Nutcracker: Rated R | Cast | Press | Videos | Images | News
Angela Harriell Angela Harriell is the director and choreographer of Nutcracker: Rated R.  She is also the founder and choreographer of the cabaret dance troupe, The Love Show.  Her choreography has been called witty, moving, unique and theatrical with narratives  that are simultaneously autobiographical and universal. A graduate of Fredonia University, she has worked with Elisa Monte and David Brown dance, Randy James Danceworks, and taught ballet at Binghamton University. Since moving to New York, Angela’s work has been seen at The Flea Theater, HERE theater, The New York Burlesque Festival, White Wave Dance Festival, The Philly Fringe Festival’s Late Night Cabaret, and different nightclubs throughout New York. She has also set and directed two off off Broadway productions, the most recent, Nutcracker: Rated R, selling out runs in both 2006 and 2007. A piece from the show was selected to be presented at the National Arts Club, where Angela performed as part of a special gala with such luminaries as Elaine Stritch, Tammy Grimes, Charles Busch and Julie Halston. Angela recently finished a stint performing as a Hammerstein Beauty at Simon Hammerstein’s notorious downtown supper club, The Box, as well as runs with Brooklyn Ballet, Brooklyn Repertory Opera and Opéra Français de New York. She has been spotted amongst the glitterati in the pages of Patrick McMullan’s website. Angela has also appeared in several television and music video spots, with the most recent being an ABC Primetime documentary on connections in the dance world. www.angelaharriell.com	Jennifer Carlson Jennifer Carlson is from Albany NY.  She trained and performed with the Albany Berkshire Ballet the Capital Ballet and the Hartford Ballet. Since she moved to NY she has danced with Urban Ballet Theater, Off Center Dance Theater, with Noemi Lafrance in two productions of Descent, Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, Silver Brown Dance Company, in the Production of Pirrot and Pirouette and as a principal dancer and currently the Artistic Director and choreographer of Axis Danz.   She has presented her work at the Downtown Dance Festival, Fire Island Dance Festival, Solstice Times Square, Steps Lab, Dance Space Showcases, Tea Party, The Box, the Soto Valez Community Center, and produced her first evening length show in November of 2007 “With a Twist” where excerpts from “All Axis Exit Only”, a work currently in progress were premiered.  Jennifer has also been commissioned to create works for the U.S. Open, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Ford Motors, J.P. Morgan Chase Manhattan, Anna Vici live in concert, MTV, Vissionaire, Sandals, and Absolut.   Her children’s show “Elemental” has been performed at schools around the Northeast.  Jennifer graduated with honors in the summer of 2008 from Hunter College with a BA in psychology. She is ecstatic to be a part of The Nutcracker Rated R.	Jesús Chapa-Malacara Jesús was born in Monterrey, Mexico, grew up in Kansas City and now lives in a queer feminists' commune (with cats) in Brooklyn.  He's delighted to return to NCRR for a third year.  He began his dance training as a junior in college and has since gone on to train and perform all over the US, Spain and Pakistan. Performance credits include New Generation Dance Company, MIMA Performance Art (co-founder), Jerboa Dance, The Love Show NYC, Daniel Singh/Dakshina Dance, the Yale Theatre Studies Program, the Yale Music Program and AboutFace Theatre (Chicago).  Training: Peridance, Ailey, ADF, New Haven Ballet.  He also works as a photographer and a political rabble-rouser, and at times tries to pass as a writer and a cook.  He holds a BA in Political Science from Yale.  Special shout-out to his two-month-old nephew Xander.
Hyosun Choi Hyosun Choi is a genuine O.C. girl who recently moved to NY. In CA, she mainly studied at the Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts, the Beverly Hills Playhouse, and the Edge Performing Arts Center. Her first short, The House, written and directed by Matt Allen, was a Quarterfinalist of the Nicholl Fellowship. She also played the lead with Ilram Choi in Taki and Luci, written and directed by Jarrett Conaway (semi-finalist on Spielberg's NBC reality show On the Lot). Some of Hyosun's TV credits include Untold Stories of the ER and Hannah Montana. Currently, she is a company dancer with LiNK - The Movement, under the artistic director Ginger Cox. She has performed in the Battery Park Downtown Dance Festival, Lincoln Center Plaza, International Dance Festival, Central Park Summerstage Fest, Dancers Responding to Aids Summer Dance Fest, and NuDance Festival. She's a grateful newbie to the Nutcracker: Rated R cast.	Sarah Conrad Sarah is simply giddy to be joining the cast of Nutcracker: Rated R  for a second season! When not working on handy crafts, cooking in her crock pot, or just generally being awesome, this Paris, Kentucky native can be seen performing regularly with The Love Show and had a brief stint on last season's America's Got Talent with performer Flambeaux. Sarah is also a member of SOTU Productions and Screaming Queens Entertainment. With whom she has performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, Jenifer Lopez, and the rapper Common. Sarah holds a B.F.A. in Performing Arts from Western Kentucky University, which after her swizzle stick collection, she considers as her most prized possession. This Christmas, Sarah would like to ask Santa for a puppy, a rent stabilized apartment, a Starbucks gift card, and Paul Rudd. Or at the very least, a Paul Rudd sighting at Starbucks. Warmest thanks to Mom, Dad, Steph, John, and the entire cast of The Love Show! xoxo	Gregory Dubin Gregory is thrilled to be back dancing and moving in the Nutcracker: Rated R for a third year.  An "actor who can move", he received training at the American Conservatory Theater as well as The Jean Shelton Actors Lab in San Francisco.  He currently studies long form improv at The Magnet Theater here in New York. Gregory has performed extensively on both coasts, appearing in numerous commercials, films, short films, student films, and Bar Mitzvah videos. Gregory can be seen around town mystifying audiences as "The Great Dubini" with The Love Show, and bringing on the funny with the indy improv group "Nine Famous Irishmen". For all of Gregory's goings on check out www.gregorydubin.com. Special thanks and love to Angela and David for their hard work and dedication and to his beautiful fiancee, Julianna Smith, whom he met doing this show!!!
