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All they’re ’cracked up to be!

All they’re ’cracked up to be!
Classical Arts Entertainment

Brooklyn loves this old chestnut!

In addition to “The Hard Nut” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Borough of Mouse Kings will host another half-dozen versions of “The Nutcracker” before Christmas.

Red light

Now running in Bushwick is a decidedly adult version of the children’s tale: “Nutcracker Rouge,” which adds burlesque and striptease elements along with classical ballet moves and circus acts. The annual production from Company XIV has only grown more elaborate now that the formerly-traveling baroque burlesque company has settled in its own venue.

“Nutcracker Rouge” at Theatre XIV (383 Troutman St. between Wyckoff and Irving avenues in Bushwick, www.companyxiv.com). Through Jan. 13, Wed–Fri at 8 pm; Sat at 5 pm and 10 pm; Sun at 4 pm and 9 pm. $95–$135.

Nut cracks you!

Catch this elaborate “Great Russian Nutcracker” from the Moscow Ballet. This over-the-top version from Tchaikovsky’s home country features painted sets, a scene with the “Dove of Peace,” and it adds some Muscovite touches, including dancing Russian Nesting Dolls and Snow Maidens.

“Great Russian Nutcracker” at Kings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Ave. between Tilden Avenue and Duryea Place in Flatbush, www.nutcracker.com). Dec. 8 at 2 pm and 7 pm. $45–$125.

Candy Ukraine

The National Ballet Theater of Odessa brings “The Nutcracker” to Manhattan Beach. This full-scale production features 40 Ukrainian ballet stars in glorious costumes, on its first-ever tour of the United States.

On Stage at Kingsborough [2001 Oriental Blvd. at Oxford Street in Manhattan Beach, (718) 368–5596, www.onstageatkingsborough.org]. Dec. 14 at 7 pm. $34–$39.

Flatbush fairies

Brooklyn Ballet’s annual “Brooklyn Nutcracker,” which adds flex, hip-hop, and world dance traditions to its baller ballet performances, moves to the spacious Kings Theatre this year for one night only. After the show, the company will host “Nutcracker in Paradise” a fund-raising dinner and gala in the theater’s mezzanine.

“Brooklyn Nutcracker” at Kings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Ave. between Tilden Avenue and Duryea Place in Flatbush, www.brooklynballet.org). Dec. 14 at 7 pm. $25–$110 (gala tickets another $150–$500).

Join the show!

The fourth wall falls down in a new, immersive version of “The Nutcracker” from Alden Moves Dance Theater. The show uses traditional music and choreography, but will recruit audience members to become guests at the party, or courtiers in the Land of Sweets.

“The Nutcracker” at East Midwood Jewish Center Grand Ballroom. (1625 Ocean Ave. between Avenues K and L in Midwood, www.aldenmovesbk.com/nutcracker). Dec. 16 at noon and 5 pm. $30 ($25 in advance, $20 kids).

Hop to it!

Catch an up-to-date version of the classic in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” which features contemporary moves from a dozen dancers, performed to Tchaikovsky’s classic music, remixed by an onstage disc jockey and an electric violinist. Hip-hop founding father MC Kurtis Blow will narrate the performance, and will rap a short set before the show.

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” at Kings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Ave. between Tilden Avenue and Duryea Place in Flatbush, www.kingstheatre.com). Dec. 23 at 6 pm. $29–$79.

Reach arts editor Bill Roundy at broundy@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–4507.
The lady in red: The Alden Moves production of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 16, a the East Midwood Jewish Center, will bring the audience in on the action.
Matt Carr