SUMMARY OF THE BALLET

Act I

First picture. In a small town on the square comes the festive fuss. Masha appears with her parents, a fabulous Christmas tree is lit. Parents distribute Christmas gifts to children. Everyone is delighted.

Drosselmeyer appears, dressed as Santa Claus. Children surround him. From a huge box, he takes toys and gives them to children. For Masha they are boring and uninteresting. She is sad. Drosselmeyer presents Masha with the Nutcracker, which she is delighted with. Adults and children leave when they see this freak. Happy Masha enthusiastically dances with the Nutcracker, seeing in him a living person with a tender, beautiful soul. When adults and children appear, the Nutcracker suddenly breaks down. Masha turns to Santa Claus for help. He takes off his outfit and Masha recognizes him as Drosselmeyer, who revives the Nutcracker.

Second picture. Masha's room. Toys sit under the Christmas tree, among which is the Nutcracker. Masha prepares them for bed. Everyone falls asleep. Drosselmeyer appears. He starts a fight between the Rat King and the Nutcracker, thereby preparing Masha for new trials. Seeing the unequal battle and overcoming fear, Masha rushes to the aid of the Nutcracker. Drosselmeyer stops the battle and turns him into a handsome prince and, together with the matured Masha, goes to new distances to meet the awakening nature. Snowflakes take Masha and the Prince on an amazing journey, where new challenges await them.

Act II

Nature awakens, begins to breathe and tremble. Drosselmeyer appears, followed by Masha with the Nutcracker and other toys. They are pursued by the Mouse King and his retinue. The brave Nutcracker defeats the King in single combat. Drosselmeyer's happiness is boundless. His dreams came true - the dreams of a romantic.