Yearly holiday traditions vary from person to person, but there are a few common themes: music, magical moments, and time with loved ones. Puppet Co.’s charming production of The 36th Annual Nutcracker delivers on these with a seasonal delight for all ages. The opening scenes feature the ensemble in head masks, reminiscent of the marionettes used later in the performance. In pantomime, we see the children — Clara and Fritz — tussling over toys on Christmas Eve. The children and their mother are soon joined by the Drosselmeyer (the children’s godfather and an all-around mysterious figure), who enacts a brief hand-puppet show before presenting the children with a gift — the eponymous Nutcracker. Puppets operated by artists Marshall Bailey, Rose Talbot, and Mollie Greenberg in ‘The 36th Annual Nutcracker.’ Photo by Maggie Rocha. As the children go to sleep, the enchantment begins for Clara. Through the painted backdrop shifting, stage flooding with haze, and flashing lights, a magical land under the Christmas tree appears with mischievous mice running amok. The now larger-than-life Nutcracker enters to rescue Clara from the sneaky vermin. The marionette armies of mice and toy soldiers fight while the Nutcracker triumphs over the seven-headed Mouse King. With a bit of theater magic, Clara and the Nutcracker transform into marionettes and fly off into the magical Land of Sweets. The Land of Sweets features a cavalcade of stunning scenes with masterful puppet work and delightful movement. My five-year-old child’s favorite vignettes were the blue dragon dance, dancing flower puppets, and blacklight-drenched multicolored bird puppets. The Russian dancers on wheeled stools were a particular highlight, with fun and playful choreography. Lively nursery rhymes and fairy tales were also sprinkled in, to the delight of the children in the audience. As their time in the enchanted land winds down, the Nutcracker is transformed into a prince and kisses Clara goodbye. However, the Drosselmeyer returns to put an end to the magic and return Clara to reality. The hard-working ensemble (Marshall Bailey, Hannah Chester, Mollie Greenberg, Rose Talbot, and Petrona Xemi Tapepechul) skillfully navigated the frequently changing characters, costumes, puppets, and scenes. They are superb puppet artists and keen storytellers, using movement, dance, and pantomime to bring this ballet to life. Through Danny Pushkin’s direction and the vision of the founding team of Allan Stevens, Christopher Piper, and MayField Piper, the story and characters were incredibly clear, with dynamic movement and fascinating scenes. Puppets operated by artists Marshall Bailey, Cate Ginsberg, Rose Talbot, and Mollie Greenberg in ‘The 36th Annual Nutcracker.’ Photo by Maggie Rocha. The production design (lighting, set, fog effects) wowed in making the magic feel tangible and exciting and was key in moving the narrative forward. The puppets were stunning and awe-inspiring for my little one, while the costumes helped to reflect the puppet design and reinforce the otherworldliness in the enchanted land. My first thought was that the head masks were a bit creepy, but they grew on me rather quickly — especially after encountering the large, delightful Nutcracker mask. The show is set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score recorded by the Arlington Symphony. This music is the epitome of the Christmas season and is always fun to hear. There’s a reason that this production has come back for 36 years. It is a charming holiday treat that appeals to nearly everyone celebrating Christmas. For today’s youngsters, be warned that the pace moves a bit slowly near the beginning, but their patience will be rewarded once the Nutcracker comes to life. The show feels traditional and a bit old-fashioned, but in a timeless and nostalgic way — even for a first-timer to this show like me. Anyone looking for a classic, magical, family-friendly, charming holiday experience should consider this sweet and loveable revival at Puppet Co. Running Time: Approximately 60 minutes. The 36th Annual Nutcracker plays through December 31, 2024 (Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 am, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 am and 1 pm), at the Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD. Purchase tickets ($15 per person, under age 2 no ticket required) by calling 301.634.5380 or order them online. Recommended for ages 4+. Helpful driving and parking instructions are here. COVID Safety: Masks are strongly encouraged for all over the age of 2. The 36th Annual Nutcracker Originated by the founding team of Allan Stevens, Christopher Piper, and MayField Piper and the music of the Arlington Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Danny Pushkin