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THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
Saturday,
December 17, at 2PM + 7:30PM
$25.00 -
$75.00
NJPAC
Prudential Hall
Betty Wold Johnson Stage
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
www.njpac.org
‘The Hip Hop
Nutcracker’ Original Special Inspired by the Live Stage
Show Coming to Disney+ this Holiday Season
The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s 130-year-old ballet reimagined as a holiday dance spectacle, will take place on Saturday, December 17, for two spectacular performances at 2PM and 7:30PM celebrating the show’s 10th season. Adding to the excitement—inspired by the live stage show—the Original Special “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” from Disney Branded Television will stream this holiday season, only on Disney+.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker features hip hop pioneer Kurtis Blow, the
first rapper to be signed by a major label in 1979. Blow is
considered one of hip hop’s founding fathers and will perform as the
MC of The Hip
Hop Nutcracker. The tour includes a cast of a dozen
all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist who turns
the beloved Nutcracker
score on its head. Preview the production here: https://youtu.be/toBO5yHVIhg
Created in 2013 by director/choreographer Jennifer Weber and writer
Mike Fitelson, The
Hip Hop Nutcracker pays homage to the original (George)
Balanchine ballet, retold through the modern, self-expressive gaze of
hip-hop culture. The production has evolved into a masterpiece due to
the creators' never-ending commitment to enhancing the production,
and dancers who continue to raise the bar each year. To date, The Hip Hop Nutcracker
has been performed more than 200 times in 70 cities.“I love
performing at NJPAC each year and creating lifelong memories for our
audiences,” says Kurtis Walker, known professionally as Kurtis Blow.
“And to be celebrating our 10th season this year is such a
big accomplishment for the show.”
It’s a big accomplishment for Blow as well; who on December 6, 2020,
had a heart transplant that has given him a new life. He paved the
way for generations of hip hop artists and fans after scoring the
first certified gold record rap song in 1980, “The Breaks.”
Blow is also responsible for “Christmas Rappin,” acclaimed for
being the first rap holiday song.
Tickets to see
Hip Hop Nutcracker are on-sale now and can be
purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888.GO.NJPAC
(888.466.5722) or by visiting in person at the NJPAC Box Office, 1
Center Street in Newark, N.J.
The Hip Hop
Nutcracker is executive produced by 3-time Tony
winner Eva Price and features an exciting group of performers who
bring her imaginatively modern show to life. The cast includes
Ann-Sylvia Clark as Maria-Clara;
Gabriel Emphasis as The
Nutcracker; Liliana “Lily” Frias as Mom; Bryan
Longchamp as Dad;
Lisa “Lboogie” Bauford as Drosselmeyer;
Randi Freitas as Mouse
King, Ensemble; Anthony “Omen” Cabrera as Toy, Ensemble;
Jackie “JK-47” Agudo as Tea,
Ensemble; Zuce Morales asToy/Ensemble; Seth “Reaktion”
Hillard as Russian,
Ensemble; Jon “Gifted” Jimenez as Chocolate/Ensemble;
Dustin “D-Payne” Payne as Flute,
Ensemble; Ethan Evaro as Swing/Understudy; Teofilo V.
Recitas II “DJ Boo” as Performance
DJ; and Kurtis Blow as MC.
Just like the classic Nutcracker story, 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. Through the modern,
self-expressive gaze of hip hop culture, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker
celebrate the magic of the entire holiday season on the most
inclusive holiday of them all – New Year’s Eve, a time for new
beginnings.
New Jersey
Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in
downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts
center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of
New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and
transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together,
providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s
best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization
of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs,
which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the
next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted
more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and
nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its
constituents.
Follow NJPAC
Online:
Website:
njpac.org
Twitter:
@NJPAC
Instagram:
@NJPAC
Hashtag:
#NJPAC
Facebook:
facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube:
NJPACtv
Follow
NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
NJPAC is located at 1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey; a short walk
from the Newark Penn Station stop by Newark-bound PATH Train or
Amtrak.
Location and
Directions:
Detailed instructions on approaching the venue by car, by bus, by
foot or by rail:
http://www.njpac.org/plan-your-visit/directions
http://www.njpac.org/plan-your-visit/public-transportation
http://www.njpac.org/plan-your-visit/buy-parking
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