Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, presented by Minnesota Dance Theatre

FRI. 12/16-12/23 various times. $19-$129.
Created in 1892, the Nutcracker Fantasy ballet tells the story of a young girl on a magical Christmas adventure. Clara’s godfather, Drosselmeyer, gives her a toy nutcrackerm with which she instantly falls in love. Her brother, Fritz, while playing with the toy sword Drosselmeyer got for him, breaks the nutcracker. Clara is heartbroken. She eventually falls asleep, and begins to dream. Her dream turns into a nightmare when an army of mice, led by the Mouse King, start to wreak havoc on Christmas Eve. Her beloved nutcracker springs into action, leading her on a wonder-filled adventure through the night. The Minnesota Dance Theatre brings Clara’s story to life with innovative choreography, accompanied by the Nutcracker Orchestra’s soaring rendition of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.