The Nutcracker

Act I: The Christmas Party

• Clara (or Marie):

  • A festive party dress in soft pastel colors like pink, light blue, or cream, often with lace or ribbon details.
  • Accessories include a bow in her hair and ballet slippers.
  • Later, she may carry the Nutcracker doll as a central prop.

• Drosselmeyer:

  • A mysterious and eccentric costume featuring a long, dark coat or cape with rich, velvety textures.
  • Accessories include a top hat, gloves, and sometimes a monocle or eyepatch, emphasizing his magical and enigmatic nature.

• The Nutcracker (Doll Form):

  • A soldier’s costume in bold colors such as red, blue, and gold.
  • Features include a high-collared jacket, white pants, and a tall hat or shako.

• The Mouse King:

  • A whimsical, dark costume with fur accents and exaggerated details such as a crown, cape, and a tail.
  • Often includes a large mouse mask or headpiece to enhance the character’s comical villainy.

• Party Guests:

  • Victorian-era costumes in elegant, festive designs:
    • Women: Floor-length gowns with puffed sleeves, lace, and floral or seasonal embellishments.
    • Men: Tailcoats, waistcoats, and formal trousers in rich fabrics.

• Children:

  • Bright, colorful frocks for girls and formal suits for boys, reflecting a cheerful holiday setting.

Act II: The Land of Sweets

• Clara (or Marie):

  • A lighter, more ethereal version of her Act I dress, often in white or pale pastel colors, signifying her dreamlike journey.

• Sugar Plum Fairy:

  • A shimmering, opulent tutu in shades of pink, lavender, or gold, heavily adorned with crystals and glittering embellishments.
  • Accessories include a tiara or jeweled crown and a wand to signify her authority in the Land of Sweets.

• The Nutcracker Prince:

  • A royal, princely costume in white, gold, or light blue, featuring embroidered detailing and a sash or cape.

• Divertissements (Cultural Dances):

  • Spanish Dance: Flamenco-style costumes in red, black, and gold with lace or ruffled skirts for women and tailored jackets for men.
  • Arabian Dance: Flowing, exotic costumes with harem pants and jeweled tops in deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or gold.
  • Chinese Dance: Bright, silk-inspired tunics and pants, often in red and gold with intricate patterns.
  • Russian Dance (Trepak): Folk-inspired costumes with bold colors like red and white, featuring boots, wide belts, and embroidered shirts.
  • Marzipan (or Mirlitons): Light pastel tutus, often decorated with delicate ribbons or floral accents, reflecting sweetness and charm.
  • Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles: Mother Ginger wears a massive, voluminous skirt (sometimes a prop with hidden children underneath) and a comical, oversized wig or bonnet. The Polichinelles (children) wear colorful, playful outfits with striped or patterned designs.
  • Waltz of the Flowers: Romantic tutus in soft pinks, greens, or other floral tones, often adorned with petal-like details to evoke blooming flowers.

Costume Summary:

• Act I: Victorian holiday attire for the party scene, whimsical and magical designs for Drosselmeyer, the Nutcracker, and the Mouse King.
• Act II: Extravagant, dreamlike costumes for the Land of Sweets, featuring a range of cultural designs and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy’s shimmering tutu.