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THE NIGHT BEFORE <i>THE NUTCRACKER</i> by John Robert Allman

THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NUTCRACKER

by John Robert Allman ; illustrated by Julianna Swaney

Pub Date: Sept. 6th, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-18091-4
Publisher: Doubleday

See The Nutcracker from the best seats in the house and from behind the curtains.

Modeled after Clement C. Moore’s “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” this book, created in partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, takes readers through the process of mounting the beloved show, with special attention paid to the youngest dancers. There are no dreams of sugarplums the night before the opening performance. Instead, these racially diverse young ones are restless, reliving the preparations that brought them to this point. First there were tense auditions, and then they learned and practiced the poses and steps before even beginning rehearsals and run-throughs with the professional adult dancers. Costumes were constructed and fitted, and the performers had their dress rehearsal. When the big day arrives, schoolwork must be done, and the dancers must warm up, don costumes, apply makeup, and have their hair styled. Finally, there are last family hugs and encouraging good wishes, and a stagehand calls out, “Places!” Allman now directs attention to the stage as readers experience the entire magical tale of The Nutcracker, followed by bows, cheers, and celebrations. Tonight, the children dream of all the fun to come in the next performances. Swaney’s illustrations spread across the pages, often showing the action in multiple spaces, depicting the grueling hard work to achieve perfection in line and movement and the utter joy of the dance. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Young balletomanes will clamor to attend a live performance or perhaps aspire to dance themselves.

(scene-by-scene summary of the ballet) (Picture book. 4-10)