Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet on a journey into a world of dreams, magic and triumph over evil with a one-afternoon performance of The Nutcracker at the Opry House on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 4 p.m.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet, including prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine, invites you to a ballet experience that thrills audiences on the world’s stages. In the tale, a young girl befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a journey to a magical kingdom filled with dancing sugar plum fairies, toy soldiers and other characters. Through their adventures, the young girl learns that love, imagination and kindness can overcome adversity and create wonder in our lives.
The Nutcracker was adapted into a ballet in 1892 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky with a libretto by Marius Petipa, and it was based on the story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” by E. T. A. Hoffmann.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will be directed toward the renovation efforts of the Kyiv State Choreographic College and repairing the children’s dormitory. By attending the performance, audiences can enjoy the ballet while contributing to the preservation of the institution that has nurtured generations of talented dancers.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is recommended for audiences ages 5 and older. Show time is two hours with a 20-minute intermission.
THE STORYLINE
Act one:
On Christmas Eve, guests gather at Doctor Stahlbaum’s house. His children, Mary and Fritz, are waiting for presents along with other children. The last guest to arrive is Drosselmeyer, Mary’s godfather and, coincidentally, a magician. His ability to bring toys to life both fascinates and frightens the children. The godfather presents Mary with a Nutcracker. The celebration ends and the guests dance a farewell dance. Mary returns to her room and hugs the Nutcracker.
Then, the action moves into Mary’s dream. The walls of her room slide apart, the Christmas tree begins to grow, and the decorations come to life. The Mouse King and his army of mice appear. The Nutcracker, together with his soldiers, fiercely fights and defeats the Mouse King. The Nutcracker transforms into a Prince.
Act two:
Mary and the Prince, along with the dolls that came to life, rejoice, celebrate, and dance under the starry sky next to the Christmas tree surrounded by snow. Spanish, Chinese, Arab and Slavic dolls dance in the joy of the victory over the evil Mouse King. Everyone is getting ready for Mary and the Prince’s wedding. Drosselmeyer appears and everything changes around again. Mary wakes up and has the Nutcracker in her arms.
Tickets are now available here.
