The Nutcracker by the Kansas City Ballet Christmas 2014

Every year I take my girls to see The Nutcracker at the Kansas City Ballet. After the show I ask each girl what they most enjoyed about the show.

My five-year-old loved the watching the Christmas tree grow (or Clara shrink depending on your perspective) and the magic throughout as the Nutcracker changed into a prince and the scenes changed throughout. My seven-year-old liked Mother Ginger and her children dancing with balloons. She also loved the Snow Forest, "When it started snowing it was like magic and the queen was so beautiful, it was the prettiest part of the show."

My nine-year-old loved the Waltz of the Flowers, "The costumes were so lovely as they danced, they were my favorite, as if the flowers were blooming as they twirled. The dance was beautiful."

Having grown up attending The Nutcracker I must admit it is so much more fun to take my own girls and watch as their eyes dance with the magic of the show. And, it is undeniable that the acoustics and setting of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts have greatly enhanced the experience, with the symphony's performance truly being one of the highlights of the show.

The costumes and settings beautifully portray the tale of Clara and her nutcracker. The story begins on Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum's house. The family is hosting a party when their godfather appears granting gifts to the children. He presents Clara with a nutcracker, but during the party the nutcracker is broken. He repairs it with a handkerchief. After the party, everyone goes home and goes to bed. Clara falls asleep awaking at midnight to discover that she shrunk and is now the size of her nutcracker. The Nutcracker battles the Mouse King, and is transformed into a human prince. After the battle, the new prince takes her on a fanciful adventure to the Land of Sweets. They are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy who takes them to her Candy Castle to celebrate with a grand festival. 

Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music tells the tale with excitement and whimsy - a story enjoyed by generations. Our family looks forward to the show every Christmas season and we recommend making it a part of your holiday traditions! The Nutcracker  by the KC Ballet showing Dec. 6 - 24,2014 at Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Kansas City, MO.