Core Project presents 'Cracked Nuts,' a variety show take on 'The Nutcracker'
At 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Core Project, a dance-based interdisciplinary arts collective, will present 15 artists and performing companies in its first-ever "Cracked Nuts" production at the Elgin Art Showcase, 161 Division St., 8th floor, in downtown Elgin.
"Cracked Nuts" is an interdisciplinary exploration of the historic Nutcracker ballet. Featuring dance, music, performance and visual art, "Cracked Nuts" is the first of its kind in downtown Elgin - a land sorely missing its "Nutcracker."
"Cracked Nuts" will feature dance, music, theater, and visual artists, including Jay-Son Tisa Dance, Heart Content Dance Project, Moore, Oceans and Oceans, Troupe Strozzi, Project606 Dance Company, Cassie Walker, a variety of Core Project artists, and more.
Elgin area visual artists Bruce Bachelder, John French, and Ken Simonsen will be painting live during the event. The performances will use the adaptable Elgin Art Showcase performance space as a cabaret-style venue, allowing audiences an up-close view to the variety of performative talent on display. Elgin resident Tom Armstrong will be roasting chestnuts prior to the performance, and drinks will be available.
"I've wanted to do a broken up, variety show version of 'The Nutcracker' for years," said "Cracked Nuts" curator Erin Rehberg. "Having spent so many years in the dance world, the traditional formula no longer interests me, but the tradition still does. In 'Cracked Nuts,' snowflakes become marshmallows, the battle scene becomes a paint off, and a wide variety of artistic voices and mediums can be represented in one show. That's my kind of holiday celebration."
Rehberg invited artists she has worked with in the past, including those she has seen through her position as artistic director of the Elgin Fringe Festival. Andrew Moore of Watch City will be performing live with Elgin-based rock band Oceans and Oceans. Other Elgin Fringe Festival veteran performers include Core Project, Project606 Dance, and Troupe Strozzi.
"Working with all the artists included is an absolute pleasure," added Rehberg. "It has been inspiring to watch all these folks make their way to Elgin to share their weird wonderful creative visions."
Tickets are $12 ahead of time via the Core Project website at www.coreprojectchicago.org and $15 at the door. All proceeds support the organizations and artists involved in Cracked Nuts. The performance begins at 8 p.m., with the doors opening at 7:30 p.m.
Core Project is a dance based interdisciplinary arts company pushing the boundaries of storytelling. We are committed to collaborative exploration of the human journey through movement, music, video and text in live performance. It nurtures fellow artists by providing opportunities for professional growth and encourages public interaction within the arts. Its mission is to empower communities through arts presentation and education. For more information on "Cracked Nuts" or any of Core Project's programs, visit www.coreprojectchicago.org.