Nutcracker Burlesque 2011
This winter, Vivid Motion's holiday classic – Nutcracker Burlesque – returns to the St. Lawrence Arts Center, directed by Brigitte Paulus. The show runs Dec 16-18, 20-23 at the St. Lawrence Arts Center with a 7:30 curtain. Sponsors include The Portland Phoenix, Cabana Construction, Longfellow Books, Gorham Self Storage, and Shipyard Brewing Co. Tickets ($15) go on sale on Friday, November 25th at Longfellow Books and online at www.vividmotion.org
We are pleased to present a spicy, sultry spin off of the classic ballet, sure to warm your heart and tickle your fancies! This year’s Nutcracker Burlesque begins with a holiday party hosted by Clara (played by Allie Munier) and attended by a collection of quirky guests. Amidst them are the Rat King (a shy, genuine guy played by Scott Potter) and the Nutcracker Prince (a debonair playboy played by Lucas Perry) – both vying for Clara’s attention. Fortunately, her good friend Drosselmeyer (played by Shea Murphy) is in attendance to help guide her safely on her magical journey.
As the party progresses Clara receives “help” from her friends Naughty (Daphne Gerard) and Nice (Jessica Jane Means) in controlling her guests, however the drinking and mayhem continues to spiral out of control until Clara is forced to leave her own party. Retreating to her room, Drosselmeyer assures her he will take care of things, as he weaves his magic to send her off to dream.
Her dream begins with a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the Rat King before Drosselmeyer then guides Clara thru the rest of her fantasy, filled with snowflakes, brothels, classic burlesque showcases, and a masquerade ball. As her dream develops she gains glimpses into the true nature of the Prince and the King, allowing her to choose the right man in the end. Who will win the girl’s heart? Come see the show to find out!
Music for the show is once again provided by the extremely talented NB Ensemble comprised of Ted Millington (guitar), Jason Leone (drums), Jairus Paulus (Bass), and musical director Joseph Paulus (Keys). They are sure to keep the show rockin’!
The company’s dancers range in experience from classically trained ballerinas, to hip-hop gurus, to self-taught newcomers, and hail from all over Southern Maine. Dancers include Venus Murphy, Tali Haberkamp, Margaret Irving, MJ Emerson, Lauren Kulberg, Keith Nadeau, Kat Masters, John Larson, Jill Dennison, JJ Heald, Gerry Shannon, Ellen Rathbone, Catherine Perreault, Byron Nilsen, Breanne Bailey, Andre Demers, Amy Doucette, Ali Shannon, and Brigitte Paulus.
Choreography for this year’s show is provided by Jessica Jane Means, Byron Nilsen, Gerry Shannon, Brigitte Paulus, Ali Shannon, JJ Heald, Daphne Gerard, and artistic director MJ Emerson.
Tickets are $15. No children please. Tickets go on sale November 25th online at vividmotion.org and at Longfellow Books. Reservations are not accepted. Performances are: Friday 12/16, Saturday 12/17, Sunday 12/18, Tuesday 12/20, Wednesday 12/21, Thursday 12/22, and Friday 12/23 - all at 7:30 pm at The St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland.
