From Philly to South Jersey and Delaware, WHYY News is seeking your input on what to cover. In this article, we delve into the unique world of "One-Man Nutcracker" and its creator, Chris Davis.

Unconventional Ballet Takes Center Stage

Return of a Holiday Tradition

In Philly and its surrounding areas, the "One-Man Nutcracker" has become an offbeat holiday tradition. Now in its fifth year, it continues to captivate audiences. Creator and performer Chris Davis deconstructs the classic story, adding his own wit and irreverence. As he said, "The Nutcracker is very much an American phenomenon. It's on the list of things you must do during the holiday season."This unconventional production stands out from the standard "Nutcracker" performances by the Philadelphia Ballet. Davis brings a personal touch to the story, making it a unique experience for viewers. His journey from a novice dancer to a more accomplished performer is truly remarkable.

Overcoming Challenges

When Davis first premiered the show in 2019, there was a certain comedic element to it. Watching a 37-year-old with little dance experience fumble through ballet moves was part of the humor. But over the years, he has dedicated himself to dance. He takes ballet classes daily, which has transformed his body and movements."Now I have some of the skills," he said. "This show is so much harder than the one I did before because I am trying to make the ballet respectable." His determination to improve has not only enhanced his performance but also inspired others.

The Role of Ballet Studio

In "One-Man Nutcracker", Davis performs all the main roles and gives a shout-out to Amy Novinski, who runs a ballet studio in South Philadelphia. Davis credits Novinski for helping him get a foothold in ballet."It is terrifying to go into a class," he said. "But Amy makes it feel a lot warmer and nicer. She's an excellent teacher. Her taking me seriously helped me learn to take myself seriously." The support of the ballet studio has been crucial in Davis' journey.

Rediscovering the Lure of Live Theater

The "One-Man Nutcracker" had a rocky start due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. It could only be performed as a live streaming event. But dancing helped Davis rediscover the allure of live theater."The human connection, that is what life's about," he said. "When I take ballet, I'm in a class with 12 to 15 other dancers and we're all connected. The music and that connection runs through you. It's the same thing when I make a play."This season, "One-Man Nutcracker" returns to The Drake theater, where Davis will give 16 performances. It truly celebrates the magic of theater and what it means to be alive."One-Man Nutcracker" runs from Dec. 10–29 at the Louis Bluver Theatre inside The Drake at 321 S. Hicks Street. Come and experience this unique blend of dance and comedy.WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.