Debbie Allen Presents 'The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker' at UCLA's Royce Hall, 12/9

The lights have barely dimmed on Alliance Theater's production of Twist, Debbie Allen's New Orleans 1928 rendition of the Charles Dickens' classic, and the director/choreographer has already announced the Premier of The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, her hilarious and culturally rich take on the perennial holiday classic. The show will run at UCLA's Royce Hall from December 9, 2010 to December 11, 2010, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the children of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (www.debbieallendanceacademy.com) and the greater Los Angeles community.

The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker centers around Kara Johnson, a young spirit-filled girl who receives a Nutcracker filled with hot chocolate for the holidays. Cascading into a deep slumber, Kara takes the audience on a mystical, magical journey, from Candy Cane Lane to the Land of the Kimona Dolls to Bollywood. Three wisecracking mice narrate the story: Harvey (Carlo Imperato), Schmink (Jaleel White) and Buckey (Ms. Allen herself!). With an original score by Mariah Carey, Arturo Sandoval, Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen, James Ingram, Shiamak Davar, Tena Clark and Thump, The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.

The December 9, 2010 Gala performance at 7 pm will feature special guest performances by Disney Channel personality and superstar Raven Symone as Myrtle the mouse queen, renowned concert pianist Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen, Grammy award-winning jazz trumpeter and pianist Arturo Sandoval, as well as some of LA's finest young talent.

About the Debbie Allen Dance Academy:

The Debbie Allen Dance Academy a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is committed to expanding the reach of Dance and Theater arts to enrich, inspire and transform the lives of thousands of young people in the Greater Los Angeles Area, across America and around the world. The character, education and creativity ignited through arts education are invaluable to individual achievement and our success as a nation.

Sponsors include the distinguished Annenberg Foundation (www.annenbergfoundation.org), and Target Stores (www.target.com).

* Production written, directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen; also features choreography by EVan Williams (Royal Ballet), Vladimir Kolesnikov (Kirov Ballet), Elza Prado, Karen McDonald, Eartha Robinson, Cathie Nicholas, Chantel Heath and Dion Watson.

* Composed by Mariah Carey, Arturo Sandoval, Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen, James Ingram, Shiamak Davar, Tena Clark and Thump.

* Produced by the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. For tickets and show times visit www.thehotchocolatenutcracker.com.