Move over Tchaikovsky's sugarplums and leaping lords, "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" is making its grand entrance to Chicago with a fresher, bolder beat. The classic has been spun on its head in hip-hop style and is gearing up to dazzle audiences at the Cadillac Palace Theatre this week, with tickets starting at an accessible $31.
At the helm of this lively re-imagining is Jennifer Weber, whose résumé boasts double Tony Award nominations. Recently, ABC7 Chicago received the lowdown from the director and choreographer herself. With a career that includes a Disney Channel Original Movie under her belt, Weber touched down in Chicago, bringing with her a performance ripe with that end-of-year holiday spirit but injected with a dose of urban energy. "The Hip Hop Nutcracker," she promised, has been "re-mixed and re-imagined" — a bold claim but one she looks set to live up to.
As the Chicago Tribune recounted in an interview with Jennifer Weber, this isn't the first rodeo for "The Hip Hop Nutcracker." Since its debut back in 2014, the show has been a touring sensation, hitting an impressive 70 cities. Fans of both hip-hop and classical will find common ground in this production, where they will see a tale of Marie/Clara and the Nutcracker prince's whimsical journey, danced to a hybrid soundtrack featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic pieces with a hip-hop twist.
Adding to the spectacle is the legendary Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop's pioneers, who ignites the stage as the show's MC. ""I saw these kids over there break dancing to classical music of Tchaikovsky and a DJ cutting up funky beats under this classical music," Blow reminisced in the Tribune feature. His endearing nostalgia for his art form is audible, but it's his conviction in hip-hop's versatility that perhaps resonates most. Blow's contribution to the performance is more than ceremonial; he rallies the crowd, ensuring the whole venue rises to the energetic occasion.
The production, which starts its run on December 12th and closes on December 17th, promises to offer something for everyone. The show's creators have not just given the score a DJ's touch but have woven in the spontaneity of hip-hop dance as well as the elegance of ballet. This project seems like a fitting tribute to hip-hop's 50th anniversary, illustrating the boundless potential of the genre—a powerful force when paired with the right beats, even those from the 19th century.
