• There’s a Curse: The Nutcracker Prince finds himself imprisoned in a little doll. When a beautiful young girl falls in love with him, then the spell will be broken. • There’s Magic: Drosselmeyer is both a magician and a maker of toys. He presents the Nutcracker doll to Clara. • It’s Old: The Nutcracker was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on December 19, 1892. • The Sugar Plum Fairy Throws a Good Party: Some of the best dancing takes place near the end of the ballet when the characters visit the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.