THE NUTCRACKER Swings

ACT ONE 

It is Christmas Eve 1944, at home of the Stahlbaum’s on Fifth Avenue in New York City.  Despite the hardships on the home front during this of war, the Stahlbaum’s annual holiday party is in full swing, as the Stahlbaum’s and their guests take advantage of the holiday to stop their worrying for just a little while.

Into this spirited gathering arrives a mysterious gentleman.  It is Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather and a toy maker.  With Drosselmeyer is his young nephew.  Once introduced to Clara, it is love at first sight. Drosselmeyer entertains everyone with his puppets, and then brings out a Nutcracker for Clara.  She is so pleased with her gift that her brothers are furious. They grab the Nutcracker and throw it to the floor, breaking it.  Drosselmeyer tenderly repairs the Nutcracker.  After a final dance, the gusts depart and the Stahlbaums go off to bed.

Clara returns to the living room to retrieve her Nutcracker.  She falls asleep cradling him.  Suddenly, she is awakened by the strange magic happening: the Christmas tree grows to the height of a skyscraper and she sees mice as big as grown ups!  Soon the mice, led by the Mouse King, attack the American Naval Forces.  The Nutcracker has also grown and is leading the Sailors in a fierce contest.  During the fight, the Nutcracker is mortally wounded, but the American Navy prevails, and the battle is won.  To soothe the broken-hearted Clara, Drosselmeyer transforms the Nutcracker into a prince – the same young nephew Clara fell in love with at the party.  The prince leads Clara away on a journey through the magical streets of Manhattan, where they dance with Snowkettes of Radio City Music Hall of fame.  The prince presents Clara with a corsage, then whisks her away to El Morocco, a fashionable nightclub where the patrons party into early hours. 

ACT TWO

          Outside El Morocco, Christmas Carolers perform for the hopeful crowd who wish to enter the glamorous nightclub.  Clara and the prince arrive in a limousine and are immediately admitted and then led to the best seat in the house to watch the floorshow that has been arranged for their pleasure by Herr Drosselmeyer.  A series of dances are performed by the El Morocco staff and the stars who entertain there. On this night the Hollywood Star-studded guests and El Morocco Follies perform in honor of Clara's visit.  Everyone then bids farewell to Clara and her prince, who depart with lifelong memories of their wonderful adventures and their wish for “On earth, peace, good will toward men.”

Eastern Shore’s Own, Inc. (ESO) is a non-profit community arts center whose mission is to foster the development of the arts through instruction and performance. Our goal is to provide opportunities for local artists to teach, practice, perform and to make the arts available to all residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Our History

Eastern Shore’s Own, Inc. was founded in 1984 by Allen Derrick, a retired actor from New York and Joyce Holland, a local theater performer. Originally ESO was an adult theater troupe that expanded into instruction of the arts and became incorporated on August 1, 1986. ESO began leasing the Belle Haven School building from the Town of Belle Haven on September 1, 1986. ESO has been located in the facility since that time.

Our Facility

Many renovations and improvements have been made to the classic, three story brick building since ESO’s occupation in 1986. The ESO Facility currently includes:

• a pottery/sculpture studio with four potters’ wheels and one kiln
• a studio theater with stage, sound and lighting equipment
• a kitchen
• an art room
• a small dance/fitness studio
• a large dance studio
• a “green room”/small dance studio
• a costume shop
• teaching spaces for music lessons
• a performing music room
• a hallway and lounge area
• storage spaces
• Main Office Suite with 3 work spaces
• and updated restroom facilities

The ESO, at 15293 King Street in the Town of Belle Haven, is located in southern Accomack County and serves the residents of the Eastern Shore from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the Maryland State Line. The ESO classes, facilities and productions are available to all residents of the Eastern Shore regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic origin, financial means, or level of ability.

Productions & Events

The ESO School of Dance, the largest area of enrollment at ESO, performs two full scale productions per year, with all ESO dance students participating. ESO has presented a production of the “Nutcracker” every December since 1991. The ESO LIVE! Series features musical performances monthly by local and regional artists, in an intimate nightclub-like setting. ESO Fest is our annual fundraiser, held each year in late summer, Celebrating ESO Arts Center and arts and culture of the Eastern Shore. Music student recitals are held periodically for both instrumentalists and our Youth Chorale vocal ensemble.

www.esoartscenter.org