He’s mischievous, sharp-witted, and ever so confident—not to mention majestic. Atlanta Ballet has tracked down the city’s favorite royal rodent and given him an exclusive interview in the Big Chair. With The Nutcracker returning to Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Centre stage this holiday season, we’re ready to get the scoop on the Mouse King's dairy preferences, what he really thinks of Blooper, and his opinion on the astounding versatility of kitchen utensils.

Welcome to the Big Chair, Your Highness. Before we continue, how should we address you?

Atlanta Ballet’s The Nutcracker is based on the original E.T.A. Hoffmann tale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, so I guess I should officially be addressed as the Mouse King. But for the sake of this interview, you can call me ‘Your Royal Highness.’ I am in the Big Chair, after all. And with a ‘throne’ this large, I can’t settle for a mundane title. So, sprinkle in some royal flair—and pass me the cheese.

Talking of cheese. What's your favorite kind?

I’m basically a cheese board connoisseur. Luckily for me, cheese boards are the rock stars of the Stahlbaum family dinner parties these days, so I'm never short on snacks. If I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be a luxurious chunk of Stilton perched proudly on a rosemary-salted cracker. It's like a little flavor party, and everyone’s invited—except for camembert. He can stay home!

Do you prefer classical music or jazz?

Neither! I blast my all-time favorite, Three Blind Mice, at full volume while cruising down the I-75 in my pickup truck. Occasionally, I’ll switch it up with some Michael Jackson—because who doesn’t want to moonwalk into the Cobb Energy Centre from Akers Mill Road?

What is your favorite book?

Why would you ask me that? You know I have a phobia about books. From the one Marie uses against my loyal army to the one I have to stylishly crawl into, it’s just not talked about. Please. Are you trying to get me back on the couch with my therapist?

We have to pick up on the therapy part. Is there anything that scares you?

Yes. Toy soldiers. They zoom around that stage, and even ride horses! And just to clarify, I’m not a huge fan of horses. Their hooves hurt! But hey, that was off the record, right? I don’t want anyone thinking I’m afraid of toys. That would be embarrassing. Yeah, so please don’t publish that; the Nutcracker Prince reads the news feeds.

Your youngest royal subjects look quite comfortable on stage. Where did they learn to dance?

Well, commanding the stage is part of the royal job description, and dancing is pretty high on the list—right after being fabulous. The young mice take ballet lessons at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. I firmly believe that everyone should train with the best. And yes, that includes me. I like to sneak into the studios after hours, going a bit incognito. After all, I’m famous! The last thing I need is those Gossip Girls from The Nutcracker asking for an autograph while I’m trying to nail my grand jeté.

What does your crown symbolize?

It symbolizes my extraordinary talents in cutlery art design but also highlights my part-time gig as a menace in the Stahlbaum household. It was easy to sneak into the kitchen like a stealthy raccoon; with all the festivities involving Herr Drosselmeier, they were far too busy dancing to notice that a few forks and spoons had gone MIA. Silverware wasn’t the only thing that caught my eye; even the trusty spatula I wield in my adventures against the Nutcracker Prince shows the versatility of a humble kitchen utensil. It's not just for flipping pancakes, you know!

If you weren't ruling over your kingdom, what would your ideal profession be?

I’d be an expert cape-swisher. It’s a legitimate profession these days, believe it or not. Apparently, it pays more than toymaking. Who knew flapping a fancy piece of fabric could be so financially lucrative?

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Someone once told me that I should never crawl into a large book on the order of a cape-swishing dude after losing a battle to the Nutcracker Prince. Apparently, it’s hard to fight back when you're stuck between the pages. Not to mention claustrophobic.

What's next for the Mouse King, Your Royal Highness? Will you be starring in a movie, or doing a special appearance on a TV show?

I was really relying on my guest appearance at the Atlanta Braves game in May to attract some Hollywood buzz. I mean, I gave that performance everything I had—leaps and all. If Blooper had just given me a fighting chance, I would’ve turned that baseball diamond into my personal stage. Home run? I was ready to hit a home leap.

How do you plan to celebrate if you finally conquer the Nutcracker Prince and his soldiers?

With a luxurious chunk of Stilton perched proudly on a rosemary-salted cracker.

Meet the Mouse King 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!

Atlanta Ballet dancers Emily Carrico and Rei Yamaguchi. Photo by Kim Kenney.