'Nutcracker (Not So) Suite'
Dec. 4-20: It's been two years since the Twin Cities had a taste of Myron Johnson's outrageous retelling of Tchaikovsky's classic, which the choreographer reimagines each time but always with glitter, flair and a dancing Barbie doll instead of a Nutcracker. The last time was the 20th production of Johnson's now-classic work by his troupe Ballet of the Dolls. The Dolls have been on hiatus since spring 2014, but the work is getting a new life with James Sewell Ballet, where Johnson now teaches. He and Sewell are collaborating on the new production. Because it'll be performed by the JSB dancers, you can expect stylistic differences, but Johnson's audacity and keen sense of the theatrical should ring through as the Phoenix Barbie rises from the ashes. "Racier" versions of the show will be staged on Dec. 11 and 19. (Dec. 4-20 at 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun. $25-$45. Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-206-3600, thecowlescenter.org.)
SHEILA REGAN