Christopher L. Dunston Christopher L. Dunston (aka B-Boy Element) started B-boying in high school, discovering that this art of dancing pushed him to new limits of his body and there are no rules as to what is right or wrong, helping him to release any frustrations and bitter feelings. He has traveled to Japan to find practice with all kinds of great b-boys such as Katsu of Style Vale Tudo Crew, a great inspiration. He founded the crew Floor Obsession in 2005 with his friends, their goal as a crew being to be great for themselves and to push to get their greatest potential, and to be recognized as a working unit, and his crew has also been his inspiration. He hopes to travel more showing what he is capable of doing and showing b-boying in its purest form and to teach others about the real meaning of hip-hop.	Christina Johnson Christina Johnson fell in love with dance back in the 1990’s.  She was dancing in Portland, OR with BodyVox, Bent, and Kinetic Images dance companies and entertaining the idea of being a “dancer”.  She moved to Seattle where she co-founded Jerboa Dance (www.jerboadance.com), and has dedicated her professional life to the arts ever since.  Her time in Seattle was spent learning and performing with many prominent companies and choreographers, including: Cheronne Wong, BetterBiscuit, XODO, Alethea Adsitt, Fusion, and Seattle Jazz. After finding success in Seattle and to continue her growth as an artist, she moved across the country. Having joined the New York dance scene in 2005, Christina is proud to have been on stage with The Love Show, Shir Dance Theater, Eva Dean Dance, Anahid Sofian Dance Company, Gilgamesh Theater, Witches in Bikinis, Neomi Lefrance, & independentdancemaker/Kara Tatelbaum.  She is so excited to be with the Nutcracker: Rated R for her third year.  Thanks to all for your love and support of dance.	Kate Lawrence Kate received her formal training from The University of the Arts (Philadelphia) where she graduated in 2005 with a BFA in Modern Dance with honors. In Philly she had the pleasure of performing works by Reggie Wilson, Brian Sanders, and Curt Haworth.  Since coming home to NY Kate has performed with Amy Marshall Dance Company, The Love Show, KDNY, The Elan Awards 2005 (choreographer Lauren Putty), and Elojes Dance Theater.  She is very excited to be back for her second year with the Nutcracker: Rated R.  Kate is currently back in school at the Swedish Institute working towards her licence in Massage Therapy.
Rachael Ma. Born and raised in South Florida, Rachael Ma. received training at Dance Dimensions in Fort Lauderdale under the tutelage of Ms. Angela Mauti. She continued her education at various programs held by Virginia School of the Arts, Atlanta Ballet, Sarasota Ballet and attended the River North Chicago Dance Company and American Dance Festival Programs. Graduating magna cum laude with a BFA in Dance Performance from Towson University in Maryland, she is grateful for the opportunity to be mentored by Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and to be featured in works choreographed by Dana Tai-soon Burgess, Nancy Wanich-Romita, Vincent Thomas, Dion Wilson and Chris Elam of Misnomer Dance Theater. Upon moving to New York in August, she stumbled across the gritty little Nutcracker: Rated R and has since also performed with The Love Show. Rachael is thrilled to be making her debut and is thankful for the opportunity! www.RachaelMaDances.com	Michael MacLaren Michael MacLaren holds a BA in Chemistry and Theatre Arts from Santa Clara University.  After working in the biotech industry for a few years, he moved to New York to become a full-time performer.  He recently appeared as Benjamin in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and as Wickersham #1 in Seussical at Woodminster Summer Musicals.  He originated the role of the Lamplighter in Christmas Dreamland at American Musical Theatre of San Jose.  Other regional credits include Sweet Charity at Downtown Cabaret Theatre and Hello, Dolly! at Ogunquit Playhouse starring Sally Struthers.  He also performs as a supernumerary at The Metropolitan Opera.  Michael is excited to return to Nutcracker: Rated R after joining the cast last year.  Much love to Mom and Dad.	Kimberly Prosa Kimberly Prosa began her dance training in southern Oregon under Joan Sanders-Seidel of Netherlands Dance Theatre.  She continued her training in classical ballet and contemporary dance at American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey and Paul Taylor and received her BFA in dance from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance, graduating with honorsin 2006.  Kimberly has performed works by Dance Theatre of Oregon, the Eugene Ballet Company, Purchase Dance Corps, Stephanie Tooman, Bettijane Sills, Pascal Rioult, and has been a company member with HT Chen and Dancers for the past two years originating roles in several new pieces.  She has taught ballet, pointe and contemporary dance at several  schools and studios throughout New York and Oregon in addition to serving as a guest teaching artist restaging works and creating choreography throughout, New York City, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Oregon.  Kim has performed a traditional Nutcracker every year since she was six years old and is excited to be a part of a more contemporary version.
