The Fantastic Toyshop
presents
Choreography & Direction by Rachael Gnatowski
Music by Ottorino Respighi
Costumes by Fiona Burlin
December 5th
7:30pm
December 6th- Sensory Friendly Performance
2:30pm
*Pay-what-you-can tickets
December 6th
7:30pm
December 7th
3:30pm
Running time is approximately 90 minutes
(includes a 15 minute intermission)
The Theater of Performing Arts
359 Washington St
Hartford, CT 06106
A Holiday Sneak Peek of The Fantastic Toyshop
Join us in the studio for a special holiday sneak peek of The Fantastic Toyshop!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this magical new ballet comes to life, meet the artists, and enjoy festive treats in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
Friday, November 21 | 4:30–6:30 PM | NEBT Studios, Avon
A Holiday Ballet for Hartford
To Nutcracker or not to Nutcracker? This was THE question we asked ourselves when forming NEBT. In the end, we decided to opt for a new holiday ballet, one that we could create specifically for the Greater Hartford community. Inspired by "La Boutique Fantasque" a ballet choreographed by Léonide Massine in 1919, our production includes special nods to the city and people of Hartford. You can catch costumes that resemble the Colt Armory, a dance for red harts (deer), even elves that double dutch! This show is pure holiday magic, and fun for all ages.
The Fantastic Toyshop
Toy Drive
At all of our performances, we’ll be collecting toys to donate to several local charities that support families during the holiday season.
If you’d like to contribute, please bring a new, unwrapped toy. A collection area will be located in the theater lobby.
This year, your donations will be shared with the following organizations:
City of Hartford's Annual Toy Giveaway
Friends of Feeney
Toys for Tots
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
For important information about attending performances, CHECK OUT OUR FAQs
Synopsis
It’s 1943, and it's Christmas Eve in Hartford. Virginia and her mother are preparing for the holiday. With Virginia’s father away at war, the season does not feel the same, but Virginia is still determined to make this Christmas special. The G.Fox & Co. Toyshop is the most fantastic place during Christmastime in the city. Virginia and her mother visit the store and are greeted by Beatrice Fox Auerbach herself. Beatrice shows all the children her magical dancing dolls. The children are delighted, but Virginia has just one true wish: for her father to be with them this Christmas.
Night falls, and the G.Fox & Co. delivery man and his elf helpers are bringing toys to the children of Hartford, making his final stop at Virginia’s house. Virginia wakes up to find the dancing dolls in her own living room! She is even more surprised when the delivery man uses magic to bring them to life. The dolls and the mischievous elves entertain Virginia, but when midnight arrives, it is time for them to go. There is one last surprise for Virginia; the delivery man is actually Santa Claus! He has received her Christmas wish, and with Beatrice and the Stars as a beacon guiding the way through the dark night, Virginia’s father finally returns home.
What People Are Saying About The Fantastic Toyshop
“Gnatowski skillfully unravels the dichotomy between the wonders of a magical toyshop and the somber reality of war-torn families during the Christmas season.”
— Kimolee Eryn Reviews
