara and her Prince.  Eventually the Snow King and Queen emerge again and guide Clara and her prince on through the forest. 

Clara and her Prince arrive in the Land of Sweets and are greeted by The Sugar Plum Fairy and a group of angels, they are so thankful that Clara helped to defeat the Rat King, they present her with gifts and show Clara and her Prince to a throne. Then, the Pastry Chefs arrive to delight their eyes with treats and sweets from around the world.  First come the hot beverages, Hot Chocolate from Spain, Arabian Coffee, and Chinese Tea, then suddenly Russian Candy Cane Dancers emerge from Fabergé Eggs, Marzipan from Denmark arrives on a beautiful cake, Finally the Pastry Chefs, from Germany, dance for Clara and her Prince. Suddenly a beautiful  string of flowers arrive, and Waltz of the Flowers  begins, staring The Dewdrop Fairy.  To conclude the performance The Sugar Plum Fairy  herself, escorted by her Cavaleir, perform a dance, to some of the most iconic music from the ballet. 

All the sweets from all the countries come together for one final dance to usher Clara and her Prince out of their land. Clara wonders, did this really happen, or was it all just a wonderful dream?

Tickets for Clara's Dream- a nutcrracker story can be purchased on the Lebanon Opera House website  or by calling the Box Office at (603)448-0400.  Read this post for information on group ticket pricing. Get your tickets soon for preferred seating! Tickets for Clara's Tea can be purchased on the City Center Ballet website, tea tickets include tickets to the show following the tea.

**Note that as of 11/22/2013 Tickets to Clara's Tea for the 1pm show are SOLD OUT, there are still a few tickets left to Clara's Tea for the 4pm show**