Our Story

The Nutcracker is a fantastic story of a young girl Clara, who is pulled into a frightening world she has never known. Much like Colorado's own Clara Brown. She is gifted a Nutcracker

Doll by her uncle Drosselmeyer. Our Nutcracker is represented by Colorado's own Willie Kinnard. The Drosselmeyer characters are represented by 5 Points legends Mr. And Mrs. Cousins. They were integral in building the 5 Points

Neighborhood, we are in now. The story begins at their home, at one of their infamous Christmas parties. These real-life parties were held annually and included Colorado Elites and famous figures from around the country. Likewise, in the original tale, these parties were held regularly & were attended by elites in society. Clara is seized and taken to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy; or the Sugar Rum Cherry as represented in Duke Ellington's suite. However, the true enemy is the Rat King.

Clara meets our Sugar Rum, represented by Colorado's own Fanny Mae Duncan. She meets the Rat King, represented by Colorado's prominent Klu Klux Klan. In fitting with the traditional tale, the Nutcracker Doll comes to life and rescues Clara from the rats and the Rat King.

Note: “The Nutcracker” has many variations. Many include a brother for Clara named Fritz. Hoffman’s original story includes multiple

Drosselmeyers, including a Mr. (or Her), a Mrs., a Godfather and a Grandmother. Others include Clara’s father, Mr. (or Herr) Stahlbaum. While we recognize these traditional characters, our version is simplified in storyline, in our adaptation to include American History.

Our adaptation to this traditional tale, celebrates American Heroes and Colorado Community Founders. Some of this history is inspiring while other parts of these truths can be difficult to learn. In telling these truths, rather than shying away from them; we aim to cultivate the same inspiration that was cultivated in our story’s heroes. Be inspired. Be inspiring. Most of all, Enjoy

5 Points Heroes, Inspirations, & Metaphors

Often called the “Angel of the Rockies,” Clara Brown reflects the richness of the African-American experience. In her nearly eighty-five years, she went from enslaved person and bereft mother to successful businesswoman and philanthropist. Yasmine Hunter’s performance is a reflection of this founder’s spirit and inspired our Clara in the 5 Points Nutcracker
Charles R. Cousins married “his ideal partner,” Dorothy Elizabeth Caldwell , in 1947. Her intellectual acuity and practicality were vital to their success. He was a leading figure in the city’s Black community. The Cousins’ self-starting, generous spirit and love of music are perfect inspirations for the Drosselmeyers, in this show.
Fannie Mae Duncan was an entrepreneur and an activist for racial equality at a time of segregation. She ran the Cotton Club, which drew both black and white people to see the greatest jazz acts of the day, including Duke Ellington. Duncan’s activism makes her the perfect Inspiration for our Sugar Rum Cherry.
Willie Kennard was a former slave, Civil war veteran, and solider at Fort Bliss after the war in the western territories. In 1874 Kennard responded to an ad for a town marshal in the Mountains of Colorado Territory. His application was met with ridicule, and they were surprised he could read. Kennard proved himself fighting off local bandits. Willie’s fierce warrior spirit is the inspiration for the Nutcracker.
100 years ago nearly 1/3 of white men in Denver were members of the KKK. Ripple effects of the Klan’s takeover of Denver’s power structures over the course of just a few years in the mid-1920s are still felt and shaped the history and the boundaries of 5 Points. We use this history in the 5 Points Nutcracker to address apparent and systematic racism that is still alive in Denver.
The Divertissements in the Nutcracker are traditionally named from different countries and candies. In our Nutcracker our soloists touch on the rich history of 5 Points’ illustrious jazz clubs such as the Rainbow Ballroom, The Rossonian, The Casino Ballroom, Rice’s Tap Room, 715 Club and so many more.

Charles and Dorothy Cousins- Burnis McCloud (Copy)

The Duke in Denver- Burnis McCloud (Copy)

The Music & Scenes

From the 1960 arrangement by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington

Charles and Dorothy were renowned for hosting grand and beautiful holiday celebrations in the historic 5 Points neighborhood. Join us for the main event as we recreate the festive spirit and joy of their cherished gatherings.
Clara enjoys the Cousin’s celebrations with magical dolls and a special surprise! Join her as she discovers the magic of the legendary Cousin’s Christmas Party.
Learn More about the Cousins:
https://www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org/charles-l-and-charles-r-cousins.html
Clara has been kidnapped! Listen closely to the Mr and Mrs Dross to help find Clara.
Fannie Mae summon the Spirit of Willie Kennard, (Colorado’s first black marshall) to build the Nutcracker and take out the klan.
Kidnapped and pulled down to depths discover the dark secret of Colorado’s civic leaders.
Learn more
https://www.historycolorado.org/kkkledgers
Our Arabesque Cookie takes you back to the golden age of Denver's 5 Points neighborhood, before the impacts of gentrification. This piece reflects on the beauty Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, The Rossonian Hotel was one of the most important jazz clubs between St. Louis and Los Angeles from the late 1930’s to the early 1960’s. Jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, George Shearing, and Dinah Washington stayed at the Rossonian Hotel and entertained at the Rossonian Lounge between major engagements in Denver or enroute to other cities. These major African American entertainers were denied lodging in most Denver hotels due to the racial segregation practices of the period. The Rossonian Hotel welcomed the entertainers who not only stayed in the hotel but performed in the main floor Rossonian Lounge. These shows were often staged after the performers finished their scheduled commitments at the same Denver hotels who were unwilling to offer them lodging. The Rossonian did not discriminate and welcomed a mixed clientele of music lovers who enjoyed popular jazz by black and white musicians in the same venue. Discover more inside glimpses of this historic venue at the 5 Points Nutcracker, December 20-22.
Learn More:
https://www.nps.gov/places/rossonian-hotel.htm
Our Chinosere is inspired by Rice’s Tap Room and Oven located at 2801 Welton Street. Not to be confused with the Rice and Rice Confectionary, the two-story tap room was owned by Otha Rice and had a blues and jazz club. Every Monday was Blue Monday where live jazz and blues were featured.
Learn More: https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/events/jazz-five-points-brief-history-part-one
Our Volga Vouty (Trepak) takes you back to the golden age of Denver's 5 Points neighborhood, before the impacts of gentrification. This piece reflects on Benny Hooper's Ex-Servicemen's Club and the iconic Casino Ballroom, now known as Cervantes. Discover more inside glimpses of this historic venue at the 5 Points Nutcracker, December 20-22.
Learn More:
https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/african-american-research-library/african-american-colorado-history-memorable-people-and