Have a holly jolly Christmas, thanks to this jamboree

By Meredith Deliso 

“This isn’t the kind of concert where we expect the audience to sit and politely clap.”

         

So warns Ethan Schlesser. For his annual Jingle Bell Jamboree, the PS 97 choir teacher pulls together some of the borough’s best performers to not only entertain you, but get you to your feet and belting out holiday classics and singalongs.

On Dec. 18, the Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope once again hosts the holiday show, a variety act now in its 10th year that will feature the Brooklyn Technical HS Choir, the “Old First” Family String Band, the St. Joseph’s HS Step team, the PS 97 Show Choir, and such regulars as the Brooklyn Community Chorus.

“The first year we did it, we had a singalong that was very low key. It was almost like you were at a friend’s house having a holiday gathering,” said Schlesser, who, in addition to manning the piano, will also perform a vaudeville-style opening number with the church’s pastor, Rev. Daniel Meeter (pictured above. The pastor's wearing the gloves). “For me, it’s important to keep that spirit. The audience is involved throughout the concert.”

That couldn’t be more true than in the big finale — a performance of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” where unsuspecting members of the audience are picked to act out the various “gifts.”

“If a group does poorly, we stop the singalong, point at them and say you have to do better again,” said Schlesser. “It’s pandemonium.”

Jingle Bell Jamboree at the Old First Reformed Church [Seventh Avenue at Carroll Street in Park Slope, (718) 638-8300], Dec. 18 at 7 pm. Suggested donation of $10, $5 for children.

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The gang's all there

By Meredith Deliso

It’s one thing to believe in the story of the Three Wise Men, Mary and Joseph, and the little baby that they birthed in a manger, but it’s another thing to see it live.

So as it has done for decades, the New Utrecht Reformed Church will mark the Christmas holiday this Saturday with its annual living nativity — a recreation of the manger scene using live actors and animals.

Save for the electric floodlights and a CD blaring holiday music, the tableau of the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the shepherds presents a peaceful Biblical scene — the only one of its kind.

“It’s a very nice gift to the community,” said Susan Hanyen, vice president of the church’s Consistory. “It’s really what Christmas is all about. It’s not about the shopping, but about what the gift was.”

For three hours that day, actors will be dressed in Biblical clothing to portray the scene ­— with baby Jesus “played” by a plastic doll (hey, it’s cold outside). Live animals — a cow, two sheep, and two goats — will also create a temporary petting zoo that’s sure to stand out on the church’s lawn.

“Eighteenth Avenue is a busy street, so people are sometimes taken aback to see this scene in the middle of a busy street,” said Hanyen.

Living nativity at New Utrecht Reformed Church [18th Avenue between 83rd and 84th streets in Bensonhurst, (718) 256-7173], Dec. 18 from 3-6 pm. Free. For info, visit www.historicnewutrecht.org.

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Theater review: A hot little 'Nutcracker' from Company XIV

By Meredith Deliso

’Tis the season for “Nutcrackers” of all stripes, be them faithful or irreverent. For a sexed-up retelling that’s full of eye candy, Company XIV’s reimagining, “Nutcracker Rouge,” doesn’t disappoint.

The Carroll Gardens-based dance-theater troupe has made a name for itself thanks to its sensual, over-the-top productions that are as much a celebration of the human body as the dance that it performs. And “Nutcracker Rouge,” the company’s vamped-up contribution to the holiday tradition, now through Jan. 9, turns the classic tale into a sumptuous treat that’s certainly not for kids.

At the helm of Company XIV’s version is Drosselmeyer, a dramatic narrator who demands as much attention as the characters he introduces — including his goddaughter, the virginal Marie Claire, upon whom he bestows one fateful Christmas a nutcracker who is actually the prince of the Kingdom of the Sweets whose past deeds includes fending off an army of mice but who is now miserably awaiting his queen.

The kingdom itself is the real sweet here, ripe as it is with half-naked dancers who represent chocolates, cherry truffles, licorice and macaroons. Oh, the macaroons.

