The Nutcracker gets some Motown soul for the third year in a row

Tchaikovsky's seminal Christmas tale has been performed by troupes the world over, but none have infused it with such soul and Detroit flavor as the Motown Nutcracker. 

This version, which takes the stage at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Theatre in Dearborn, changes the story a little bit and instead of Clara, our main character is Diana. Rather than Fritz, we have Michael and instead of King Rat, our villain is King Stax Soul-Hit-Maker. Really, the whole conceit is pretty adorable. 

Anyway, rather than the sort of affair where you sit silently in uncomfortable seats for two and a half hours, the Motown Nutcracker encourages its attendees to move and sing along as dancers perform playful ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop routines. Some dancers will be as young as two while other performers are professionals in their field. Dancers come from Southfield's Legacy Dance Studio which was recently featured on Lifetime's reality TV show Dance Moms. 

The curtain rises on the Motown Nutcracker on Dec. 21 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the 2 p.m. show and $17 for the 7 p.m. show or $10 for groups of 15 or more.