This is the holiday performance extravaganza we've been waiting for. Don't get us wrong, we love the traditional Nutcracker ballet as much as the next person, but we're of the mindset that burlesque makes everything better. Everything. So naturally, "Nutcracker Rouge," a burlesque version of the Nutcracker, wins Christmas.
Laura Careless as Marie-Claire in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.
The slightly edgier and naughtier take on Mr. George Balanchine's masterful choreography is the work of Austin McCormick's Company XIV and The Saint At Large, who elevate the ballet classic with the use of pasties, garter belts, bustiers and BDSM garb. Same general tale of Sugar Plum Fairies and Marzipan Shepherdesses, just more gender-bending, nudity and cabaret-style dance. We swoon.
Shelly Watson as Madame Drosselmeyer (singing in center) and cast members of Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Robert Zash.
Would Tchaikovsky wag a finger at the hedonistic version of his 20th century classic? Yes. Are we any less enthused? No. In fact, this adaptation just might give the 1993 film starring Macaulay Culkin a run for its money. For more information on the production, running now until January 5 at New York City's Minetta Lane Theatre, check out the official website here.
Katrina Cunningham (singing) and Jeff Takacs as Monsieur Drosselmeyer (seated) in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.
(L-R) Laura Careless as Marie-Claire and Cassady Rose Bonjo as Nutcracker Doll in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Robert Zash.
Kana Kimura in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand
Nicolas Maffey and Laura Careless as Marie-Claire (on floor) in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.
Cast members of Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.
(L-R) Laura Careless as Marie-Claire and Marisol Cabrera in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.
Nicolas Maffey in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.
(L-R) Kana Kimura and Davon Rainey in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Robert Zash.
(L-R) Shelly Watson as Madame Drosselmeyer, Laura Careless as Marie-Claire and Jeff Takacs as Monsieur Drosselmeyer in Nutcracker Rouge. Photographer: Phillip Van Nostrand.