Despite its reputation as the bonbon of the ballet world, The Nutcracker is far from a sugary clich. The plot is as crazy as it is convincing. The surreal action takes place in an increasingly fantastical world, leaving the cozy domesticity of Clara's parent' house far behind. As soon as the audience adapts to one new world, another follows swiftly on as transformation follows transformation. The magician Drosselmeyer sets out to find a young girl who can break the curse imposed by the Mouse King on his nephew Hans-Peter, and restore him to human form. Mice and toys stage a pitched battle. Drosselmeyer sends Clara and Hans-Peter to the Land of the Snow and then to the Kingdom of Sweets where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince.

CAST: Nina Kaptsova, Artem Ovcharenko

RUN TIME: 135 min