Christmas comes but once a year, and for lovers of festive tales and seasonal charm, Christmas 2018 will be extra special as the Royal New Zealand Ballet stages their first national tour of The Nutcracker since 2010.  Sure to captivate all ages, this treasured production from your national ballet company makes a special Christmas gift for the whole family.

Our story begins on Christmas Eve, as Tchaikovsky's enchanting music fills the air and Clara is given a nutcracker doll by her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. Falling asleep on the sofa, she dreams a Christmas dream of magic and romance…

As the clock strikes midnight, the drawing room is transformed into a battleground. Skirmishes break out between toy soldiers, led by the brave Nutcracker, and the motley crew of mice who emerge from the shadows of the skirting boards. All seems lost, but clever Clara saves the day, and the handsome Nutcracker Prince sweeps her away on a snowy journey to the enchanted Marzipan Castle.

Welcomed to the magical kingdom by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her Prince are captivated by dances representing tea, coffee, chocolate, marzipan and flowers. The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy brings the entertainment to a climax in one of ballet’s most cherished showpieces.

As the night ends, Clara awakes on Christmas morning, knowing that the sweetest memories are made with those whom we love.

Tchaikovsky's much-loved score will be performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at The Civic, while a specially-made recording will accompany performances at the Bruce Mason Centre.

 

Credits
Choreography: Val Caniparoli
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set design: Michael Auer and Andrew Lees
Costume design: Assisted by Patricia Barker
Lighting Design: Jon Buswell
Orchestra: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Conductor: Hamish McKeich