THE NUTCRACKER Returns to NJPAC In Two Fabulous Productions!

New Jersey Performing Arts Center is back to live performances this holiday season once again offering a choice of Nutcrackers. See the traditional Nutcracker performed by the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine on Sunday, December 11th at 3:00 p.m.

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's holiday spectacle transports you to a dazzling winter wonderland in this special matinee performance. Step into choreographer Andrei Litvinov's magical world of toy soldiers and colorful characters. Tchaikovsky's beloved score is full of instantly recognizable music, including "Waltz of the Flowers," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," "Waltz of the Snowflakes" and more. It's a magical classic for all ages.

Tchaikovsky's 129-year-old ballet is reimagined as a holiday dance spectacle in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, now in its triumphant return for a seventh season. Hip Hop Nutcracker produced by NJPAC makes a home stop from this year's 34 city tour on the stage where the production was created on Saturday, December 18, for two performances 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. See the production featuring hip hop pioneer Kurtis "The Breaks" Blow, the first rapper to be signed by a major label in 1979. Forty two years and a heart transplant later, hip hop's founding father is still performing as MC of The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

Experience a holiday mash-up for the whole family as The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to the stage for its seventh season with two performances on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovksy's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse 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.

Let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season.

"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

The Nutcracker: State Ballet Theater of Ukraine
Sun 12.11 @ 3:00 p.m.
Tickets $29.00 - $79.00
Ticket Link:

It what has become an annual NJPAC tradition, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine returns with the beloved holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker." Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score and featuring brand new choreography and productions by Andrey Litvinov, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine premiered this revised version of "The Nutcracker" to a full house in Dnipro, Ukraine, on December 30-31, 2020. Choreography and design lasted for many months with the pandemic constantly disrupting the process. Fortunately, this new interpretation of a timeless classic still managed to be completed.

Another annual holiday tradition is NJPAC's original holiday extravaganza The Hip Hop Nutcracker: a reimagination of the traditional Tchaikovsky ballet with explosive urban choreography. Rap legend Kurtis "The Breaks" Blow serves as the special guest MC (first rapper to be signed to a major label). Witness unstoppable all-star dancers that creatively perform an inventive remix of the classic story of "The Nutcracker." Expect twists, turns and tons of fun in this full-length show that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. The Hip Hop Nutcracker has been touring nationwide and performing on the NJPAC stage for seven years, and earning acclaim from critics and audiences from coast to coast. According to CBS, "it turns The Nutcracker on its head, in the coolest possible way!" "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) Tickets: $29 and Up

Tickets to see The Nutcracker presented by State Ballet Theater of Ukraine on Saturday, December 11th or Hip Hop Nutcracker on Saturday, December 18th can be purchased at NJPAC.org 888. G.O.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office.
Patti LaBelle Ticket Link

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