Clara Goes to Kenya

What was Christ if not radically egalitarian? He ate with lepers and fallen women and routinely thumbed his nose at The Man. The holiday bearing his name should have multicultural celebrations, no? The Chocolate Nutcracker is just that. This modern twist on the old classic goes up tempo, as the young heroine dreams her way through Africa and various dance/music styles including hip-hop, African drum, and carnival. But Linda Houston Jones, the show’s impresario, eagerly notes “We don’t want people to think it’s just a program only black people can enjoy... It’s a holiday program for the entire family.” Indeed, there’s even a little Irish dancing. Imagine: Riverdance with sugar plum fairies.

The Chocolate Nutcracker is presented by Ashanti Cultural Arts at the Parker Playhouse (707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale) on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15. Call 954-462-0222 or visit www.parkerplayhouse.com.
Sat., Dec. 1; Sun., Dec. 2, 2007