Nutcracker on the Indian River

Nutcracker on the Indian River is a unique Vero Beach production. The libretto and classical score retain all the whimsy and magic of the original ballet, but move the action to the year Vero was founded (1919). By taking the ballet’s heroine, Marie, on a holiday journey from New York to Florida, Fifth Avenue Mansions, Grand Central Station, and rail cars become settings. Instead of a second act featuring candy characters, Marie dreams of the shores of the Indian River Lagoon, and is entertained by all manner of local flora and fauna. From land crabs to manatees and river otters to bougainvillea, Nutcracker on the Indian River takes all the magic of the stage and uses that magic to both entertain and inspire. The production moves beyond the stage with the help of The Indian River Land Trust. Walkthrough exhibits placed throughout our venue highlight the fragility and necessity of the Indian River Lagoon to our local way of life.