May 12, 2010
I just finished inking in all the drawings for “The Nutcracker.” I had so much fun doing these illustrations, which is strange because I absolutely did not want to do this story. I had seen the ballet and had taken Mikayla to see it when she was younger and we both had the same reaction– we thought it would never end. Mikayla kept asking ”When are they going to start talking??” And for some reason, several things just creeped me out– the evil-looking toymaker, the 7-headed rat king– good grief, who dreamed this stuff up?? (It was E.T.A. Hoffmann, whom I’m sure was a lovely man) I found out I was not alone in my thinking: every time I would tell someone I was going to illustrate the Nutcracker, every single person, save one ballet-o-phile, said “Oh, good– can you make it so it’s not so creepy?” Harper Collins was nice enough to give me complete free-reign on the illustrations and I had so much fun– I don’t think I’ve ever finished the drawings for a book so quickly! I made the toymaker charming and friendly, the Rat King only has one head and of course everyone lives happily ever after (Although Marie’s little brother Fritz is still kind of a jerk).
I’m sure there will be some purists out there who like The Nutcracker just the way it is. For them I put in all the other elements of the story in the illustrations somewhere– a little Nutcracker Where’s Waldo, if you will. Plus they can go sit through that ballet if they want the whole effect. I’ll be home with Mikayla reading my cute, cozy, warm and fuzzy version and I hope you will be, too! But it won’t be out until Fall 2011. This year you’ll be able to get my new Fairy Tale book, and I’ll show you some illustrations from that as we get closer to its’ release. But for now, here’s a little sneak peek at “The Nutcracker.” Leave a comment and let me know if you like it.
Click to Enlarge
~Mary
When we lived in the USA, in Wisconsin, 20 years ago, we could not understand why so may people made a big thing of the annual productions of ‘The Nutcracker’. So we went with some friends who were crazy for it, and our 8 year old daughter. It was so creepy! We didn’t enjoy it, and could not see how this was a treat for a child to attend. Then at school the teacher seemed to read ‘Strewelpeter’ every term. Our daughter wasn’t frightened, but we could not see the appeal of these things. We like happy stuff! The new illustrations are beautiful.
I love the Maurice Sendak illustrations for the Nutcracker, but love yours even more! Will look forward to buying the book: one for me and one for my granddaughter!
Mary, If you can ever get to see the Boston Ballet do the Nutcracker, please do see it. I was fortunate to see it multiple times as I was growing up and it was wonderful everytime.
…hahah!..this is wonderful!..I also think the Nutcracker is a bit long and creepy….with your help it can be a book to purchase in the future!
Oh, and maybe a dance company will take a lesson from your version and commission you to design their Nutcracker costumes!
I just love your whimsical, cherry style. My sister and I have been avid fans of your work for years. I simply love your touch to stories and your tea pots.
Just think how creepy some of Grimm’s Fairy tales are….witches, and pushing children in ovens…YIKES. I’ve never seen a multi-headed Rat King, but have always enjoyed the Nutcracker for the music and the dancing…..it is a ballet, not a play, so not alot of dialog. Cant wait for your book.
Mary, I totally agree with your “sort of creepy” impression. I too felt the same. Your perfect illustrations will make this famous story a lot more enjoyable for everyone. I’m a fan.
Great sketches! I too thought the Nutcracker would never end! The characters were creepy! I must admit I have turned into a ME junkie. I am very new to your fan club, but I am making up for lost time! I work for a Chiropractor in the Tampa Bay area and your illustrations are featured on our boards in the office. It’s the beautiful colors and phrases that make people smile. We have your Twas the Night Before Christmas DVD and the illustrations are wonderful!
I really do like everything you do, but you probably hear that all the time. My husband and I just redid my sewing studio preserving my Mary E. wallpaper and borders of nearly 15 years ago. I love it way too much to let go of it. And it can’t be replaced. The entire room is ME. I call it my merry room because it feels so happy. Really can’t thank you enough for the joy you bring to my world.
I appreciate getting to marvel at the process as well as the product. I’m glad it turned out to be a fun assignment and will keep my eye out for the book.
Your updated illustrations of the Nutcracker are welcomed, and your admission that the characters gave you the creeps caused me to laugh out loud. How dare a classic receive such criticism. You have been candid about what others may have thought. Mean faced nutcrackers have not been a favorite of mine, and a rat king no less. I saw a version of the Nutcracker Suite on TV at Christmastime, impressed by the rat king dancer, but disliked the huge make believe head. The dancing was excellent. Other children’s stories should be illustrated in a more wholesome manner as well. Your work supports that. Thanks.
Ms. Engelbreit: Please bring back all of your fabric designs. I love them all and have been searching for many that you had in the past. I believe that your designs are timeless and should continue on forever. Please consider.
My daughter has danced in the Nutcracker ballet twice so far. Counting rehearsals and watching the videos, I have seen this ballet many times. We really love the story but then again, our mouse king only has one head. I love Mary’s take on all stories and I can’t wait to share this with my daughter and keep it around for grandchildren.
A delight!!!!
I have been a subscriber to your magazine from the begiining and have each copy!!!
