Nutcracker: Rated R is a dazzling full-length ballet set to the music of Tchaikovsky, choreographed and directed by the brilliant Angela Harriell, who could be the next Susan Stroman. It's all Broadway-level work.
Starting with a mime-ish gathering of a strange family, there are zany, sexy costumes (designed by Harriell), hot innuendos with scantily-clad beauties who are real dancers; a touch of Hip Hop, skating, more mime, a modern adagio, a scene with two losers as a mood contrast, lots of humor, lots of pizazz. Harriell has a superb troupe and a wild imagination to carry out her whims. I was amazed at the level of artistry and the professionalism of the ballet-based dancers. The blend of the music, remixed by David F. Slone, the set and lighting by Mark Marcante, and Harriell's magic lifted this surreal masterpiece to heights of joy.
