The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition

By Chris Barton and Cathy Gendron

Every December, The Nutcracker comes to life in theaters all across the United States. But how did this 19th-century Russian ballet become such a big part of the holidays in 21st-century America?

Meet Willam, Harold, and Lew Christensen, three small-town Utah boys who caught the ballet bug from an uncle in the early 1900s. They performed alongside elephants and clowns on vaudeville, immersed themselves in the New York City dance scene, and even put on a ballet featuring gangsters at a gas station. Russian immigrants shared the story of The Nutcracker with them, and during World War II—on a shoestring budget and in need of a hit—they staged their own Christmastime production in San Francisco. It was America's first full-length version and the beginning of a delightful holiday tradition.

Follow along and learn how The Nutcracker came to be performed all across the United States from these truly humble beginnings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Sep 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781467792134

Chris Barton

Chris Barton really loves writing books such as the bestseller Shark vs. Train, the Robert F. Sibert Honor Book The Day-Glo Brothers, the Mighty Truck series, and Attack! Boss! Cheat Code! A Gamer's Alphabet. Chris and his family live in Austin, Texas.

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Reviews for The Nutcracker Comes to America

[salsabrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If seeing or performing "The Nutcracker" is a tradition in your young family, be sure to share this book about three Utah brothers who made this ballet an intrinsic part of the winter holidays. The background knowledge will enhance the experience. I know I learned something new!