The dances — set to a jazzy score based off the original Tchaikovsky music — feature a harem of “Turkish delights,” perfectly synchronized lap dances, and even a rousing can can number. The climax comes, of course, during the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, at which point Marie Claire sheds her girlish, stifling dress for a tiny burlesque number, complete with pasties, for the big reunion.

Choreographer Austin McCormick’s sensuous production is playful and cheeky at heart — bubbles descend like snow at the opening dance, sex acts are pantomimed to much laughs, and, in case you missed the cues, there’s even a laugh track and drum roll, however tacky.

As our Sugar Plum Fairy, Laura Careless is mesmerizing, her face appropriately angelic or cloying, and she deservedly owns the stage during her anticipated solo. The production also truly leans on our narrator, Jeff Takacs (who wrote the script, and clearly loves every word). He gamely dresses in S&M dungeon-esque duds, operatic drag and traditional Baroque fair, as is the company’s aesthetic. His theatricality lends itself well to the company’s over-the-top flair, but we were too distracted by the beautiful dancers.

Despite its charms, this “Nutcracker” is not without some sour moments. A big reveal of the Kingdom of the Sweets is underwhelming. Some of the otherwise engaging dancing falls flat; in particular, a Spanish flamenco number. Those eye-popping floor-dropping dances and stripper poles come at a price, and thanks to all that bared flesh, the evident bruises on our poor Careless are a tad distracting.

Still, this “Nutcracker” is a tasty holiday escape, favoring style over substance. And it’s nothing without style.

“Nutcracker Rouge” at Company XIV [303 Bond St. between Union and Sackett streets in Carroll Gardens, no phone), now through Jan. 9, with performances Friday through Sunday at 8 pm. No shows Dec. 24-26. Tickets $30, $25 for students and seniors. For info, visit www.companyxiv.com. 

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A 'Nutracker' for the ages

By Alex Rush

“The Nutcracker” has always appealed to children, but the Brighton Ballet Theater is taking extra steps to make its performance of the 100-year-old classic Russian ballet even more kid-friendly.

The company, which is holding its show at Kingsborough Community College’s performing arts center on Dec. 18, cast 50 young dancers from its ballet school in its version of Tchaikovsky’s classic. (The same troupe reprises the show the next day at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.)

Choreographer Edouard Kouchnarev wanted to include students in the show with seasoned professional dancers so that kids in the audience could truly relate to the performance.

“It’s great for children in the audience to see dancers their own age on stage,” said Anna Becker, executive director of the Kingsborough Performing Arts Center.

The Brighton Ballet Theater has also shortened the typically two-hour ballet, performing only the most exciting excerpts from the show, complete with lavish costumes and vivid scenery.

“The show moves along quicker and has more rhythm to suit a contemporary audience,” Kouchnarev said. “We don’t expect that kids these days want to sit through a long show when there’s holiday shopping to do.”

But just because Brighton Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker” is abridged, that doesn’t mean it won’t include all the shows traditional global dances. Expect dancers to gracefully emulate moves from Spain, China, India, France, an extra Nigerian dance not in the original, and, of course, Russia.

The Brighton Ballet Theater does “The Nutcracker” at Kingsborough Community College [2001 Oriental Blvd. at Decatur Avenue in Manhattan Beach, (718) 368-5596], Dec. 18 at 2 pm. Tickets $12. For info, visit www.kbcc.cuny.edu; a repeat performance will take place at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum [145 Brooklyn Ave. St. Marks Avenue in Crown Heights, (718) 735-4400] on Dec. 19 at 1:30 and 2:30 pm.

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Do you Vodou?

By Meredith Deliso

Do you Vodou?

Stephanie Keith does. The Clinton Hill resident has spent nearly five years capturing Brooklyn’s Vodou community — specifically, photographing the religious ceremonies and practices hosted by Mambo Marie Carmel in her Flatbush basement.

