This week begins hell week for the upcoming Bruka production of “The Buttcracker”. The premise of the show is that an international ballet company had scheduled to do the Nutcracker at Bruka theatre, but unfortunately due to some unforeseen circumstances, the ballet company is unable to perform. The Bruka Theatre community decides to band together with only 24 hours to put on our own version of the Nutcracker – aptly named The Buttcracker.

Now, prior to becoming involved in this production I had never seen the Nutcracker – neither live nor in film format. I understood it to be a rich part of the holiday tradition but for whatever reason I never saw the appeal. Growing up with my parents, it would have taken a lot to convince my mom and dad to attend a ballet where toys come to life and prance about the stage. One of our first rehearsals we took some time to watch the original Nutcracker movie with Macaulay Culkin. Oh my lord, what a god awful movie that was. The whole premise of the Nutcracker is ridiculous. It all begins at a Christmas Eve party where a group of children act like some ADD-suffering, Crack-smoking, pillagers taking candy, toys, and whatever else they can get their hands on, while the parents watch with amusement. All of a sudden, a mysterious uncle arrives at the party and apparently fucked-up shit happens whenever he shows up. Then some toys come to life, some rats get biggigidy, a Nutcracker appears, and we all get transported to a world full of sweet and fairies. On paper, the Nutcracker sounds epic and exciting. In actuality, I don’t know why people go Coo-Coo for Coco Puffs over it.

Thank god Bruka is doing a parody of the Nutcracker. We might not be the best dancers but we have enthusiasm, a comedic wit, and some of the most fabulous costumes you have ever seen. Lauren Gifford from Prism Magic is supplying all of the costumes for the shows and they are outrageous.  So if you are looking for a fun dysfunctional family get together make sure to check out Bruka’s upcoming holiday production of Buttcracker III: The Resurrection.