The Nutcracker

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2 & 7 p.m.
Friday, December 21, 2025 at 2 p.m.

The Redfern Arts Center at Keene State College
90 Wyman Way, Keene, NH 03431

Act I

It is Christmas Eve, and last-minute details are being attended to as the Stahlbaums anticipate the arrival of their guests. As the festivities continue, the Stahlbaums invite their guests to dance. There is a late arrival that startles everyone, especially the children. It is Clara’s godfather, known affectionately to the family as Uncle Drosselmeyer. He entertains all and gives Clara a very special gift, a Nutcracker dressed as a soldier. Clara’s brother, Fritz becomes jealous and plots to steal the Nutcracker, and as they battle for possession, the Nutcracker breaks. Drosselmeyer magically fixes Clara’s Nutcracker, and as the hour grows late, the guests take their leave and with the house quiet the family retires for the night. Clara sneaks down to find her Nutcracker safe under the tree and falls asleep next to him. Clara awakens and is startled to find the house overrun with Rats. Clara tries to find a safe place to hide and witnesses Drosselmeyer’s magic, as the Nutcracker comes to life and the Christmas tree grows to dizzying heights. The Rat King appears and challenges the Nutcracker to a duel. Just when it appears the Rat King will win, Clara distracts him, and the Nutcracker takes advantage and slays the evil Rat King. Drosselmeyer then transforms the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince, and they go through the Enchanted Forest on a fantastic journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Act II

Drosselmeyer’s magic is still at work as they arrive at the Kingdom of Sweets and are met by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Nutcracker reenacts the battle with the rats and shows the Sugar Plum Fairy how Clara saved him. The Sugar Plum Fairy has many lively, themed dances performed in Clara’s honor, culminating with a magical pas de deux performed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome Cavalier. This beautiful dance completes Clara’s most perfect evening. She tells the Nutcracker she wishes the adventure would never end and he tells her it won’t for those who have an eye to see it. Clara wakes up the next morning with her Nutcracker still in her arms. She wondered, was this a dream? Only Clara will ever know…

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