Nutcracker Preview
Written by Lily Wodzisz and Kalea Hoffner
The Nutcracker is a coveted holiday tradition and a classic Christmas performance that many people anticipate each year. From the festive, fairytale music to the timeless choreography, this ballet is a must-see this holiday season.
Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, born in 1840, was the most popular Russian composer of his time. Tchaikovsky composed 169 known compositions, three being ballets. The last ballet he composed was The Nutcracker. At the time this composition was premiered, critics claimed it was “childish” and forgettable. But as seen from the number of annual productions across the globe, the critics were wrong. This ballet takes place in Germany and begins in the house of Frau and Herr Stalbraum, the parents of Clara and Fritz, who are hosting their annual Christmas Eve party. Suddenly, Clara’s mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer shows up and gives her a nutcracker. Once the party winds down, Clara falls asleep at the stroke of midnight, prompting the mice to arrive. Drosselmeyer uses his magic to save Clara from the mice and bring the nutcracker doll to life. With the help of the toy soldiers, the Nutcracker fights the mice, eventually defeating the Mouse King. The Nutcracker is then transformed into a real-life prince. Drosselmeyer transports Clara and her Nutcracker to the snow forest, and from there, Clara and her prince travel to the land of sweets. The two meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is endlessly grateful to be reunited with the nutcracker prince. She invites the sweets to dance for Clara. Clara watches many magical divertissements, including Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Peppermints, Cupcakes, the Dewdrop Fairy, Flowers, and of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. In the end, Clara departs from the land of sweets, unclear if this fairytale was a dream or reality.
In addition to being a sacred holiday tradition, The Nutcracker is a staple in a musician's development and repertoire. Anni Lopez, first year senior cellist, has played in a pit orchestra before; however, this is her first time in The Nutcracker.
She says, “[As a pit performer], you have to pay extra attention while accompanying the stage,” emphasizing that it is essential to play loud in order to compensate for the lack of number of players in a pit orchestra, especially in a piece by Tchaikovsky.
Cadence Glenzy, a four year senior Dance major, has danced in 12 productions of The Nutcracker, and this year she will be performing as the Snow Queen, Coffee, and the Sugar Plum Fairy—which is her favorite role.
Cadence commented, “The greatest lesson I have learned from being involved in Interlochen’s Nutcracker is to be professional. The process can be confusing and a lot to keep up with at some points, but it is important to keep a positive attitude and trust the process.”
Interlochen is incredibly fortunate to be able to perform this classic ballet in costumes imported from Ukraine. This partnership began in 2023, and today, countless Ukrainian costumes have been featured in several Interlochen productions, such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Interlochen’s production of The Nutcracker is so special because it combines several different art disciplines, namely dance, music, and musical theater. Glenzy says that her favorite scene in The Nutcracker is the snow scene—where Clara and the nutcracker prince meet the Snow King and Queen, watch the snowflakes dance, and get into a magical car that transports them to the Land of Sweets—because she loves the music, the falling snow, and how the Interlochen choir is able to accompany the dancers live during the performance.
With a diverse population of students working both on stage and behind the scenes, this production will surely put you in the holiday spirit!