Show Review: Hip Hop Nutcracker

After receiving tickets to The Hip-Hop Nutcracker, I was itching to see what it was about. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but WOW – what a show! One of the founding fathers of Hip Hop, Kurtis Blow, MC’d the show. The show began with hip-hop groundbreakers “The Breaks,”  “Rappers’s Delight,” “ The Message” and “Jump Around,” only to prepare you for the rest to come.  Kurtis’s message of the show: “Love conquers all!”

Directed and choreographed by Tony & Oliver Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance is a remixed & re-imagined version of the classic ballet. It is a beautiful arrangement of breakdancing & Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and phenomenal holiday event.

The Hip-Hop Nutcracker is brought to life with a spectacular cast of dancers, (Esita Calhoun, Athena Crus, Michael Delgado, Hilma Dodo, Ethan Evaro G’bari Gilliam, Seth Reaktion Hilliard, Trent Jeray, Baptista Kawa, Tumelo Khupe, Zuce Morales, Jessie Smith & Janae Valentine) who bring this incredible story to life with the art of hip-hop, teamed up with DJ Boo and powerhouse Violinist – Marissa Licata.

Scene designer E.T.A. Hoffman displays creative digital graffiti & visuals to transform the landscape of the beloved 19th-century story to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

A highly recommended & wonderful experience for the entire family this holiday season! Be sure to check their website to see future showings in your city (www.hiphopnutcracker.com)

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Pictures: Tree King; Maleman (THE DROP host) & Tree King