Experience the magic of the beloved tale of “The Nutcracker” in a new, jazzy way! Confluence Ballet Company is proudly partnering with other non-profits to present “Nutcracker for a Difference” on December 16th at 7:30 pm and 17th at 2 pm with music from Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and David Berger.

The story begins at the Stahlbaum’s annual holiday cocktail party. As the guests mingle, Clara and her best friend Marie, sneak into the soiree. Despite their mischief, Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godparent, gifts Clara with a Nutcracker. After the party, Clara dances the evening away with her Nutcracker, falling into a deep slumber. As she sleeps, Drosselmeyer magically transforms the doll into an animated and living being which prompts an attack from the evil Rat Queen, the Nutcracker’s enemy who has come to battle Clara’s alive Nutcracker doll. The Rat Queen is slain, but Nutcracker is terribly injured. Devastated over the injuries of her Nutcracker, Clara begins to lose hope. To remedy Clara’s despair, Drosselmeyer magically heals the Nutcracker and presents Clara and her Nutcracker with an Angel to guide them off through a snowstorm into the mystical Land of the Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, and her court of assorted treats.