December means The Nutcracker, but in Philly, we have our own twist: the one, the only, One-Man Nutcracker by Chris Davis.
For the past five years, Davis has been refining this show, along with his body and performance skills. Now in his 40s, it’s clear how much effort has gone into both his physical transformation and his craft. The show has evolved from an endearing lark to a polished production that balances humor, storytelling, and physicality with surprising charm and grit.
From the moment you enter the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, the tone is set for an interactive, playful experience. Audience members are handed roses, don’t get attached, you’ll toss them later. You immediately wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. The invitation to participate draws the audience into the action and builds a collective energy that continues throughout the show.
Davis brings not only a sharpened show but also a physical presence that underscores his commitment to his craft. As someone who is also in their 40’s I recognized the effort required to maintain his physique through years of practice and discipline is itself a testament to the physical demands of ballet and the dedication he’s poured into this unique production.
The performance begins with the enchanting voice of Severin Blake which Davis plays off of throughout the performance. Davis in a maestro’s tailcoat conducts the overture with an imaginary orchestra, Quickly shedding the coat, he launches into a layered dance narrative that moves seamlessly between shadow play behind a white screen and lively action in front of it. The stage becomes a space for wild transformations: one moment he’s a shadowy Mouse King; the next, a toy soldier or a child riding a make-believe horse. Davis’s choreography captures the essence of iconic ballet moments but twists them into absurd, exaggerated sketches endearing you to the true heart of this performance.
Davis’s humor shines throughout, from self-deprecating commentary on his mid-life dance journey to biting critiques of the original Nutcracker story by E.T.A. Hoffman. He calls out problematic elements, like colonialism in the national dances and the unsettling undertones of Drosselmeyer’s relationship with Clara. Davis even takes aim at the New York Ballet’s version, playfully noting its marginally less racist interpretations.
Despite the humor, you cannot help but recognize an earnestness to the performance, he seems to truly love the Nutcracker. Davis shares a meta-narrative about taking ballet classes five to six days a week with Amy Novinski at her South Philadelphia studio. Novinski’s encouragement and expertise helped him approach ballet with seriousness and persistence, qualities reflected in his increasingly refined movements. His monologued conversation with Novinski in the show becomes a heartfelt and inspiring moment, urging anyone to push past their limits—regardless of age or experience.
Audience participation adds another layer of fun. Davis invites volunteers to join him on stage and leads the crowd in chants of “Magic! Magic!”. Shadow puppet rabbits and roses flying through the air make this a unique show. From the onset, Davis encourages and even asks you outright to forget about your cares and to lose yourself in the spectacle.
With a runtime of just an hour, the show remains accessible while delivering wit, heart, and enough energy from Davis to keep the audience engaged from start to finish. His unique take on The Nutcracker transforms it into a personal, hilarious, and surprisingly touching journey—a holiday tradition that feels distinctly Philly.
Chris Davis’s One-Man Nutcracker is running now through December 29 at the Louis Bluver Theatre inside The Drake. If you’re looking for humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on a holiday classic, this show delivers.
Find tickets and more information here.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-man-nutcracker-by-chris-davis-tickets-1000225560577
Want to Volunteer at a performance?
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054FACA72EAB9-52187194-oneman#/
Chris Davis
https://www.realchrisdavis.com/
Severin Blake
