Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up

by Deni Kasrel

dance

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is great holiday entertainment, but really, how many times can you see the darn thing? It would seem the season is ripe for new traditions, and that's what Gail Vartanian had in mind when she conceived Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up. "There were so many Nutcrackers in the area I just decided it was time for someone to do a takeoff on it," she explains. "And I wanted to do something different. The Nutcracker attracts little girls. It doesn't attract the teenage group or men. We wanted to hit other audiences."

Vartanian's company, ContempraDance Theatre, premiered Philly-Nutt last year at the Mandell Theater. Now they're reprising the piece in an extended version at the Painted Bride. Certain characters and locales in Philly-Nutt are inspired by the original story, but it's all done with a twist. The Sugarplum Fairy raps, the uncle is gay and instead of going to the Kingdom of Sweets the cast heads to the Kingdom of Prussia. There's ballet, along with hip-hop, jazz and modern dance, plus a heaping helping of humor.

The levity is balanced by two more pieces on the program: "Unleash," a modern dance work portraying an isolated woman trying to come to terms with herself, which Vartanian describes as "pretty heavy"; and "My Baby Grand," a sensual jazz/blues solo. Clearly this is alternative holiday entertainment that shoots for broad appeal -- but rest assured, little girls are welcome.

Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up, Fri., Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 13, 2 and 8 p.m., and Sun., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. (followed by children's workshop), $20-$50, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 610-225-3007 or 215-925-9914.