mwhistler

Thanks for the suggestions, all...I'm off to abebooks.com then. Although the $2750.00 version sounds fascinating...maybe I'll take out a mortgage instead and look at this one... Just kidding- and thanks for you r patience on my reply: just returned from Christmas holidays. Mike

Hello again All- Mike Whistler here, and I am still doing my research on Tchaikovsky/Petipa's 1892 Nutcracker. I have been trying to find a reliable copy of the source story, the ETA Hoffman The Nutcracker Prince. Apparently, the version of this story which was most popular in Tsarist Russia (and the version presented to Tchaikovsky and Petipa for adaptation) was a version adapted by Alexandre Dumas Pere. It is (of course) out of print, and I have scoured the internet trying to find a version of it to read...any chance a ballet history lover out there might offer some insight? Ideally, I'd love to read the story of find a site which has it posted (there are so many sites devoted to this ballet, I figure someone must have posted this public domain work). Or perhaps someone knows of a publisher who has published a version of this, which I might be able to track down on abebooks or Amazon? Any help is appreciated: seasons' greetings to all Mike

Many thanks to all: and a very interesting (if puzzling) answer it is. Certainly is theatrical- especially with eight little junior bees buzzing about. Mike

Good Morning All- I am a new member here ane very glad to have found this website. While not a dancer myself, I am currently researching information on Tchaikovsky ( particularly Nutcracker), and was directed to this site by a friend in the dance world. I am hoping that historians there may have access to information which might help me. I am curious about the staging of the Apotheosis in the original (1891) production of The Nutcracker. The ending has been revised so many times, and I am looking for reliable information on what "story" was told in the first prodcution. Did Clara an the Nutcracker fly off in a sledge? Did they stay in Konfiturenberg? Did the story return to Drosselmeyer's shop? I am unclear, and would be interested on any specific information readers might be able to supply. Moreover, and anecdotal or access to archival information on this original production would be most appreciated. Many thanks in advance: I appreciate the access to your knowledge. Mike, Philadelphia PA USA