Also this issue: Feeling the '50s CP's theater critics go Crazy for 1812 Productions’ stellar homage to 1950s comedy. -David Anthony Fox and Toby Zinman Taste Treat Kitsch and high art cohabitate at Wexler Gallery's current show. -Susan Hagen Dolls to Remember -Robin Rice Cirque loize -Deni Kasrel Santa Claus is Coming Out -Debra Auspitz Artifacts of the Improbable -Paul Burress Paul Taylor Dance -Janet Anderson The Consul -Lou Camp

December 12-18, 2002

artpicks

Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up

If you are looking to add a little spice to the customary Christmas productions, try Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up. Produced by ContempraDance Theatre artistic director and choreographer Gail Vartanian, the piece is an original, boisterous and very localized interpretation of the classic Nutcracker. Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up combines ballet with jazz, modern dance, comedy and, thanks to guest choreographer Clyde Evans, hip-hop. The piece features characters like Liberty Anne Belle, Uncle Franklin Rosselmeyer and a rapping sugarplum fairy, along with locally themed references like the "Kingdom of Prussia." There are pop culture allusions aplenty, like the Matrix-esque battle that erupts between Liberty Anne's dolls and breakdancing rats. Not to mention Liberty Anne's love interest, a nerdy Philly cheesesteak delivery boy. Along with Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up, three other works will be presented: Beyond Words, Exotic Birds and Hangeraphobia. Unlike the annual predictable holiday entertainment, Philly-Nutt-Crak-Up is guaranteed to captivate with cutting-edge dance.

Fri.-Sat., Dec. 13-14, 8 p.m., $20, Mandell Theater, Drexel University, 32nd and Chestnut sts., 610-225-3007.

—Kristina Weise