DANCE REVIEW: Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up, 12/12 @ Drexel's Mandell Theater

POSTED: Monday, December 14, 2009, 3:23 PM

Filed Under: Arts | Events | Dance Philly Artists

Photo | Lauren Seibert

New-School Nutcracker

Twirling on her toes, glimmering in a white tutu and crown, the Sugar Plum Fairy spins gracefully across the stage ' only to stop with a sigh, shrug, and take a drag from an imaginary cigarette. Suddenly, the music switches from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score to a heavy beat, and Sugar Plum is rapping.

A Sugar Plum Fairy turned gangster, breakdancing mice, a 'Hip Hoppin Santa'' all this and more turned the traditional Nutcracker ballet on its head in ContempraDance Theatre's Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up, a blend of comedy, jazz, hip-hop, modern and ballet dance. The Nutcracker spoof Saturday night throbbed with energy, acrobatics and exaggerated capers, and while it was clearly more of a family-oriented show, the flood of references to Philly culture kept the adults in the room grinning. The music ranged from Tchaikovsky to Mortal Kombat, James Brown and Fatboy Slim.

Photo | Lauren Seibert

In ContempraDance's version, Clara is known as 'Liberty Belle Anne' (played by dancer Jackie Kokolus) and hosts a Christmas slumber party for her pajama-clad girlfriends, who playfully fight over presents and throw down preppy dance moves to Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.' Suddenly, accompanied by Harry Potter theme music, 'Uncle Franklin Rosselmeyer' (played by Ryheen Thomas) bursts in to charm the girls over and distribute his gifts of life-size 'City Hall Dolls.' The dolls, including a Barbie and Princess Leia, each unstiffen to perform individual dances poking fun at today's pop culture.

The awkward, fumbling 'City Cheesesteak Guy' (dancer Timothy Zimnoch) fills the Nutcracker role, and Liberty Belle Anne spends the rest of the show searching for him. Other Philly references include a visit to the Kingdom of Prussia and a dance-out between the Phillies and the Yankees. Guess who wins?

Photo | Lauren Seibert

As goofy as ContempraDance's scenes may be, the group knows how to dance. With the ability to switch instantly from ballet movements to hip-hop or feats of breakdancing, the dancers never left the audience bored. During the dream scenes, the squeaking, headlamp-wearing 'mice' had us laughing at their backflipping antics and their names ' R2, R3, R4 and 'King R5.' The 'Prussians,' played by Stephanie Vasta and Matt Torchia, stunned with their acrobatic moves; a group of tiny girls in tutus melted our hearts as adorable 'Penn's Cherubs' and 'Hershey Kisseritas.'

The only part of the show that seemed a bit out of place was the 'Philly Flake' character, danced by Heather Bare, who pranced around to a valley-girl voiceover repeating, 'I'm like, freaking out totally' Like, oh my god'' But in the end, City Cheesesteak Guy's ultimate superhero transformation wrapped up the show on a cute note. Lighthearted and fun, ContempraDance's holiday spoof is great for a night with the family ' as long as everyone's from Philly.

ContempraDance Theatre, 396 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne,' 610-225-3007, contempradancetheatre.org.

Jon von Prussia

Posted 2009-12-14 11:58:38

Actually, the Philly Flake routine is one of the biggest laugh-getters every year ... and Heather is adored by all.

Dancer Mom

Posted 2009-12-14 13:14:48

As the mother of one of the three girls chosen to dance in both the Penn's Cherubs and Hershey Kisserita numbers, I greatly appreciate your reference to and recognition of them in the show.  It is a fabulous fun show to watch with the whole family - even the men enjoy it.

Pat Adams

Posted 2009-12-14 13:41:02

I Loved the show! my foot was tapping all night long! I laughed and had a great time, the dancers were incredible!I never knew how much fun this kind of show could be! Congrats all you Philly Nutts!!

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