Bolshoi Ballet's THE NUTCRACKER

No holiday season would be complete without the timeless classic The Nutcracker. Through our Ballet in Cinema series in we bring you a stunning production of this gorgeous tale from one of the world's leading ballet company, Moscow's The Bolshoi! Presented in glorious High Definition and with spectacular surround sound this is a cinematic experience you don't want to miss.ACT ONEScene 1 – A Christmas Party at The Stahlbaum home, Christmas Eve Guests are gathering at a Christmas party at the Stahlbaum home. Drosselmeyer, godfather to the Stahlbaums’ children, Marie and Fritz, arrives late, disguised as a magician. After presenting various toys to the children’s delight, he takes off his mask and Marie and Fritz realize it is their godfather. Enjoying all of Drosselmeyer’s life-like toys, Marie is saddened when they must be taken away. To comfort her, Drosselmeyer gives Marie a Nutcracker doll which she receives with great delight. Jealous of his sister’s new gift, Fritz breaks the Nutcracker doll and continues to taunt Marie as she rocks the Nutcracker back and forth. After some disciplining and a final ceremonious dance, the evening comes to a close and the guests depart.Scene 2 – The Battle Late in the evening, Marie comes to check on her “injured” Nutcracker doll, which stands at the foot of the family Christmas tree. Drosselmeyer suddenly appears and at the wave of his hand the Christmas tree begins to grow, and all of the toys come alive. Meanwhile, evil mice creep up from under the floorboards led by their Mouse King. The Nutcracker prepares his soldiers for a battle against them however he is far outnumbered by the overwhelming army of mice. Eventually the Nutcracker is left alone to face the Mouse King one on one. It is only when Drosselmeyer hands Marie a lighted candle that she can help the Nutcracker win the battle; she throws the candle at the Mouse King and surrounding mice. The Mouse King and the remaining mice scurry away as the motionless Nutcracker lies on the floor. Marie, together with the dolls hurries to the rescue when the Nutcracker is magically transformed into a handsome prince. The walls of the Stahlbaums’ house disappear as everyone is taken into a winter wonderland of snowflakes.Scene 3 – A Magical Kingdom of Snow Marie and her new-found toy friends find themselves standing under a star studded sky by a fairy-tale Christmas tree. Snowflakes circle in a magical dance. Marie and her Nutcracker climb into a beautiful boat, setting sail for the top of the Christmas tree where a twinkling star shines. The dolls follow shortly behind them.ACT IIScene 1 – A Magic Christmas Tree Kingdom Marie, the Nutcracker prince, and all of the magical dolls are sailing in their magic boat through the Christmas tree kingdom. They are just about to reach the shining star at the top of the tree when suddenly they are attacked by the Mouse King and his army of mice again. The Nutcracker prince goes boldly into battle and vanquishes the enemy. Joyous celebrations are underway as the dolls perform short divertissements and Marie and the Nutcracker prince dance together. Everyone is filled with happiness – finally they have all reached the kingdom of their dreams.Scene 2 – The Stahlbaum Home Christmas Eve is over. Marie slowly realizes that all this excitement was just a dream. Still in the thrall of her fabulous adventures, Marie holds the Nutcracker doll on her lap, sitting by the family Christmas tree.