“It's impossible not to eat up the craft and strength on display for ‘Nutcracker Rouge's’ two hours. Nevermind that striptease is part of all the acts; you wouldn't be able to take your eyes off the cast's flawless execution of Company XIV founder Austin McCormick's routines, from ballet to acrobatics to aerialism and more, even without it.”
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"If the plain old 'Nutcracker' causes you to zone out, this one will surely wake you up...The show looks at times like an adults-only Cirque du Soleil extravaganza, with trapeze acts and other athletic displays...But Mr. McCormick has much grander ambitions than a 'Nutcracker' under the big top or a bawdy parody. The cast is full of classically trained dancers, and when he turns them loose, the result can be dazzling."
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"Austin McCormick and his risqué neo-Baroque dance theater Company XIV present a lavish erotic reimagining of the classic holiday tale, complete with circus performers, operatic singers and partial nudity. Definitely leave the kids at home: The word nutcracker has customarily conjured innocent wonder; now be ready to add glitter pasties, stripper poles and comically large stuffed penises to the, shall we say, toys to expect in wonderland."
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"A lavish erotic reimagining of a classic holiday tale...'Nutcracker Rouge' is the perfect hot date: a rated-R riff on the tale...These delectable divas and the rest make for a savory mix of sweet, spicy and salty. For a winter treat that will get you in the mood but not cloy the palate, 'Nutcracker Rouge' does the trick."
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"This show has everything: Vivaldi, circus performance, S&M, The French Revolution. These are all compelling elements on their own, but can too many good things in one show turn bad? Rather than wowing me with delicious stage spectacle, 'Nutcracker Rouge' gave me a theatrical tummy ache with its unfocused pastiche. It isn't sexy. The secret to happy indulgence really is moderation. The secret to good burlesque? Restraint."
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"Although eroticism flavors every aspect of his creations the textures and levels of excitement, romance and humor he achieves through dance, burlesque, gymnastics, non-traditional storytelling and an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary music is unmatched in terms of elegance and sophistication...Sometimes a little kinky, often hedonistic, it is, above all, quite tasteful and beautiful. An enchanting evening of adult fun."
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"Company creator Austin McCormick is the visionary who conceived this event. Mr. McCormick’s wild choreography and his energetic direction make for an enthralling spectacle of numerous Baroque hijinks celebrating sensuality…The good-natured eroticism of 'Nutcracker Rouge' is showcased in this playfully decadent presentation that’s terrific adult merriment during the holiday season."
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"You need to go see Company XIV’s 'Nutcracker Rogue' (unless you’re bringing children or you’re a prude). The highly designed, ingeniously staged, and endlessly entertaining reimagining of 'The Nutcracker' is decadent, debaucherous, and delicious...This is an incredible show by an incomparable company, stunning to look at, gorgeous to watch, and unfailingly entertaining."
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