The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 9 PM

Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 2 AM

Enjoy a retelling of the classic Nutcracker story, featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and narration by Alan Cumming. Conceived by award-winning musician John Mauceri, this new work is a reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.” 

Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 book, the special recounts the origin story of how a prince got put into a nutcracker. Unlike the ballet, we also learn what happens when the young girl grows up, having saved the prince, and what they are doing today! Music from Tchaikovsky’s lesser-known works, as well as from “The Nutcracker” ballet, underscore this epic and heroic tale—one that has never been told before on television.