The Nutcracker

Russian version of the libretto by Yury Dimitrin

The opera was written in 1836. This version was first performed in Perm in 2010. 

This opera-buffa is not as well known as Donizetti’s other masterpieces in this genre, L’elisir d’amore or Don Pasquale, but the combination of the beautiful Italian bel canto and the frivolous comic plot has led to leading theatres staging Il campanello more frequently. The plot is actually on the edge of what is permitted: the main character Enrico is obliged to change his appearance all the time in order to force his way into the chemist shop of the old duffer Annibale and disturb his wedding night with Serafina, who cannot decide what she wants more: her husband’s money or her lover’s youth. 

During the production, the theatre foyer is transformed into the interior of an Italian chemist’s shop. The chamber orchestra is on the balcony, and the action takes place throughout the theatre’s corridors and balustrades.

 Age category: 6+