THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER Comes to MPAC This Month

The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky's 130-year-old ballet reimagined as a holiday dance spectacle, will travel to 30 cities this fall to celebrate the show's 10th season, including a stop at the Marcus Performing Arts Center on November 26 at 7:30pm.

This performance kicks off the 2022/2023 MPAC Presents Dance Series. Subscriptions are still on sale, including Build Your Own packages. To purchase tickets and/or subscriptions, call 414-273-7206 or visit www.marcuscenter.org. Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207.

The touring production of The Hip Hop Nutcracker features hip hop pioneer Kurtis Blow, the first rapper to be signed by a major label in 1979. Blow is considered one of hip hop's founding fathers and will perform as the MC of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. The tour includes a cast of a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist who turns the beloved Tchaikovsky score on its head.

Preview the production here: https://youtu.be/toBO5yHVIhg

Created in 2013 by director/choreographer Jennifer Weber and writer Mike Fitelson, The Hip Hop Nutcracker pays homage to the original (George) Balanchine ballet, retold through the modern, self-expressive gaze of hip-hop culture. The production has evolved into a masterpiece due to the creators' never-ending commitment to enhancing the production, and dancers who continue to raise the bar each year. To date, The Hip Hop Nutcracker has been performed more than 200 times in 70 cities.

"I love taking this show on the road each year and creating lifelong memories for our audiences," says Kurtis Walker, known professionally as Kurtis Blow. "And to be celebrating our 10th season this year is such a big accomplishment for the show."

It's a big accomplishment for Blow as well. On December 6, 2020, he had a heart transplant that has given him a new life. He paved the way for generations of hip hop artists and fans after scoring the first certified gold record rap song in 1980, "The Breaks." He was also the first rapper to be signed to a major label. Blow is also responsible for "Christmas Rappin," the perennial first rap holiday song.

Just like the classic Nutcracker story, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Through the modern, self-expressive gaze of hip hop culture, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrate the magic of the entire holiday season on the most inclusive holiday of them all - New Year's Eve, a time for new beginnings.

For the latest news and updates follow The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Facebook, Instagram (@hiphopnutcracker), and YouTube; #HipHopNutcracker.

The MPAC Presents Series are generously supported by Bader Philanthropies, Inc., Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel, the Herzfeld Foundation, Fields Auto Group, The Ambassador Hotel, and THINKLimo. MPAC is supported in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Milwaukee Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Arts Midwest. MPAC is a proud affiliate of United Performing Arts Fund

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