“The Jewish Nutcracker”? Oy Gevalt!

This is one that isn’t being broadcast on Ovation: “The Jewish Nutcracker” opened this week in San Francisco. Katy Alaniz Rous plays the production’s Sufganiyot Fairy. “Usually when people hear about a Jewish ‘Nutcracker,’ they say, ‘How is that Jewish?’ ” says Rous, who also choreographed this unusual production last year. “But you know, the regular ‘Nutcracker’ isn’t really a Christian story; it just takes place at a Christmas party.” I’m trying to parse that statement by saying: “Such-and-so isn’t really a Jewish story; it just takes place at a Hanukkah party.” Or: “Such-and-so isn’t really an African-American story; it just takes place at a Kwanzaa party.” In other words, it’s well and good to adapt the awesome story that is the “Nutcracker.” Just don’t explain it away with absurd logic.

One Comment to ““The Jewish Nutcracker”? Oy Gevalt!”

  1. “Such-and-so isn’t really a Jewish story; it just takes place at a Hanukkah party.” From the rebellion of the Maccabees and the miracle of the lamp to the rededication of the Temple being celebrated by Jews from around the world. I don’t know how it could be more Jewish.

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