By Mabel Pais
“’Hip Hop Nutcracker’ brings a generous dose of contemporary spirit, sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls” – The New York Times
“It turns “The Nutcracker” on its head, in the coolest possible way!”
–CBS
Start a hip-hop holiday tradition with your family!
“The Hip–Hop Nutcracker” with MC Kurtis Blow on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2 p.m.
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is back and better than ever. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, The “Hip Hop Nutcracker” is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. A unique and joyful event, this evening-length production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
Just like the original, in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Photo / Courtesy NJPAC
Through this re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, the dynamic performers of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” take us on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.
Last year, NJPAC’s production of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” completed its fifth national tour, spread out across 28 U.S. cities, earning acclaim from critics and audiences from coast to coast.
“’Hip Hop Nutcracker’ brings a generous dose of contemporary spirit, sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls.”
–The New York Times
“It turns “The Nutcracker” on its head, in the coolest possible way!”
–CBS
Special Guest: MC Kurtis Blow
The Creative Team
Meet the amazing creative team behind the scenes of The Hip Hop Nutcracker.
Directed & Choreographed by: JENNIFER WEBER
Adapted by: MIKE FITELSON
Based on “The Nutcracker” by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Production Stage Manager: JAMES STEELE
Lighting Designer: BURKE WILMORE
Video Designer: MOE SHAHROOZ
Company Manager: REBECCA EASTON
Original Beats and Remixes: DJ BOO
PRODUCTION STAFF CREDIT
Associate Director/Choreographer: RANDI FREITAS
Original Company Associate Director/Choreographer: TAEKO KOJI
Original Costume Design: WHITNEY ADAMS
Additional Casting: MEISHA LEE AND JANET LANGER
Produced by
NEW JERSEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
John Schreiber, President & CEO
David Rodriguez, Executive Producer
Julia Kraus, Producer
Executive Producer: Eva Price
General Management: MEP
Exclusive Tour Direction: InHouse Booking
View a video of the performance at https://youtu.be/FLiqBhlfmCA
For more, visit hiphopnutcracker.com
(Mabel Pais writes on the Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality and Health & Wellness)