The year is 1816 And the young Vsevolozhsky children eagerly await the arrival of their beloved Uncle Ivanov. The house is filled with joy at the reunion of the family. Excitement stirs in the hearts of all as Uncle Ivanov announces that his travel trunk is laden with gifts that he has chosen for each member of his family. As the parcels are distributed and admired, Uncle Ivanov’s niece, Masha, is especially interested in the national origin of each item.
Exotic silks, spices, chocolate, and coffee emerge from his traveling trunk, but these gifts are not for young Masha. Delicately-decorated marzipan cakes and sweet Russian pastila are quickly gobbled up by the little children. A gorgeous sugarplum princess is passed between eager hands. However, it is the wooden German nutcracker that captures Masha’s affection.
After the thrilling events of the evening adjourn, the guests retreat to their homes, and the children to their beds for a restful night’s sleep. But Uncle Ivanov’s gifts are so fantastical that for Masha, they inspire vivid dreams of a fierce battle between toy soldiers and a wicked mouse queen, a snowy journey with a Sugar Plum Fairy, and a magical arrival to a far-off land. Flowers dance, cookies live in quaint homes, and her German nutcracker is a tiny prince. Does this land truly only exist in her dreams?
July 23rd and 24th at the Bowling Green Performing Arts Center.
Tickets:
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