Recently, we attended the NYC premiere of Target’s The Toycracker, starring John Legend and Crissy Teigen. And we loved it — but parents, just know that they show toys talking and your child’s eyes will be wide! This 8 minute long mini-musical is adorable and totally branded for Target (which is pretty smart and still subtle). This is a version of the nutcracker and stars John Legend as the tough Rat King and Chrissy Teigen as the wise nutcracker.
Photo courtesy of Target
The story follows Clara (played by actress Isabella Russo), who’s pretty upset that the wifi isn’t working at her house and has to amuse herself. She ends up falling asleep and waking in the land of the Nutcracker. By the end, she learns what the holidays are about. While there is a lot of subtle branding and name brand toys shown, the message is an excellent one for kids – that the holidays are a time for making magic together. It wasn’t about just getting kids toys or the latest tech. I was impressed with how it was done and I think you will be impressed t0o. There are original songs, dancing, an epic rap battle between John Legend, Crissy Teigen (who was so delightful in this), and young actress Isabella Russo.
Check out my video of my experience:
And here are some photos from our experience.
We were made to feel that we were getting a backstage peek and boy, did they pull that off!
Your name was “checked off” as you entered the backstage area.
Then we saw the dressing rooms. My daughter found the Trolls’ dressing room. But it was locked!
I didn’t dare knock on Darth Vader’s dressing room.
To see more guest stars, check out my video!Then we walked into the costume-making area. Three costume designers worked busily away, dancing around and having a great time. And the touches were excellent – whoever designed this had every touch perfect. See more detail in my video.
Then we walked into the costume-making area. Three costume designers worked busily away, dancing around and having a great time. And the touches were excellent – whoever designed this had every touch perfect. See more detail in my video.
Bullseye the Target dog was there and unfortunately I couldn’t get a good picture — but I got the LEGO version!
And while I didn’t get up close and personal with John Legend and Crissy Teigen, I got a picture of them!
Crissy Teigen and John Legend at the Toycracker Premiere
My daughter and I had a great time.
We also had a great time at the cast party, which was held right afterward.
And she also loved the milkshakes.
The Toycracker premieres, during Disney’s Frozen on Sunday, December 11th at 8PM/7 Central time on ABC.
We were not compensated for this.
Our Backstage Experience at Target’s The Toycracker: A Mini Musical Spectacular
What a fun experience! I love Target and love how I can shop there for just about everyone in my family!
That party looks so fun! I need to live in a bigger area someday.
This is such a wonderful show. I liked the pictures and it must have been a great time with your daughter! I will have to check the Toycracker out this Sunday.