For all you theater-goers missing the ultra-glitzy decadence of Company XIV, “Nutcracker Rouge Cocktails & Burlesque at Home” is here to save you from the pandemic theater doldrums. This streaming version of the Bushwick-based dance theater’s classic annual extravaganza, “Nutcracker Rouge,” includes eight short episodes that feature a different act from the show paired with a craft cocktail tutorial.
New episodes are released regularly from now until New Year’s Eve. I recently had the pleasure of viewing the first three and I can tell you they are extremely high quality productions, featuring the standard fare you love about Company XIV — barely clad beauties, copious amounts of glitter, a kickass soundtrack, and that special blend of dance, circus arts, and burlesque.
I, for one, have missed watching the gorgeous and talented humans of Company XIV, not to mention the sensory experience of being inside their theater. “Nutcracker Rouge Cocktails & Burlesque at Home” is certainly the next best thing aside from actually being there. The episodes bring to mind many past productions, especially as they are filmed inside the theater.
“Candied Violet” brings back opera-singing aerial performer Marcy Richardson in an aerial hoop act, accompanied by a namesake cocktail lovingly mixed by Sam Urdang. “Red Velvet” features extremely flexible burlesque performer Lilin, accompanied by singer LEXXE and bartender Jacoby Pruitt. “Turkish Delight” is another aerial performance by a bejeweled and corseted Troy Lingelbach. The highly complex bespoke cocktail is seductively mixed by Erin Dillon.
View the official teaser and get information about the various packages for purchase. Subscribers get unlimited on-demand streaming through January 31, 2021. If you really want to treat yourself and get the full experience, the $1,600 VIP Luxe Package includes 24 spirits, liqueurs, and wines with accompanying garnishes and bitters to mix your own versions of all the cocktails featured in the episodes. Plus, you get a set of gold-plated barware. A little over the top, yes, but it’s the ultimate indulgence from the company that specializes in the art of decadence.