The Magic Returns

This holiday season join the Ballet Theatre of Maryland as they present their full-scale production of The Nutcracker. Following the traditional story of the Christmas ballet, there are small character tweaks to give it a more contemporary feel. Retaining Tchaikovsky's iconic score, the show is augmented by incredible and colorful costumes and sets, making this a delight for both seasoned ballet fans and newcomers alike.

What To Expect

On Christmas Eve, a tree-trimming party is in full swing at Clara's parent's exquisite townhouse. When the local toymaker Drosselmeyer appears, he bears gifts for the children; dolls that magically spring to life. For Clara, he presents her with a charming nutcracker soldier doll; alas, her boisterous younger brother grabs it and breaks it by accident, making her cry. The kindly Drosselmeyer fixes the nutcracker's jaw with his own handkerchief, and the party resumes.

At midnight, Clara suddenly awakes underneath her Christmas tree - everyone else has gone to sleep. Suddenly the tree grows to a great size, and she is ambushed by what looks to be a band of giant mice, led by the evil Queen Rat. But what's this? A troop of tin soldiers attacks the rodent army, led by a handsome figure - it's the Nutcracker! With Clara's help, they defeat the rodent army.

The Nutcracker invites Clara to visit the Land of Sweets with him as a thank you. Journeying through a forest of dancing snowflakes, they reach the kingdom of the kindly Sugar Plum Fairy, where a vast festive feast of ballet awaits them...