By Malak Khaled
The Nutcracker is coming to the Cairo Opera House from December 26 to December 30! As one of the most iconic Christmas traditions worldwide, it’s the perfect time to delve into what makes this ballet so special.
How did The Nutcracker become a symbol of Christmas magic, much like the classic holiday movie Home Alone?
The Story
The Nutcracker Ballet show is divided into two Acts. In Act I, the story unfolds at a Christmas Eve party where Clara (sometimes called Marie) receives a unique nutcracker doll as a gift from her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer.
That night, as the family sleeps, Clara starts to obsess over her new gift and sneaks to the Christmas tree to check on her nutcracker.
Suddenly, she finds herself in the middle of a magical battle where the Nutcracker comes to life to fight the scary Mouse King and his army. By throwing a shoe at the mouse king, Clara saves the day, turning her little nutcracker into a prince charming in true Princess and the Frog fashion.
In Act II, the Nutcracker Prince takes Clara on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. There, they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, who gives them a phenomenal show. The finale is then an enchanting “Waltz of the Flowers,” a dance of beauty and grace.
Finally, Clara makes her way home. Just as the ballet is about to end, she wakes up disoriented and cuddling her Nutcracker doll. Both Clara and the audience are left to wonder if it was all a beautiful dream.
Origin
The ballet debuted on December 18, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is composed by Tchaikovsky, also known for another masterpiece, Swan Lake. The show was not an immediate success. People found it dull and badly executed.
Critics at the time harshly labeled it “an insult” to Russia’s Imperial Theatres and even predicted it would be “death for the company,” as mentioned by Jennifer Homans in her book Apollo’s Angels: A History of Ballet. The music, however, left people in awe from day one.
The Nutcracker is originally an E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 novella, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The original story is considered a little grotesque, so Alexandre Dumas’ adapted version, which is lighter and less intense, served as the basis for the ballet.
The Nutcracker was transformed from a child’s delirious nightmare into a dream-like fantasy through the adaptation from a novella to a ballet show.
What Makes The Nutcracker Such A Phenomena?
The Nutcracker is now one of the most frequently performed ballet shows in the world; it is especially popular during Christmas. So, how did it become such a great success?
The Music
Tchaikovsky’s score has been a roaring success, with his compositions “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and the “Waltz of the Flowers” becoming the global sound of Christmas.
A Magical Holiday Tradition
The imaginary element is strong and just as captivating as in Alice in Wonderland. Clara’s encounter with the mice and her trip down to the Land of Sweets keep the audience on their toes, not knowing what’s to come next.
This makes it a show for everyone. The themes of family, imagination, and wonder are simple enough to touch young people, yet the performance remains complex and profound, drawing in a sophisticated crowd.
An International Sensation
The Nutcracker ballet’s second act features dances inspired by cultures from around the world. Spanish chocolate, Arabian coffee, Chinese tea, and French marzipan are all taken to the stage to show the audience a little sweetness with an international twist, adding to the appeal.
These vibrant dances, paired with Tchaikovsky’s music and complemented by stunning costumes and elaborate sets, are why The Nutcracker show brings people back once and again.
The Nutcracker continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its magical story, breathtaking performances, and timeless music. As it comes to the stage of Cairo Opera House, it is a chance to experience the festivities of Christmas in all its glory with Clara, her Nutcracker, and the mice.
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