The Nutcracker

A fairy-tale ballet in 2 acts by P. I. Tchaikovsky

Choreography by Lev Ivanov

Libretto by Ivan Vsevolozhsky and Marius Petipa

Based on Alexandre Dumas père’s adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”

Choreographic adaptation and direction by Konstantin Uralsky

Set and costume design by Salvatore Russo

Marie – Angelika Koraiza

The Nutcracker – Tomoki Ishigo

The Sugar Plum Fairy – Clara Ferrer

The Mouse King – Arne Estlander

Drosselmeyer – Elliot Salberg

On Christmas Eve, Marie’s godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker doll. When everyone falls asleep, the toys come to life and the festivities begin, but their magical world is invaded by mice led by the Mouse King. Marie drives the attackers away, and the Nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince. Beneath the starry sky, amid snowflakes and the glow of a fantastical Christmas tree, preparations begin for their royal wedding. In the morning, Marie awakens in the familiar room with the doll in her arms—the magical adventure was a dream.

Konstantin Uralsky’s production offers an original interpretation based on Lev Ivanov’s choreography and Vasily Vainonen’s adaptation. The classical dance language combines the lyricism of the fairy tale with dynamism, humor, and vibrant childlike fun. “This is more than a fairy tale. It is the fairy tale of our lives, of our childhood,” says the choreographer.

With this production, over the past five years the ballet company of the State Opera – Stara Zagora has performed at the most prestigious venues in Germany and the Netherlands.