The Nutcracker

press release: The Watertown Players, in conjunction with the Watertown Historical Society, will present an adaptation of the perennial Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker,” and it will be presented Sat. Nov. 26 and Sun. Nov. 27 at the Octagon House Museum, located at 919 Charles St., Watertown.  

The show will be presented from 11:00 to 3:00 each day, with a new performance every 30 minutes throughout the day. Tickets for the show may be bought the day of the performance at the Gladys Mollart Tour Center, located on the grounds of the museum. The prices are $7.00 for teens and adults and $3.00 for children 12 and under. As in the past, there will be a special admission offer of up to two children 12 and under will be admitted free with one paid adult admission.  

Adapted by local author and playwright W.F. Jannke III, the play tells the familiar story of a little girl named Clara and the adventures she has on Christmas Eve. She meets the Mouse Prince who menaces her, and is rescued by her wooden Nutcracker, now magically come to life.  After defeating the evil rodent, she and her Nutcracker are transported to the Land of Sweets where they encounter two silly Sugar Plum Fairies, Agatha and her sister Bagatha. All ends happily when Clara is returned home and she left to wonder if it all was really nothing more than a dream.  

Each scene of the show takes place in the four main rooms on the first level of the eight-sided landmark. The actors will lead the audience through the show and afterwards those coming to see the show will be entertained by area choirs stationed in the center of the house who will serenade them with Christmas carols. After that audiences may go into the basement where there will be local crafts people and refreshments.   For further information please call the Octagon House, (920) 261-2796.