A stunning celebration of burlesque, dance, and music
Company XIV shows have been a long-standing favorite of ours. And this year marks the 12th anniversary of their famous annual performance, Nutcracker Rouge. The Nutcracker Rouge’s story takes inspiration from the classic tale of The Nutcracker. However, in typical Company XIV fashion, this tale is twisted into a sexy burlesque masterpiece. The story begins with the infamous nutcracker doll that transports the main character into the land of sweets. Here, she has to traverse this realm in order to find her way back home. But in this reinterpretation, each character in the land of sweets has a sexy and twisted burlesque ego. Incorporating a number of performance styles and techniques, you are taken into a land where these characters perform stunts like aerial acrobatics, contortionism, and much more. And along with those circus stunts, you will be immersed in some of the most technical ballet, opera, and singing you can find in New York City.
What we particularly love about the Nutcracker Rouge is how it creates its own identity while still paying homage to the original tale and performance. As the curtains raise, you watch a beautiful ballet and contemporary dance performance in the style of the original ballet, as well as enjoying a stunning performance at the very end to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from the original tale. However, everything in between is straight from the mind of Austin McCormick and the rest of the creative team. You have everything from a drag performer singing opera all the way to a giant orgy with the entire cast. There is nothing off limits at a Company XIV show and that’s what makes these shows so magical.
We cannot recommend the Nutcracker Rouge enough and this show is definitely something to experience if you want to immerse yourself in real New York City nighttime entertainment. You can purchase tickets here and even upgrade your experience for an even more enjoyable (and boozier) time.
