RUDOLPH, Handel's MESSIAH, HIP HOP NUTCRACKER and More Come to NJPAC for the Holidays, Beginning Tonight

New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark is your destination for world-class, affordable holiday shows -- whether you are purchasing tickets as a gift or taking the family to a holiday experience, NJPAC has a versatile selection of shows including classics like Rudolph-The Musical -- celebrating 50 years of the television production, New Jersey's Best production of Handel's Messiah and children's annual event Holiday Swingin.' Don't miss soul artist, Anthony Hamilton who will debut songs from his first ever Christmas album along with R&B group Mint Condition. See internet sensations The Piano Guys and celebrate Kwanza with Honey in The Rock and don't miss an extraordinary and first ever dance production of Hip Hop Nutcracker featuring guest Hip Hop artist Kurtis Blow. Reserve your tickets now at www.NJPAC.org or Box Office 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722.).

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Friday, December 5th & Saturday, December 6th
THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
Dance Production with Special Guest Emcee Kurtis Blow, DJ Boo and Violinist Filip Pogády
http://www.njpac.org/search?cx=014420022621253808966%3Ahp7gs628r5m&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=hip+hop+nutcracker

A holiday mash-up for the whole family! The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky's classic score through explosive hip-hop choreography.

International all-star dancers take to the stage accompanied by DJ Boo on the turntables, digital scenery and guest emcee Kurtis Blow- bringing the traditional Nutcracker story to life in a contemporary urban setting.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber from the award-winning hip-hop company Decadance theatre. The dance presentation is adapted to contemporary New York City scene and set to The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, with hip-hop interludes remixed and re-imagined by DJ Boo and violinist Filip Pogády.

Friday, December 12th
THE PIANO GUYS - A Family Christmas
http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/the-piano-guys-a-family-christmas

An Internet sensation with their self-made music videos, The Piano Guys mix classical music with pop in imaginative, mash-up arrangements. Musicians Jon Schmidt (piano), Steven Sharp Nelson (cello) and "equally significant members" Paul Anderson and Al van der Beek have been seen on programs from Today to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. So far, their smash videos have netted more than 293 million views on YouTube and a half-million new views daily.

Among their videos, The Piano Guys released an innovative, 10-handed version of One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful" and a "Mission: Impossible" spy thriller featuring violinist Lindsey Stirling. Their self-titled album features more of the music they're famous for and include sources ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson.
"Lots of parents are using our music to show their kids how fun classical music can be and motivate them to learn instruments," says Schmidt. The Piano Guys' cover song mash-ups, adds Nelson, have become "a great way to introduce ourselves and make an instant connection with our audience as a classic spin on new stuff - and a new spin on classic stuff."

Saturday, December 13th
SWINGIN' HOLIDAYS
http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/swingin-holidays
Swing into the holidays at this interactive concert filled with yuletide songs with a jazz twist.
Through call and response, singing, clapping and playing with the band, families can share the joy of the season.

Sunday, December 14th
ANTHONY HAMILTON & MINT CONDITION
"Home for The Holidays"
http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/anthony-hamilton-and-mint-condition

Grammy winners and top soul artist Anthony Hamilton presents Home for The Holidays with special guest Mint Condition. See Anthony Hamilton perform his hits "Comin' Where I'm From," "Charlene" and the Grammy-nominated "Pray for Me," plus new songs from his first ever Christmas album entitled, Home for The Holidays. This everyday soul man combines his Southern-bred authenticity with a rich, raspy-edged delivery that emanates from a place of sensitivity and strength. Hamilton is featured on "Baby Boy Baby Girl," the opening track for Mint Condition's new album, eLife. Mint Condition will also perform their hits, "Breakin' My Heart/Pretty Brown Eyes", "U Send Me Swingin'" and more.

Saturday, December 20th
SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
Kwanza Celebration
http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/sweet-honey-in-the-rock-celebrating-the-holydays

In celebration of Kwanzaa, the revered African-American a cappella women's ensemble performs blues, jazz, gospel and R&B, with excursions into symphonic and dance theater.

Sweet Honey in the Rock has enjoyed a 40-year career of musical and activist achievements and worldwide tours, from the U.K. to the U.N.

Formed by Bernice Johnson Reagon as a quartet, the group has been the subject of two PBS documentaries, recorded film soundtracks and was Grammy-nominated for several children's albums. Sweet Honey in the Rock's latest CD set, A Tribute - Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center, pays homage to some of the great female African-American vocalists whose songs helped shape the group, including Abbey Lincoln, Odetta, Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone.

The current lineup is composed of Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil and Shirley Childress (American Sign Language).

Sunday, December 21st
New Jersey's Best Production of HANDEL'S MESSIAH
New Jersey Symphony Chamber Orchestra Featuring Montclair State University Singers
http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/handels-messiah

Featuring: New Jersey Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Jacques Lacombe, conductor, Nathalie Paulin, soprano, Mireille Lebel, mezzo-soprano, Isaiah Bell, tenor, Gordon Binter, bass-baritone, Montclair State University Singers, and Heather J. Buchanan, director.

Presented in collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

With its exhilarating "Hallelujah Chorus," the Messiah resonates each time it is performed.?This iconic, centuries-old oratorio has come to be known as Handel's masterpiece. The Messiah has become a Christmas tradition, even though in 1742 it was introduced as a work commemorating Easter. A soaring showpiece for chorus, soloists and orchestra, considered one of the most majestic compositions in Western music, Messiah is a soul-stirring way to celebrate Advent.

Friday, December 26th & Saturday, December 27th
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
http://www.njpac.org/events/detail/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-the-musical

The original television classic comes to life! Celebrating 50 Years! First airing in 1964, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER has become a beloved Christmas classic - capturing the hearts and wonder of generations of fans. Now, 50 years later, something magical is happening as the beloved classic soars off the screen and at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) this holiday season. Come celebrate Rudolph's 50 years on television and come see all of your favorite characters from the special including, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, the Misfit Toys and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in the all new RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL on Friday and December 26, 2014 at 7pm, Saturday December 27th at 2pm and 7pm in Prudential Hall.

It's an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don't miss this wonderful new holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Beloved heartwarming memories that will last a lifetime are just waiting to be made. Based on the animated television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. The script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain.

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New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States and is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey -- where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey's Town Square, 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, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted over seven million visitors (including more than one million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit www.njpac.org or call 888.GO.NJPAC for more information.

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