Musical Synopsis

ACT I
It’s “Twelve Days to Christmas” in the Bavarian town of Bradenburg and the people are not happy. Ludwig, Lilli and their bag-full of toys are ready to open up a new shop but the most powerful person in town, Baroness Waldemeir isn’t interested in anything that will bring joy. Fortunately, Rosamund’s daughter Elenore tells them about a store front that has been vacant for some time, they take it.

In the next scene we see Lilli and Ludwig unpacking the bag of toys and cleaning the shop. Waldemeir’s nephew, Friedrich arrives to pick up the rent. Instantly there is chemistry between Lilli and Friedrich. He warns them about the town. As he goes to leave, Lilli hands him a toy, a gift. Suddenly, Friedrich sees the three (human sized) toys move. He thanks them and hurries off. The toys seem very worried that they won’t be able to change anything in this village, Ludwig and Lilli remind them that they can’t give up, “Step by Step”
Ten days before Christmas, the ladies of the village were gossiping about the new shop at Baroness Waldemeir’s home when Ludwig and Lilli visit to pay up till Christmas. They also tell the ladies that they are having a big Toy Sale in the Village. Waldemeir warns Rosamund that no one is to buy a thing from them.

“Toy Shoppe on Parade” takes place in the city square. Rosamund and her daughter Eleanor are suspiciously watching when Eleanor decides to run home to grab her purse leaving Rosamund alone. This gives the perfect opportunity for Lilli to hand her cuddles the teddy bear, Rosamund feels inclined to take it. Afterall, it’s a gift. When Eleanor returns, her mother has completely changed for the better. As Rosamund leaves to buy Eleanor a new coat, Lilli gives Eleanor a toy ballerina. Eleanor begins to believe that this toy shop may be exactly what their town needs.
Friedrich enters the scene to return the toy Lilli gave him. Lilli reminds him that Christmas isn’t about gifts, but much, much more. “True Meaning of Christmas”

Just when you think everything is going to be okay, Dr. Glickenstein walks into town. He couldn’t sell any of his elixirs in the last town, everyone was too happy. Apparently the Toy Shoppe had just left. “The Spirit of Christmas”

“Christmas Montage Countdown” It it now only 1 day left till Christmas, Lilli, Ludwig, Eleanor, Rosamund, Friedrich and the toys decide to plan a big Christmas ball in the town hall at midnight so that Waldemeir won’t find out. The only glitch? Waldemeir keeps the keys to the town hall under her pillow. While Lilli and Friedrich sneak to get the key, the others plan the decorating of the tree. “One Little Spark”

ACT II
“The Spirit of Christmas Reprise” Waldemeir is getting ready for bed excited for the plan with the Doctor to steal all the toys when suddenly, Dr. Glickenstein enters in a panic. He overheard villagers discussing a large Christmas Ball at city hall happening at midnight. Waldemeir doesn’t believe Friedrich would steal the keys till she realizes they are already missing from under her pillow. They decide to put their plan in place tonight then meet at City Hall.
Friedrich and Lilli are walking back to the City Hall with Waldemeir’s keys when Frederick realizes he has something he must say to her. “I Wish I Knew”

The Christmas Ball is way underway with dancing and music. Waldemeir abuptly enters the hall and demands that the party comes to an end. Dr. Glickenstein follows with a bag filled with all the toys from the village. Fear sinks in as villagers hand Waldemeir their toy but Friedrich refuses. For the first time, someone has stood up to the woman who owns this town. Waldemeir doesn’t seem so powerful. Soon Rosamund and Eleanor ask for their toys to be returned to them.

Glickenstein is incensed by the change in the town and begins to argue when Ludwig hands him a nutcracker doll, the captain. A gift. The Dr. changes instantly. Waldemeir angrily huffs that even the Dr. has turned on her until Lilli hands her a doll, Ruffles. It is just like the doll her father gave her a long time aga. The large toys, Captain, Smiley and Ruffles all move around Waldemeir and sing “It’s Merry Christmas Time Again”