Your paper dolls have gone to a friend of mine with 2 darling girls!!!
I wanted to have some one enjoy the darling pages!!!!
My daughter, granddaughters and myself love the Nutcracker Ballet. For us it is a must see every Christmas. My oldest granddaughter has danced in her ballet schools version of it. But then we are a ballet loving family. Like others have said, it depends on the version that you see. There are versions that are more child friendly where Drosselmeyer is not creepy, just mysterious and the mouse king only has one head. That being said, when I saw that Mary Engelbreit was doing the Nutcracker, I had visions of Anne Estelle, on point, dancing the part of Clara. I thought about how she would love being the star in a Christmas season ballet! Is that not every little girls dream? I’m not sure that’s how it will be but that’s the vision that came to me. I just love the sneak peek. Mary Engelbreit’s version will be added to our collection, for sure! I looked at the illustration and immediately fell in love with it. I can’t wait for the book. Fall 2011 seems too far away!
I am glad to know that you are illustrating a book throughout. I just bought your Peter Pan for my granddaughter – it was sealed to preserve the attached necklace – and loved the Peter Pan on the front cover. I just wondered if going forward that maybe you would consider having a 1/2 dozen or so drawings throught the book which makes the “read” all that much more fun. Love, love, love your work and talent!
Sincerely,
Pat (A true fan for many, many years!)
Dear M.E. ~~ Your work stands true to the inner you… and that is why we love what you do!
I’ve never been a big Nutcracker fan. I’ve always been a huge ME fan. Your drawings are beautiful. I can’t wait to see the book and this is probably the only way I’d ever buy it!
This is the first ever Nutcracker book I’ll want to have!!! Thanks for keeping it light!
I LOVE YOUR WORK,YOU ARE THE BEST!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your art. I’ve loved the Nutcracker also since I was a child and yes, your version will definity be “kid” friendly!!
What a shame your experience was so negative. I’ve never heard negative comments before. Here in Seattle, The Nutcracker is an annual Christmas Event where every show is sold out and little girls are so thrilled to be picked to participate and there are no shortages of boys, either. They usually play the rats. There is a wonderful ballerina who dances with a peacock costume. I admit, the sets may have something to do with the fun; there is a huge growing Christmas tree that just about takes over the stage. All this is designed by Maurice Sendak. Then we have an adult Nutcracker version called the Hard Nut choreographed by local bad boy Mark Morris where a young man dressed as a French maid dances the entire set en pointe. Seattle certainly shows its nice self when the Christmas Nutcracker comes out. My little granddaughter practically dances on her seat and conducts the rest of the time. Please make a trip to Seattle to see this production!
Looking forward to scooping up this treat for the holidays. Although I do SO enjoy the original ballet, the music alone by Tchaikovsky is heaven. The stage version in my city is a gorgeous work of art and a huge hit…the tickets are so popular scalpers charge double! http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/comedy/articles/2009/12/19/nutcracker_boom_means_crunch_time_for_patrons/
Please make dolls to go with your new book!
I can’t wait to see it!!! What a perfect gift, too!
My son performed in the Nutcracker while in high school in Amarillo, Texas. He wasn’t a ballet star, he was just in love with a ballerina. They needed male dancers, so gave him free lessons and he played Mother Buffoon with the huge skirt hiding children, the king rat and an Arabian knight. Can’t wait to get my copy of this.
How sad that so many people have such negative reactions to a classic holiday ballet. I’ve seen the Nutcracker every year since I can remember and have danced in many performances myself. I’ve NEVER seen a many-headed mouse king! Personally, I love your work, but I do think this illustration is rather bland and misses the point of the story.
I LOVE your books! I have them all. Can hardly wait for this one. Thank you for sharing your gift with the rest of us.
For some reason my browser isn’t picking up the blogged sketch, just some outlines here and there. Oh well, am sure the book will be beautifully illustrated.
I’ve seen five different choreographed versions of The Nutcracker over the years, with both of my now adult daughters and we’ve never been creeped out. In fact, they love the ballet to this day and often go on their own. Sounds like the choreographer of the one you saw was a little off the wall. It’s a beautiful,dreamy story and you’re the first person I’ve ever heard say you didn’t like it.
Can’t wait to see the book! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful work with us.
I love your candor about not initially being excited about the project. It’s nice to know you’re a “real” person.
I’ve been a huge fan of yours since the early ’90s. I still have every single copy of your Home Companion Magazine.
Thanks for sharing your art in progress with us… I can’t wait to see it completed!
Fall 2011 is a long time to wait. As with all good things. My daughter and I will enjoy the story’s makeover, but more so all the anticipated Mary-details. Thank you for sharing your talents!
My daughter and I go to see the Nutcracker every year. We both love it and I can’t wait to give her the book. Maybe you should go see the Houston Ballet perform it, it’s beautiful.
Love it all.
Is there therapy for ME addiction? I need it!!! I buy everything I can by ME.
Everything speaks to me…
Thanx for such adorable illustrations!
The actual Nutcracker creeped me out as a kid… I’ve never been able to like any slack jawed creepy faces… I’m glad you’ve created a more visually friendly version of the ballet! Looking forward to seeing the finished book
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