As usual, it started with a doll and a dream.
But this version of the "Nutcracker" rocked much harder than your average Christmas production.
Keshet Dance Company presents Shira Greenberg's "Nutcracker on the Rocks," a flashy production that takes the classic version and puts a modern spin on it - Harley Davidson and all.
Combining rock music from artists like Janis Joplin, James Brown, Billie Holiday and The Velvet Underground, "Nutcracker on the Rocks" was an hour and a half of superb music and head-spinning choreography.
The dancers ranged in age from eight to adult. Some were veterans of the annual production, and for others, it was their first time. Somehow, directors managed to intertwine the various levels of talent.
Dancers represented different decades, including a '20s song with flappers and a '50s dance with greasers. When the two main characters fall in love, girls dressed in '60s style entered, and the stage oozed with G-rated free love.
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Sarah Elizabeth Bennett shone as the leader of the evil rats who attempt to ruin Christmas and steal the magical nutcracker doll. Bennett led the rats in a striking dance to The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil." Her gyrating hips and the iridescent costumes were enough to make any patron of the traditional "Nutcracker" a little uneasy. Every time she slithered onstage the crowd would applaud. By the end, you couldn't help but love the devil.
In one performance, "Snow," choreographers incorporated disabled dancers. Young dancers would glide along the stage on the backs of wheelchairs, creating a visually pleasing and particularly sweet winter scene.
This year, Keshet Dance Company has added the opportunity for audience members to take pictures on the Harley Davidson after Sunday's performance.
"Nutcracker on the Rocks" appeals to all ages and is perfect for those who want to shake up the traditional Christmas ballet.
COMING ATTRACTION
Shira Greenberg's "Nutcracker on the Rocks"
Rodey Theatre
Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2
Grade: A
