2022 AUDIENCE AND PRESS REVIEWS!
Named Most Meaningful Alternative Production by The Life and Times of Rikki Lee Travolta!
“Conceived by Jaq Seifert, The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque is an absolutely delightful way to enjoy the traditions of the holidays in a totally creative manner with a fun, adult twist. Like the traditional Nutcracker ballet, The Buttcracker is a story told through dance. In fact, it follows the same storyline as the traditional ballet, but with some added creative flourishes that include some suggestive themes. It also includes an interlude of some of the best burlesque acts you’ll ever have the chance to see – ranging from legends of the industry to new talents taking the art in new and modern directions. The music is fun. The costumes are beautiful. And the performers are fabulous.”
The Life and Times of Rikki Lee Travolta – Must See! The Buttcracker gives holiday a riotous, fun, burlesque treatment!
“This delicious comic ballet and variety show is just what Santa would recommend for all the over 18 crowd on his good list.”
“The diverse talents include everything from belly dancers to sword swallowing to classic vaudeville era peek-a-poo stripteases.”
“The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque is wonderfully directed by Miguel Long, who previously performed in the show. His directorial instincts are heavenly.”
READER RECOMMENDED!
“The Buttcracker takes it off to reveal a heart of gold!”
“A glitzy, rouged, politely horny retelling of Tchaikovsky’s ballet”
“Director Miguel Long’s production, with choreography by Dylan Kerr, works hard to earn a spot on the naughty list, but there’s no denying it runs off a heart of gold, serving up pasties and feather fans and risquéness without raunch.”
“Long’s Buttcracker is an inviting and joyfully queer experience that celebrates beards and heels and tits and bellies and butts in any and all combinations, then decks them in holly.”
“Elena Avila (Clara), Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker), and Claire Francescon (Drosselmeyer) make for charismatic guides, and the show’s lineup promises a rotating billing of magicians and circus acts and dancers.”
“The performers in the show were top notch. They did stunts and dances that I would not have thought possible…”
“This piece moves swiftly and holds the attention of the audience from start to finish…”
PictureThisPost.com – Alexis Bugajski
“The Buttcracker is Not Your Mother’s Nutcracker”
“Each of the performers —from these featured acts to the ensemble dance numbers —add their own excitement and holiday cheer to The Buttcracker.”
“The Buttcracker is a fun, holiday themed burlesque show that celebrates diversity, queerness, and body positivity. If you’re the type of person who enjoys cabaret style theater, drag shows, burlesque performances, or all of the above, this show would be a good fit for you.”
PlaylistHQ – Quinn Delaney
“It’s a burlesque Nutcracker in a very fun and friendly atmosphere with the audience cheering on the performers.”
“The joy is evident in the smiles from all the dancers.”
ChiILLiveShows.com – Bonnie Kenaz – Mara
“Sexy, sultry, silly… Alliteration aside, these belles slay! If you’re looking for some adult holiday cheer, we highly recommend you shake a tail feather and get on over to see The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque©, now in their sixth season.”
“a saucy, alternative and adult retelling of the holiday classic.”
“The burlesque dances were much more fun than any traditional Nutcracker I’ve ever seen.”
“We adored this (dare I say) tongue in cheek, body positive, rendition of this holiday classic. I will never hear Tchaikovsky quite the same way again!”
2019 AUDIENCE AND PRESS REVIEWS!
“Leave the kiddos at home and enjoy the bite of this burlesque variety show inspired by the classic holiday tale. This rendition of The Nutcracker is much more sexy than the Joffrey Ballet’s, following an office administrator on a hallucinogenic and sensual journey that features magic, sword balancing, fire spinning and plenty of skin. If you’re looking for risqué seasonal entertainment, the Buttcracker should do the trick.” — Time Out Chicago
“‘The Buttcracker’ is hour and a half of exciting costumes, solo performances and group dances with fun that just keeps on going.” — Buzznews.net
“‘The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque’ should be your new holiday tradition. Go to one show or go to all of them for unique holiday memories you will never forget! Each show will be a new gift and different performers to unwrap!” — Buzznews.net
Number 1 for New City Stage’s Top 5 theatre shows to see in 2019! — Kevin Greene
2018 Audience and Press Reviews!
“…risqué seasonal entertainment!” — Time Out Chicago
[a] gender-fluid body-positive manifesto!” — Windy City Times
“a completely inappropriate tale of unimaginable naughtiness!” — Urban Matter
Check out what audiences said of our 2018 production!
“I bought the tickets as a surprise birthday gift for my girlfriend. Reggie’s vibe was very cool and something we were used to when we used to go to bars/clubs in the late 90’s! The price for VIP was great and we had the beast seats right up at the stage. Having a buffet option was also nice, we took advantage of it. Also having performers that had various body types was nice to see and empowering. In the future I would look forward to seeing other cultures and more men to the show to add more variety. It was fun, entertaining and we had a great time.”
“Solid costuming and a lot of heart!”
“So much fun! I loved it!”
“Loved the whole thing! This was my second year…I loved it all just the same!”
“This show energized me, made me giggle so much, and even made me cry!”
“Loved all of it. the costumes, performers, space, the music was great! The diversity of acts was amazing. I was not expecting such a variety!”
“I look forward to this every year now and tell tons of people about it!”
2017 Reviews!
Windy City Times Review by Mary Shen Barnidge, December 4th, 2017
2016 Audience Reviews!
“I loved the story!…Staying true to the original while spoofing and the creative liberty [was at] a new level!”
“Why is this just one night?! It’s amazing!”
“Your group is one of my favorite in Chicago!”
“So much fun!”
