Monarch Dance Presents: The Nutcracker

This story is a twist on the classic version of The Nutcracker, interwoven with bits and pieces of nostalgic past, illuminating present, and visionary futuristic storyline .

We hope it gives you a familiar “Wizard of Oz” feeling as you watch the story unfold.
The original story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.

In our version, Young Clara is always dreaming of her future self, the people she will meet, and the adventures she will take. Yet something in her does not quite trust in her own vision. She worries her dreams will not come to fruition.

The Nutcracker is symbolic of influential icons who have come before us, for they are the giants whose shoulders we stand upon. Because of The Nutcracker’s bravery in defeating the Mouse King, Clara can envision an exciting and beautiful future for all.

Principal dancers from the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago will make a special guest appearance as the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy to surprise and delight our audience with an exquisite pas de deux.

Our production also features angels (dancers from our adaptive dance program) in this show serve as our guiding lights, and although they are visions “in the sky”, they ground us with important reminders of why we are here on this earth. To do good, transfrom ourselves and the lives of others many times over, and to flutter on.
Come share this holiday magic with us!