Together, the two enjoy the winter’s first snowfall. Shortly after, Maria-Clara is swarmed by the Mouse Crew led by Mouse Queen (Randi “Rascal” Freitas.) The Nutcracker comes to her rescue with the help of Drosselmeyer’s magical red sneakers. To escape her parents squabble, Maria-Clara takes a stroll outside where she catches the eye of a young man selling roasted nuts named “The Nutcracker” (Josue Figueroa aka “Beastmode.”)Īfter a flirtatious exchange, the two part ways. The party’s merriment is not shared by all however, as Maria-Clara’s parents (Nubian Nene) and (Micah “Just Jamz”) are bickering. While the “traditional” version follows a childish Maria (or Clara in English-speaking countries), this story begins at a joyful street party where young adult, Maria-Clara (Ann-Sylvia Clark) is in attendance as well as the mysterious Drosselmeyer (Lisa “LBoogie” Bauford). Watching members of the audience stand up and join in dance was a truly moving experience that set up a celebratory energy of music, dance, and life.īeginning with such an exceptional start lends itself to an unorthodox “Nutcracker,” and to that the show did not fall short. I’ve found that the the most delightful, entertaining performers are amateurs who are joyfully immersed in the bliss of movement. This seemingly small gesture set the premise for the entire show. Though there are many “Nutcracker” interpretations, few divert from the norm as much as Director/Choreographer, Jennifer Weber’s, “the Hip Hop Nutcracker.” The show began as MC, Kurtis Blow pumped up audiences with old school music and dance thus getting the audience up and grooving. …truly moving experience that set up a celebratory energy of music, dance, and life. “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” is a bit like other versions of “The Nutcracker.” That is, as long as you consider that steps en tournant are performed on performers’ heads and sautes are executed with clean beats from one hand to the other. Cast of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” courtesy of the Hip Hop Nutcracker official website

Hip hop nutcracker