Our Story of The Nutcracker

Cindy Case
6 days ago
4 min read

Brenna Mazzara as the ballerina doll in the Party scene. Photo by Nick Eckert

The snow has fallen, the ships have sailed, and the theater is quiet—for Ballet Theatre of Maryland's new Annapolis-themed Nutcracker, we've drawn our production to a close.

As we all navigate that nebulous time between Christmas and New Year's, we're leaving you with a Nutcracker story to keep you company. This telling, adapted from the work of principal BTM dancer Alexander Collen, is sure to warm a cozy winter's night.

Principal dancer Alexander Collen. Photo by Clara Molina

The Story of The Nutcracker

A Maryland dream begins.

What if Clara's magical journey began right here in Annapolis?

Starting this year, The Nutcracker at Ballet Theatre of Maryland is more than a beloved holiday tradition—it's a love letter to our home. We've reimagined the classic story with a local twist, placing Clara's enchanted adventure in a setting inspired by Maryland's own rich heritage and coastal beauty.

Student cast member Reese as Clara with Brayden Page as her father. Photo by Joseph Mazzara

Candles flicker, the scent of greenery fills the air, and the ballroom hums with music.

Guests in fine 19th-century Annapolis attire fill the floor—the swirling gowns, the polished boots, the colors of a holiday steeped in local tradition. Children laugh. And at the center of it all, a very special guest arrives…

Drosselmeier.

With a glimmer in his eye, he draws Clara near. A small package appears, wrapped in ribbon—a gift that will change her night, and her life.

Clara is curious, for this mysterious gift is unlike any she's ever seen.

Student dancer Emily as Clara and Diego Sosa as Drosselmeier, while Lauren Martinez as Clara's grandmother looks on. Photo by Nick Eckert

What begins as a family celebration soon becomes something more. As Clara drifts into sleep, the lines between reality and imagination blur, and her wooden sailor stirs to life…

Alexander Collen as the Nutcracker, student dancer Emily as Clara, and Diego Sosa as Drosselmeier

The dream takes an unexpected turn. The battle begins.

Clara stands on the deck of a ship—sails billowing, waves rolling, cannons at the ready.

The British fleet approaches, led by the cunning Rat King. But the Nutcracker is no ordinary sailor. In true Annapolis fashion, he’s a captain courageous, and he’s calling all hands to deck.

Alexander Collen as the Nutcracker and Aaron Bauer as the Rat King. Photo by Jan Exler

When the Rat King corners the Nutcracker. Clara takes off her shoe and throws it as a distraction. The Nutcracker seizes his moment to win the battle, but disappears from Clara's view.

Snow begins to fall.

Victoria Sanzotera and Brayden Page as the Snow Queen and King. Photo by Joseph Mazzara

The Rat King is vanquished. The Nutcracker stands tall. And as Clara takes his hand, a new world begins to shimmer into view.

Snow swirls gently down in the Paca Gardens. Dancers in white drift across the stage like winter spirits.

Front: Alyssa Nichols, Rachel Visosky, and Clara Molina as Snowflakes. Photo by Joseph Mazzara

As the last snowflakes melt into foam, Clara’s ship glides into calmer waters. The sails ease, the anchor drops, and she steps onto the deck to see… the Chesapeake Bay as she’s never seen it before.

Glittering waters. Soft waves. And from the shore, a most unusual welcome.

Crabs in their Sunday best waltz forward. Oysters shimmer in pearlescent costumes. The Bay itself seems alive with music.

Student performers as angelic Crabs and Oysters. Photo by Nick Eckert

Through snow and dreamscape, Clara and the Nutcracker arrive at their destination: the Kingdom of Confections.

Clara is greeted with a parade of sweets drawn from our state’s history, and one by one, dancers step forward to perform in Clara’s honor. Each treat tells a story.

Clara Molina and Mimi Hardin in Peppermint. Photo by Nick Eckert

Clara’s journey brings her to a magical garden—a place where petals swirl, the air shimmers, and the flowers begin to dance.

This is the moment the music lifts, the stage blossoms, and our corps de ballet steps into the light.

Amanda Cobb as the Dew Drop Fairy with dancers of BTM. Photo by Joseph Mazzara

Last of all, Clara's Nutcracker dances with the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy. As they glide effortlessly together, Clara feels herself begin to drift off to sleep...

Sarah Jung as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Diego Sosa as the Nutcracker. Photo by Joseph Mazzara

Clara stirs. The Nutcracker is still. The Land of Sweets fades like a snowflake on her cheek. It is Christmas morning, and she is curled up on the settee in the parlor. She has woken from the most wonderful dream with her beloved nutcracker toy snug in her arms.

Was it all a dream?

Student performer Emily as Clara. Photo by Jan Orazem

As we look toward 2026, we at Ballet Theatre of Maryland wish you a safe and peaceful end to the year. When we return in January, we invite you to join us at our performances of Momentum in February, Lineage with Full Circle Dance Company in March, and La Esmeralda in April.