Now that November has rolled around, it’s practically Christmas and the festive celebrations are gamely getting into full swing. Not to be left out is everyone’s favorite immersive local theater company Andsoforth, back again with their theatrical feasts that never fail to disappoint. After hugely successful takes on raunchy fairy tales and beloved childhood story The Secret Garden, the company is rounding out its 2018 season with one last Christmas production: Marie and The Nutcracker.
While most might be familiar with the pop culture iterations of The Nutcracker tale (fun fact: the 2001 film Barbie in the Nutcracker was the Mattel doll’s debut film feature), it’s easy to overlook the story’s distinguished beginnings as a two-act Russian ballet by composer Tchaikovsky. The ballet premiered in Saint Petersburg in 1892 and went on to enjoy enormous success after, becoming one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions.
And the actual origin story goes even further back. The ballet’s libretto, or text sung, was adapted from German author E. T. A. Hoffman’s 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which chronicles a young protagonist Marie Stahlbaum’s adventure as her favorite Christmas toy comes to life, and defeats the evil Mouse King. This month, you too will be able to have a crack (pun intended) at the action, as Andsoforth brings the treasured tale to life in a four-course interactive dinner.
Premiering Nov 15 at a secret location, the show will have a limited run till Jan 6, 2019—perfectly timed if you find yourself bored over the festive holiday. You’ll play the role of the toys that come to life, so come dressed for the part and join the Nutcracker in his four-room quest to defeat the Mouse King and his army. Success will be literally sweet as the journey culminates in the Kingdom of Sweets, complete with a joyous wedding as per the story. As for the food, expect mains inspired by cuisines from Nuremburg and the original story; a great start to all that holiday feasting.
Marie and The Nutcracker runs from Nov 15-Jan 6, Thurs to Sun, at a secret location. Tickets start from $98. More information available here.
