The music by Tchaikovsky is instantly acquainted. The magical story equally enchanting. It’s what makes “The Nutcracker” some of the anticipated vacation productions every year. Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet tells the story of a younger lady and a picket Nutcracker that involves life on Christmas Eve to battle the depraved Mouse King and his minions. The Nutcracker is remodeled right into a good-looking prince and the ballet unfolds amid a land crammed with toy troopers, Sugar Plum fairies, and different candy characters. The Chicago space is crammed with productions of this Christmastime favourite — together with these with out a single ballet step. Here are some highlights to