BWW Preview: THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER at New Jersey Performing Arts Center

A classic holiday favorite undergoes a modern spin as the beloved The Nutcracker will transform the New Jersey Performing Arts Center stage into an invigorating hip hop spectacle.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is set to come to Newark on Saturday, Dec. 19 incorporating not only dancers, but a disk jockey and an emcee in an uncommon twist.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker re-imagines Tchaikovsky's classic score through hip hop choreography, with the show being choreographed and directed by Jennifer Weber from the award-winning hip hop company Decadancetheatre.

The show's cast includes Gabriel Alvarez, Ann Sylvia Clark, Myriam Gadri, Lucile "Frak" Graciano, Alain "Hurrikane" Lauture, Sophia LaVonne, Derek Matterson, Miki Michelle, Frankie Rodriguez and Brandon Rosario.

The revamped and modern program is adapted to a contemporary New York City setting by Mike Fitelson and set to The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. However, there will undoubtedly be hip hop elements present, not only in the dance, but in the interludes, which are reimagined by DJ Boo.

Hip Hop legend and trailblazer, Kurtis Blow, will be on hand leading the program.

"The Nutcracker has no spoken word, but in this modern version there's a DJ, there's an emcee," Blow, who will emcee The Hip Hop Nutcracker, said. "It'll be fun."

Blow is one of the founders and creators of recorded rap. He was the first rapper to be signed to a major label when he was barely 20 in 1979. The Breaks, Blow's acclaimed gold album, brought forth the song "Rap Attack."

According to Blow, The Hip Hop Nutcracker will have something for everyone.

"The classical element is still there," Blow said. "The hip hop is there. It's a win-win for everyone in the audience. It is so much fun and so alive."

Tickets to see The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-888-GO-NJPAC.

Photo of Kurtis Blow courtesy of Shirley Walker

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