The Palace Theater will present “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” on Dec. 5 for one night only on their U.S. tour.
The production is a reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s original score through hip-hop choreography. The performance will include a guest appearance by producer, rapper and DJ Kurtis Blow.
Blow became involved in the production through a mutual friend. After visiting a rehearsal, Blow decided he had to participate.
“I was floored by what I saw,” Blow said in a phone interview conducted by The Chimes. “…taking break dancing to another level … it was just an awesome sight to see how the classical music worked together with the DJ … it was just an awesome sound.”
This year’s tour marks the fifth year that the production has been in circulation. The troupe has performed about 40 shows with Blow as the guest MC.
This adaptation of “The Nutcracker” is important to see because of the theme of love, which is essential during the holiday season, according to Blow.
“It’s very, very important,” Blow said. “It’s a time to thank [your friends and family] and God for all the blessings you’ve received throughout the year.”
In addition to touring with this production, Blow is currently a chairman of the Universal Hip-Hop Museum that’s set to open up in the southern tip of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
“It’s a brick and mortar, very interactive museum,” Blow said. “It’s due to open up in 2022.”
Stars like Ice-T and LL Cool J played a part in getting plans together for the museum, and Blow credited them in his interview.
“Look us up…We need contributions, we need support, so look us up,” Blow said.
Blow also gave credit to everyone who worked on “The Hip-Hop Nutcracker.”
“The cast and crew… the producers… my friends and family for letting me do this,” Blow said.
Tickets are still on sale for the Dec. 5 performance.
“Come on out for some down home fun for the whole family,” Blow said.
