Each December, Melrose Youth Ballet stages a full-length production of The Nutcracker ballet. This holiday classic is based on the story The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffman. The staged version of the story that we see today differs from the original story, but the basic plot remains the same. It is the story of a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King and his army of mice.

The ballet was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa. This talented choreographer based his ballet on the revised version of The Nutcracker, written by French author, Alexander Dumas. His version reflects more of what we have come to love as the Nutcracker Ballet.

MYB's Artistic Director, Jaclyn Capozzi has also added her own creative touch to the ballet. With characters such as Harlequin Dolls who lead us through the story of the battle, and a Rat Queen who battles The Nutcracker Prince, Miss Capozzi's Nutcracker offers a new glance at an old tradition. As we enter the 2007 season of MYB's The Nutcracker, we hope that you will join us through the Land of the Sweets on this wonderful journey that so many children and families have come to enjoy.