The Hip Hop Nutcracker Returns With a National Tour Stop in Bellingham, Washington
A holiday dance mash-up for the whole family celebrating 50 years of hip hop! As artists, the industry, and fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop around the globe, The Hip Hop Nutcracker announces its 2024 tour to more than 25 U.S. cities including Mount Baker Theatre for one night only on November 13, 2024. The production reimagines Tchaikovsky’s 130-year-old ballet as a contemporary holiday dance spectacle! The performance features hip hop pioneer Kurtis “The Breaks” Blow, the first rapper to be signed by a major label in 1979, performing as the show’s MC.
“Hip hop has evolved over 50 years into an increasingly diverse, global phenomenon with one of the most significant developments being the fusion of hip hop with other musical genres like classical music,” says Blow. He paved the way for generations of hip hop artists and fans after scoring the first certified gold record rap song in 1980. Blow is also responsible for “Christmas Rappin’” acclaimed for being the first holiday rap song. “I’m so proud to be a part of this iconic dance show and am excited to introduce new generations to the magic of hip hop.”
The Hip Hop Nutcracker has been performed more than 250 times in 70 cities. The secret to its success is the powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist who turn the beloved Nutcracker score on its head. The re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic story smashes hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together for a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event that takes audiences on a journey celebrating love, community, and the magic of the holiday season.
Just like the original, 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.
Created in 2013 by Emmy winner Jennifer Weber, who also directs and choreographs the show, and writer Mike Fitelson, 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. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is executive produced by three-time Tony winner Eva Price.
About Jennifer Weber (Director/Choreographer)
Jennifer Weber is a double Tony Award nominee for the 2022-2023 Broadway season with nominations for Best Choreography for her Broadway debuts of & Juliet and KPOP (opening less than a week apart). The Tony Award nominated, Olivier Award nominated, and Emmy Award winning choreographer is based in New York City and Los Angeles. Weber also made her West End debut as the choreographer of & Juliet (Olivier Award Nominee). Weber collaborated with Disney+ as an Executive Producer and Choreographer for a new film version of The Hip Hop Nutcracker — a project she conceived, co-wrote and directed first as a stage show that tours annually and then was captured as an Emmy-winning PBS Special.
About Eva Price (Executive Producer)
Eva Price (she/her) is an NYCLU/ACLU honoree, a three-time Tony award winning and two-time Olivier award winning producer. She is known for her work on & Juliet, which received 9 Tony nominations, Oklahoma! (West End, 2 Olivier Awards, Best Musical Revival), Jagged Little Pill (National Tour); Titanique (Off-Broadway, Lucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Musical), and Disney’s The Hip Hop Nutcracker.
About Mike Fitelson (Writer/Co-Creator)
Mike Fitelson is the CEO of the United Palace, the 93-year-old Wonder Theatre in Washington Heights, Manhattan’s fourth largest theatre. In 2014, as the executive director of the nonprofit United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA), he co-created The Hip Hop Nutcracker with Jennifer Weber, adapting the story and supplying the images for the scenery, and produced its premiere.
Location: Mount Baker Theatre Main Stage
Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Price: Tickets start at $39.75*
Tickets available at: https://www.mountbakertheatre.com/events-tickets/hip-hop-nutcracker/
(Tickets are only available at mountbakertheatre.com. Beware third-party ticket resellers and other websites that may advertise MBT performances.)