Rehearsal space is in high demand during the holidays. Last week I watched the cast of the burlesque Christmas show Land of the Sweets practice in a cramped one-bedroom apartment, for lack of better available space. Cell phones rang incessantly. The ceiling fan almost sliced off a dancers foot. Disgruntled that hed been relegated to the bathroom of his own home, the cat kept body-slamming the door. Surprisingly, the run-through came off as incredibly charming despite the cramped commotion. Burlesque performers Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCanns production jazzes up The Nutcracker by enlisting sexy aerialists, swing dancing, and, of course, plenty of boobage. On a proper stage, it should translate into a whimsical fairy tale thats both naughty and nice. The previous two runs of Land of the Sweets sold out quickly, so buy your tickets early. Triple Door, 216 Union St., 838-4333, www.thetripledoor.net. $25$28. 7 (all ages) and 10 p.m. (21 and over), Dec. 16-19 & 22-23. ERIKA HOBART
Dec. 16-19, 7 & 10 p.m.; Dec. 22-23, 7 & 10 p.m., 2008
