GAYLETTER

Being seduced by a ripped guy in a jock-strap after smoking something mysterious may be a fairly normal night for our readers, but how many times have you seen it onstage during ‘The Nutcracker’? That’s only the beginning of Company XIV’s “burlesque-baroque” makeover of this Christmas classic, transforming a candy-filled trip down the rabbit hole into a adults-only misadventure of carnal self-discovery.

Expect men-on-men, women-on-women, giant phalluses and orgiastic can-cans, as the gender-bending crew of dancers, singers and circus performers whirl from sensual baroque to thrilling flamenco and into an S&M-themed dance without missing a beat. And trust us, you want to see Nicolas Maffey wrap himself around a trapeze in nothing but a jock-strap (pictured). The edge-of-your-seat choreography from artistic director Austin McCormick is topped off with decadent costumes — or often lack thereof — as boys and girls alike get around in heels, corsets, candy-floss wigs and smaller underwear than your average Circuit party. The performances benefit from superb live singing and a soundtrack of Madonna, Aphex Twin, Vivaldi, Bach and some smoky jazz renditions of the original Nutcracker suite.

Tchaikovsky’s ballet has lodged itself firmly within the American Christmas tradition, with some critics proclaiming it’s annual “tyranny… is emblematic of how dull and risk-averse American ballet has become.” But after being blinded by the bejewelled cod-pieces, sequined nipple tassles and the sheer lusty spectacle of Company XIV’s ‘Nutcracker Rouge,’ dull is the very last word that comes to mind. Cement your place on the naughty list — go see it this Christmas.

Click here for tickets. The season has now been extended until January 12, 2014.