The Nutcracker - Christmas Audiobook - Part 2 - Read by Dr James Gill 

I hope you enjoyed the tale as well 😊

How does the story match up with the ballet? I was really surprised about some of the content

@@DrJamesGill The ballet does stray quite far - only the first scenes are kept in the work. The piece is for an array of different cultures, nations, and dancers of many age groups to dance together - so it is much more heartwarming in that regard. (Unfortunately at the time of its premiere, the idea of all people coming together for a celebration drew ire from the aristocratic audiences). It starts off with the Christmas Eve party, and you do see the Nutcracker and his troops fight the mice. Marie (called Clara in the score) saves the Nutcracker by throwing the shoe and the Nutcracker delivers the final blow - and THAT'S what turns him back to human. From there he whisks her off to the Land of the Sweets, his original home. All the different people of different nations then have a grand celebration, each performing a brief number showing their different dances, and giving Clara different gifts. After the party, they send Clara back home, where she's woken up in the parlor's couch by her mother, nutcracker still in arm, but surrounded by all the sweets and gifts. There are several full performances available for free on RU-vid, and the show's relatively short compared to other classical concerts - generally not longer than 90 minutes. I highly recommend it! Modern directors have made use of modern lighting and technologies to make very mystical-looking sets and costumes.

If my new Jurassic park Christmas jumper has arrived in time

And to you 😊

Eh

Eh isso

I knew of, but had never actually seen the ballet. I’m ASTONISHED how dark the book is

lo, does happen, truth be told, I feel happiest in a shirt, but... some times you just have to opt for a warmer option

He’s his own master. He comes and goes. Although I do think he pops up toward the end on part 2 or 3