Holiday classic: ‘Nutcracker’ returns to DSO, staged at Detroit School of Arts

The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same; The story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

When Marius Petipa had the idea to choreograph the story into a ballet, it was actually based on a revision by French author Alexander Dumas. His version reflects more of what we have come to love as the Nutcracker Ballet.

A short spoiler-free synopsis: It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house — A large and grand house with the most beautiful tree imaginable.  The Stahlbaums are hosting their annual Christmas party, welcoming the arrival of their family and friends. The children, Clara and Fritz, are dancing and playing as they welcome their friends too. The party grows festive with music and dance as godfather Drosselmeyer arrives. He is a skilled clock and toy maker and always full of surprises. Drosselmeyer draws everyone’s attention as he presents two life-size dolls. They are the delight of the party, each taking a turn to dance. And then they all dance, dance, dance.

Tickets for the Nutcracker, featuring the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra and Taylor Ballet Americana, can be purchased through the Detroit Symphony Orchestra box office. Tickets are $12 for the Tiny Tots concert on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children for the Nutcracker Young People’s concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday (Dec. 6) at 2 p.m.

At the Ford Auditorium, Detroit School of Arts, 123 Selden St., Detroit’s Midtown.