Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Adaptation by Chase Brock
Music Adapted, Arranged and Orchestrated by Rob Berman
Direction and Choreography by Chase Brock

From E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story Nutcracker and Mouse King

Flat Rock Playhouse

“”The Nutcracker” is one of those holiday chestnuts that gets many productions over the season, but Flat Rock Playhouse has a remarkable new twist on this classic piece. Hot New York choreographer Chase Brock has swept away the ballet, replaced it with dance theater and reset the tale in a small mountain city that might be his hometown of Hendersonville. These are big changes, but they truly work, thanks to terrific dance performances, lovely music by Rob Berman and imaginative sets by Flat Rock designer Dennis Maulden. This new “Nutcracker” is wondrous, joyful theater that connects with young and old alike. Brock’s dance creations are a treat, from “Waltz of the Snowflakes” to the “Arrival of the Luxury Car.” Equally impressive at the many skilled professional dancers from Brock’s own Chase Brock Experience dance company and other A-list New York ensembles. Brock – who wrote the piece, choreographed and directed and gave his services to Flat Rock as a gift – combines these elements into a superb, heartwarming treat.”

– Asheville Citizen-Times

“I think it’s safe to say that no other regional theater in America would be lucky enough to stage a version of the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” adapted to its own town. That’s what happened, though, in Flat Rock, where the Playhouse opened Chase Brock’s fun, contemporary and visually stunning version of the Christmas fantasy. To make this show Brock enlisted his husband and creative partner Rob Berman, an Emmy Award winning music director of stage and television, Tony Award winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, and Flat Rock Playhouse set designer, Dennis Maulden. The dance and the music are entertaining and beautiful to look at, and the sets transform the stage into a visual wonder.”

– Hendersonville Lightning

“Excitement crackled in the air at the Flat Rock Playhouse as a full house, buzzing with young voices, waited for the curtain to part on America’s all-time holiday favorite “The Nutcracker.” New York choreographer Chase Brock, a Playhouse YouTheatre alumnus, came home to Flat Rock to create a special Hendersonville version of Hoffmann’s original story “Nutcracker and Mouse King.” The costumes, by award-winning Ann Hould-Ward, are incredibly insightful, imaginative and often very funny. The music, arranged by Rob Berman, brings the luscious melodies of Tchaikovsky right into the Blue Ridge Mountains, without distracting in any way from their original beauty. The guest dancers from New York, the members of the YouTheater, the talent from the Flat Rock Playhouse and, of course, Chase Brock are to be thanked for a wonderful holiday present.”

– Times-News