Though its a completely new, re-envisioned production, returning attendees will be pleased to see all their favorite characters, such as Verlaine’s Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy, Tory Peil’s “toreadora” Hot Chocolate, the adorable Snowflakes and my personal favorite, Babette La Fave’s Sleepytime Reveler, who has a magical interaction with the mischievous glowing light of a candlestick. Other standout professionally-trained dance talent includes Paris Original, Trojan Original, Alice Cao, Marissa Quimby, Dreamy Tangerine, Moscato Ecstatique and Elektra Luxe, who magnificently execute Verlaine’s elegant yet playful choreography. Stephanie Seymour’s custom costuming is not only lavishly exquisite (with Burlesque sparkles-o-plenty!), but also dynamic and full of surprises as the performers sometimes make multiple transitions and reveals on-stage during the same number! Expect to see just the right amount of tasteful/respectful sexiness and sass; a little skin here and there, balanced with flirtatious innuendos and tongue-in-cheek inferences.

McCann’s smooth-crooning Charles Drosselmingus is a Brian Setzer-like host-with-the-most; emceeing throughout the evening, he equally engages with audience and performers, alike. McCann narratively navigates through the whimsical winter wonderland that is Land of the Sweets and cleverly transitions from each vignette to the next with original songs and witty improvised banter. And, his musical talents don’t end there; he’s also responsible for co-collaborating with local musicians Kate Olson and Michael Owcharuk to create an all-new jazzy arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker Suite, performed live, on-stage by a hyper-talented 9-piece jazz orchestra. The end result, in McCann’s own words, is ” a lean, bawdy, bop/cool-influenced re-imagination of the ballet’s original music.” Pure musical ecstasy to this reviewer’s ears; you’ll be tapping your toes and wiggling your hips throughout the entire evening!

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