EDITORIAL REVIEW
"The Nutcracker's" Clara/Barbie makes a point of serving an immaculate tea--and looking immaculate--even after all that drama with the giant rat. It's her life, and she keeps it upscale despite the fact that it's all a holiday dream! For her 12-inch guests, she presents a tiny tea service for two, featuring a striped plastic, "crystal" teapot. For her rich twin, she wears long, blonde hair topped with a floral tiara, and a pretty pink dress. And even though she has perpetually pointed Barbie-feet, she wears little ballet slippers. Good luck getting her to stand on her own, but if that fails, she can just keep company with the tiny plush gingerbread man included.
--Diane Beall