The Nutcracker is a traditional holiday ballet production enjoyed by many all around the world, a different take on E.T. A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Kind of Mice.” The production follows the dream of a young German girl named Clara and a Nutcracker prince. After defeating the King of Mice, the prince takes her on journey through the enchanted forest. Since the holiday season is fast approaching, we thought this post would transition you into the holiday mood. Here are a few fun facts that you may not have been aware about before:
In Germany, nutcrackers are traditionally gifted to children because it is believed that they can protect families and bring good luck to their homes.
The production was first premiered in Russia,1892 and didn’t make its first full appearance to the United States until 1944.
The composer Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, was not as big of a fan of the score he composed as the audience is today. He believed that his composition for Sleeping Beauty was better.
The roles of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince were first played by children.
The Instrument featured in “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” is called a “celesta.” Because it was a new instrument at the time, Tchaikovsky kept it a secret until the first performance in order to add a unique sound.
As a result of The Nutcracker being a popular production, we have compiled a list of suggested backdrops available in our warehouse that could be used in different scenes in The Nutcracker. Click here to check it out and contact Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart for more information on them!