Nutty Nutcrackers

[Mme. Hermine]

I know some places do these; they're probably better when people know in advance that they're going to see something other than the usual performance. I like them when they're done well and wonder if we could have a thread about the details of such performances. Some years ago Boston Ballet did one wherein I know the Spanish Dance was an Elvis imitator and an avid fan (you had to be there I guess but it was very funny and the music seemed right somehow!).

[Anne74]

I agree that they can be sucessful when they're advertised to the public as "mischevious" shows. In my experience, the jokes are mostly wasted on the audience and are funny only to the dancers and crew. Exceptions are the obvious--- Mother Ginger with a "Happy New Year" sign on New Year's Eve, snow falling on the conductor, etc. I know some companies that bill a cerain performance as "nutty" can make out pretty well.