Joseph Schles Joseph Schles is thrilled to return for his third year in Nutcracker: Rated R.  He hails from California where he once had the right to get married, but now does not, however he feels that he should focus on at least trying to get a date before he worries too much about that. He's done some shows and stuff, you can ask him about it if you'd like to hire him for something.  Most recently he was a cupcake cadet for Sue Hogan's performance of 'Unison Fetish' set outside of Magnolia bakery. Joseph had an extensive career as a waiter in NYC at some high profile restaurants such as Rosa Mexicano and Nobu, and is delighted to say he has recently freed himself from those miserable bonds.  Some goals include landing a lead role in a movie, befriending Alanis Morissette and Rosie O'Donnell, and toppling the Time Warner empire.  But most of all Joseph dreams of one day possibly having his own personal washer and dryer in his apartment.  He'd like to thank his incredible family and friends for their unwavering support, Angela Harriell and David Slone for letting him perform with them over and over again, the whole Love Show gang (and Nuts) and also 'The View' for brightening every morning with interesting hot topics and wildly diverse opinions.	David F. Slone, Esq. David is far too busy updating this website to be able to properly express his gratitude for being allowed to work with so many talented, dedicated artists. He is as pleased as can be to be back at TNC, where he co-produced and performed in the last two seasons of Nutcracker: Rated R and has performed in pieces by Evan Laurence and Jack Bump, as well as several festivals. Other venues in which David has performed include La MaMa, Dixon Place, HERE, Soho Rep, The Ohio Theater, Galapagos Art Space, Mo Pitkin’s, Rififi, Rebel Nightclub, The Bell House and Jimmy’s No. 43. He appears monthly in Evan Laurence’s Sexahol Revue and has the honor of hosting Angela Harriell’s The Love Show. He realizes that he said this last year, but he is strongly considering writing and recording 365 songs in 2009. He thanks his family and friends for their support. More info at www.davidslone.com	Juliana Smith Juliana is so excited to finally be in a role she first longed to play twenty years ago! It was in that ballet school, rehearsing The Nutcracker Suite, where her dream of being a professional dancer began... In NYC, she received a BFA in Acting and trained at the Martha Graham school. She went on to dance with a modern company, Coyote Dancers Co., for two seasons. After some vocal training, musical theatre was the next step. She went on to perform in regional theater and Off’ B’dway houses, and in National and European tours. Favorite roles include Val in the European tour of A Chorus Line, and Stephanie in the Broadway tour of Saturday Night Fever. Presently, Julie enjoys occasionally playing Josie, a nurse on One Life to Live, going to school at Parsons, and most of all, dancing with Angela and her Love Show.
Clare Tobin Clare grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, where she began her dance training at the age of 3.  After heading west to California, she continued to dance while earning a B.A. in Human Biology at Stanford University.  At Stanford, Clare studied ballet with Kristine Elliott and had the opportunity to perform the lead in Paquita, and 3rd Theme and Phlegmatic in The Four Temperaments.  She also danced in two original ballets created by Amy Seiwert and choreographed a student production of Cabaret, among other dance pursuits.  Since relocating to New York City, Clare has performed in a wide range of dance shows.  She has danced with contemporary companies such as New Generation Dance Co. (a fusion of ballet, modern, and Argentine tango), been seen on The Late Show with David Letterman, performed at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, and promoted hip hop workout videos on QVC.  Clare also works frequently with the NYC-based entertainment group SOTU Productions, and performs with the Love Show in Angela Harriell's non-Nutcracker endeavors.  2008 marks Clare's third season dancing in Nutcracker: Rated R, and she is so pleased to reprise one of her all-time favorite roles.  In addition to dance and many miscellaneous employment pursuits, Clare works part-time as a health policy research assistant at NYU's Wagner School of Public Service.  She extends many thanks to Bryan, family, and friends for all their support.