“I’ve always been interested in religion, but I just love the beat of the drums, the songs, and the energy that’s created between the participants,” said Keith. “It just seemed so free.”

Keith’s passion in shooting the ceremonies culminated this past summer in her book, “Vodou Brooklyn: Five Ceremonies with Mambo Marie Carmel.” On Dec. 18, the photographer celebrates both the book and the religion with an exhibit at Five Myles in Crown Heights. 

In addition to featuring her work, the night will be a non-intimidating introduction to the Vodou religion, complete with a salute to the spirits and drumming by Gerard and Mandouse, in an attempt to erase negative connotations and myths people may associate with the Haitian religion, such as Vodou dolls and devil worship.

“I feel like Vodou has been such a sustaining religion to so many people, but it’s still so misrepresented and misunderstood,” said Keith. “I am committed to the idea of Vodou going mainstream and people not having strange misconceptions about it. It’s a really beautiful and rich culture steeped in Haitian history.”

“Vodou Brooklyn” at Five Myles [558 St Johns Pl. between Classon and Franklin avenues in Prospect Heights, (718) 783-4438], Dec. 18 at 7 pm. Free. For info, visit www.stephaniekeith.com.

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Brooklyn Youth Chorus is thrice as nice this weekend

By Meredith Deliso

Brooklyn’s best chorus is three times as nice this holiday season.

This weekend, you’ll have several chances to catch the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus as it performs a program of holiday choral works at the Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Brooklyn Heights.

More than 300 kids will take to the stage over the course of three concerts as they perform holiday selections from classical and contemporary composers, including Leonard Bernstein, J.S. Bach, Jozsef Karai, Joan Szymko, Andrew Lippa and Bob Chilcott, on Dec. 17 and 18.

The performers at each concert range from the standard concert chorus to the young men’s ensemble, but no matter which you attend, you’re sure to be charmed — these talented, and much sought-after, kids have performed with Elton John, Judy Collins and even Lou Reed. 

The audience is encouraged to sing holiday classics at the end of each concert, so be sure to bring your own pipes.

Brooklyn Youth Chorus at Our Lady of Lebanon Church [113 Remsen St. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 624-7228], Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm; Dec. 18 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets $10-$35. For info, visit www.brooklynyouthchorus.com.

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Brooklyn the brand

Recent openings have highlighted Brooklyn as a commodity, from Brooklyn Winery to the Brooklyneer, which isn't even in Brooklyn.

And so, two different news organizations have turned their gaze to the trend, with Crains writing about the borough's "power of cool," for those maybe also thinking of ursurping it, and the New York Times focosing on those companies that have hopped the bandwagon to Brooklyn's "DIY chic." Along with all the fun product dropping, both highlight the copyright dangers and backlash (some satirized) that comes along with that.

The articles make for interesting reads, especially for all the great Brooklyn brands highlighted. Here's a list of what's mentioned, for your own compendium of "Brooklyn cool," a list that's sure to be growing:

Absolut Brooklyn - a Spike Lee joint
Brooklyn Winery - make your own wine at this Williamsburg-based facility
Brooklyn Soda Works - artisanal soda makers
Brooklyn Brewery - the borough's most established beer maker, founded in 1988 (albeit in upstate New York)
Brooklyn Burger - Sunset Park-based maker, in a dispute with Major League Baseball over their logos' similarities
Brooklyn Oenology - winery that recently opened a new tasting room
Brooklyn Industries - hip clothing store with national locations
BRDG - products inspired by the borough
Breuckelen Distilling Co. - Sunset Park-based gin maker
Brooklyn Gin - Miami-based - Miami-based gin maker suing previously mentioned gin maker
Brooklyneer - Manhattan-based restaurant inspired by Brooklyn
Brooklyn Brine - Gowanus-based pickle maker
Brooklyn Salsa - self-explanatory
Brooklyn Brew Shop - homebrewing helper found at the Brooklyn Flea
Brooklyn Kitchen - Williamsburg-based culinary shop

Hey, where's the Brooklyn Paper?

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