THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER | PHOTO COURTESY THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER
BEST BET
Dec. 17 | Benedum Center
Emmy Award-winning choreographer Jennifer Weber was unfamiliar with “The Nutcracker” ballet, but the music, detail, emotion and story were irresistible.
Her award-winning “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” presented the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as part of the Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series, takes P.I. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, underpins it with a beat and fuels it with old-school hip-hop dance styles on the New York City streets. There’s plenty of improvisation by the dozen “incredibly brilliant artists,” says Weber, who annually updates the choreography to showcase individual talents.
MC Kurtis Blow adds another dynamic to the fun. Says Weber: “It’s the most high-energy, joyous celebration of love and the holiday that you’ll find.” — Karen Dacko
EXHIBIT
Through Jan. 5 | Phipps Conservatory
PHOTO BY PAUL G. WIEGMAN
Dazzling light displays are one of the most magical aspects of the holiday season. Ranging from simplistically amateur to over-the-top professional, there are countless ways to get your sparkle on around the region.
Add the glowing gardens of Phipps Holiday Magic to your list. This year’s theme, “Enchantment,” will incorporate a little fairy dust into your holiday experience. While there, don’t miss the mystical Winter Flower Show and the vivid outdoor Winter Light Garden.
COMEDY
Dec. 6-8 | Pittsburgh Improv
Pittsburgh native Steve Byrne has filled a 20-plus-year career in the comedy game with multiple one-hour comedy specials, numerous film and TV credits, and, most important, a loyal fan base. The comedian brings what he calls “The Champagne of Comedy” home to the Steel City to share his comedic takes on race, politics and macaroni and cheese.
MOVIES
Dec. 11 | Summit Arena
The holidays are a great time for nostalgia of all kinds. Memories of family traditions and sipping hot cocoa creep into our minds to help wrap up the end of another calendar year. Holiday movies tend to help usher those memories in, and if you are of a certain age, “Home Alone” is on that list.
Get in the holiday spirit during A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin. Don’t be left home alone and miss out on viewing the film with its star as he shares behind-the-scenes stories from making this holiday classic.
PLAY
Dec. 13-22 | Henry Heymann Theatre, University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
OK, what if Tiny Tim, Scrooge and Sherlock Holmes were in the same universe?
A Sherlock Carol puts that theory to the test by merging two literary classics and creating one magically thrilling mystery. A not-so-tiny Tim comes to Sherlock Holmes for help investigating the death of Ebenezer Scrooge in this Kinetic Theatre production. Sounds like a difficult task.
We all remember what Scrooge was like before his visit from the Christmas ghosts. The suspect list could be long.
MUSIC
Dec. 15 | Jergel’s
Sometime during the late 1990s, we collectively decided it was the time to revisit the roaring ’20s musically and revive swing dancing. Among the wave of new bands that emerged promising that vibe were The Squirrel Nut Zippers. The North Carolina band is still swinging while they take their Christmas Caravan show on tour. Named after their 1998 Christmas album, the show will feature timeless classics with the band’s raucous twist.
MUSIC
Dec. 28 | Heinz Hall
With his ready-to-party persona on stage and off, Bobby Brown was considered the “bad boy” of the R&B group New Edition. The R&B group Jagged Edge proposed marriage to an entire generation of clubgoers, cuz “we ain’t getting no younger.” And Ginuwine … there isn’t an all-male revue that hasn’t used “Pony” in at least one number.
Are you ready for R&B Ladies Night Out featuring Bobby Brown, Jagged Edge, and Ginuwine? Things will get sweaty.
To be considered for coverage, send details to Events Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine, Washington’s Landing, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or email magevents@pittsburghmagazine.com.
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