He is magical, mysterious, and, according to the ladies, quite handsome too. Atlanta Ballet invited the Master of Ceremonies for The Nutcracker, Herr Drosselmeier, to the Big Chair for a pre-holiday chat about toymaking, family traditions, and cape-swishing etiquette. As we count down to the most enchanting season, who better to speak to than the most magical gentleman of all?

What is your favorite part of the Christmas holiday?

For me, Christmas is all about spending time with friends and family. That’s where the real magic lies. Whether it's catching up with my mischievous nephew Fritz, hearing about the latest book Marie is reading, or socializing with the Stahlbaum party guests, the connections with people bring me true joy. Sure, it can get noisy with the Party Children, and those Gossip Girls can sometimes go a little too far, but as long as the season is filled with dancing, merriment, and very few mice, I'm happy.

We’re a bit puzzled about your profession. Are you a toymaker, a clockmaker, or a magician?

Well, I’m actually all three, and I multitask faster than the mice jumping back from Marie’s book! My magical skills are the secret ingredient behind everything I create and allow me to sprinkle a bit of enchantment onto my toymaking and clockmaking. How else could I invent a Nutcracker doll that turns into a Nutcracker Prince with just a dramatic swish of my cape?

Tell us more about your fabulous cape!

My cape was designed by costume designer Sandra Woodall and crafted by the talented Mark Zappone. It features a constellation that mirrors the stage set design, a fur collar for added warmth, and extra swish for a full dramatic effect. If you look closely, you’ll see a tiny mouse attached to each side of my fur collar. This detail serves as a reminder to the Mouse King and his royal army that my cape and I command the stage.

During his time in the Big Chair, the Mouse King brought up your cape several times, noting that cape-swishing can be financially rewarding. Is that true?

Well, if I spilled the beans, we’d have an entire world of cape-swishing wannabes, and I can’t allow that chaos. It’s a top-secret talent I intend to keep under wraps. Even AI would trip over its own virtual cape trying to master this.

Do you ever worry about giving Marie nightmares?

Actually, she has a dream, not a nightmare. Big difference! In her dream, I take Marie on a magical journey through the pages of a storybook to fantastical places where she and the Nutcracker Prince meet characters from around the globe. Sure, they witness bullfights and snake charmers, but let’s be honest–it’s far more educational than reality TV. Plus, there's the most amazing flower garden dancing in the wind. Botany these days can be quite entertaining.

Yes, that makes sense. However, she also battles the Mouse King…

Hmm, that does sound like the stuff of nightmares, doesn’t it? But fear not; I introduce her to a dashing young prince who takes on the Mouse King and his army of tiny terrorizers in an epic showdown. He emerges victorious, of course—and who doesn’t love a hero, especially one who can handle a rodent drama?

What is your opinion on the Mouse King’s royal claims?

That mouse struts around like he’s the King of Stilton. He talks tirelessly about his royal claim to fame, but let’s be honest; his ‘crown’ is simply made of the forks and spoons stolen from the Stahlbaum household kitchen. He’s convinced he’s destined for greatness, but he really just belongs in a large book underneath an even larger cabinet.

Do you have a favorite tipple?

Champagne, of course! But not just any ordinary bottle of champagne. I’m talking about a larger-than-life-sized bottle containing the beverage that’s as sparkly as the constellation on my cape. The Stalbaum family and their guests toast to me every year. I just wish they would keep topping up my glass. But alas, I must be sensible. Just one sip for me… sleighing on more than that would definitely not do. Unless, of course, it leads to more dancing.

What is your favorite scene in The Nutcracker?

This is a challenging question! I actually have two favorite scenes that I'd love to share with you. The first is in Act I, featuring my niece, Marie. Shortly after our dance, she falls into a deep sleep on a small chair, which suddenly transforms into the giant chair we are seated in now. I hope you aren’t afraid of heights because this chair is an impressive 22 feet, 9 inches tall! When Marie wakes up in the Big Chair, she finds herself surrounded by mice. I’ll stop there to avoid giving too much away.

My second favorite scene is in Act II. As the Master of Ceremonies, I stand on top of a large skirt, surrounded by the Star Acrobats, Stars, and the constellation. When I clap my hands, it creates such a joyous and momentous scene, especially as the audience joins in every time.

There are many other impressive scenes (especially the ones starring me), but you really need to see The Nutcracker to fully appreciate them.

Do you ever get tired of being the eccentric godfather in the fancy cape and wish you could just show up in a Christmas sweater and relax?

I would love to attend the Stahlbaum family parties in an ugly Christmas sweater (I have plenty), but I’d hate to gain a reputation for being the worst-dressed there. Too many silks and velvets to risk that. As for relaxing, have you ever experienced the demands of Yuri Possokhov’s choreography? Or seen the larger-than-life sets?

So how do you plan to unwind after an energetic performance of The Nutcracker?

With family and friends, a larger-than-life-sized bottle of champagne, and my sleigh safely parked in the garage of my toymaking factory.

Meet Drosselmeier and other characters from Atlanta Ballet's The Nutcracker this holiday season. Experience it all at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, from December 6 to 27, 2025. Tickets are selling fast!

Photo credits:
Atlanta Ballet dancer Severin Brotschul. Photo by Kim Kenney.
Atlanta Ballet dancer Benjamin Kuefler. Photo by Kim Kenney.
Costume design by Sandra Woodall. Photo by Shoccara Marcus.
Atlanta Ballet dancer Guilherme Maciel. Photo by Shoccara Marcus.
Atlanta Ballet dancers. Photo by Kim Kenney.
Atlanta Ballet dancer Guilherme Maciel and Atlanta Ballet 2 dancer Isabella Kessler. Photo by Kim Kenney.
Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers. Photo by Shoccara Marcus.
Atlanta Ballet dancer Guilherme Maciel with Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education students. Photo by Kim Kenney.