A Nutcracker Burlesque

The Buttcracker

No, this isn’t a misprint, and the Joffrey Ballet has nothing to do with this production. In the seventh edition of this popular adult entertainment, which has presented sold-out racy parodies of various holiday plays and musicals since its inception, returns with a saucy, sassy and sexy version of “The Nutcracker” ballet. This year the new production is being presented in the upstairs venue of the Greenhouse Theater, which includes a bar where theatergoers can purchase some liquid holiday cheer, both before the show and during the intermission. In fact, I recommend it.

This new, provocative burlesque updates the story about Clara and the Nutcracker. The story opens at a corporate holiday party that’s been arranged by Clara for a company of suits. The festivities fall apart, but a delightfully jolly character named Drosselmeyer appears out of nowhere to save the day. Suddenly the disastrous party scene turns into a magical landscape, where Christmas trees grow taller, a gingerbread house becomes almost life-size and the Nutcracker, actually she’s called the Buttcracker, comes to life. 

She and Clara must battle an army of rats, led by a Rat King (who strongly resembles the company’s snobby boss). Clara, the Buttcracker and the tin soldiers achieve victory and, following the intermission, Clara and the Buttcracker are treated to a variety of risque entertainment, all of which are parodies of the original Hoffmann story and the Tchaikovsky ballet. Dancing snowflakes become a corps de ballet of four sexy dancers with gigantic white feathered fans; the Sugar Plum Fairy is now the Sugar Bum Fairy; the sweets from around the world who perform for Clara and the Buttcracker include Chocolate from Spain, Coffee from Arabia, Tea from China and Vodka from Russia. Mother Ginger makes an especially arousing appearance and suddenly the entertainment ramps up to its most outrageous audacity ever.

The production is the lovechild of a host of creative individuals. First of all, I present the cast, as listed on the program card opening night. The company includes a spunky Amelia Roque as Clara, sexy Kazmo Universe as the Buttcracker, CHAOTIKA xoxo plays Sugar Bum Fairy, the brazen, bodacious Harlem Nyte as Drosselmeyer and Kitty LaRoux as the stern Boss and the Rat King. The multitalented ensemble, who play many roles throughout the burlesque, include L’Raven, Michael Eos. Special soloists featured opening night include Lady Ginger as Vodka; Mocha Mocha 2.0 as Coffee; Miss Nyxon as Chocolate; Vivi Valens as Mother Ginger; and, in her farewell performance in Chicago, Slightly Spitfire as Tea. 

Jaq Seifert’s clever lampoon of the Hoffmann story is well-served by Michelle Isaac’s original composition and arrangement of the Tchaikovsky ballet score. The production is directed by Sarah Scanlon with Willy LaQueue as the show’s choreographer to guide all the shaking bumps and grinds and twerking. Brighid Martensen designed all the sparkly and spangly elaborate costumes, most of which are created to be easily removed. Gabrielle Strong is the scenic designer and Samuel Stephen lights the burlesque production.

Throughout the holiday schedule there are special events for theatergoers. They include a pre-show burlesque tutorial taught by entertainer, Lady Ginger; a holiday pajamas night; an ugly sweater contest; special holiday guests, magicians and a closing night party on December 30.

This zesty, eclectic holiday production runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes, plus an intermission. It’s an entertainment that’s plenty of fun, but definitely intended for liberal-minded adult audiences, 18 and over. Emcee Jaq Seifert encourages the audience to applaud, whoop, whistle and holler in reaction to the various performers, and many of the specialty acts are definitely worthy of this unbridled response. So for theatergoers who like their Nutcracker a little saltier than usual, get your tickets early because this show sells out fast.                

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 30-December 30 by (Sub)Version Productions, LLC, at the Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Greenhouse box office or by going to www.GreenhouseTheater.org or www.TheButtcrackerBurlesque.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.