“Let me be the first to tell you… this is not a normal Nutcracker,” declares the charismatic MC Kurtis Blow, who took the stage at The National Theatre to open The Hip Hop Nutcracker. It truly wasn’t the humdrum; it was an evening best summed up as vibes on vibes on vibes. The Tony and Olivier Award-nominated spectacle blends Tchaikovsky’s timeless compositions with hip-hop dance forms, all set against the backdrop of New Year’s Eve in Uptown, USA. The story loosely follows the classic Nutcracker plot but trades ballet slippers for sneakers and brings the street party to the stage in the most vibrant way possible.
After a riotous “3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!” countdown, stunning projections designed by Hana S. Kim — showing the Brooklyn Bridge and other parts of New York City — flash by and end in front of Drosselmeyer’s Toys, which serves as the central set piece. Jaylin Sanders, in her skully and varsity jacket, appears on stage to deliver a standout, emotionally charged violin performance, blending classical technique with hip-hop beats right before the start of an annual uptown holiday street party. The ensemble dancers, dressed in vibrant, urban-inspired costumes by Samantha C. Jones and Katy Freeman, bring dynamic movements to the stage, from krumping to moonwalking to South African Amapiano-inspired choreography.
Maria-Clara, passionately portrayed by Jazmyn Thomas, finds herself caught in her parents’ constant bickering. When she encounters a street vendor selling roasted nuts, a budding romance begins to bloom. But the streets aren’t all fun and games; the menacing Mouse Crew — featuring the fiercely energetic Vicki “La Vix” Chang as the Mouse King — makes its entrance, leading to an intense dance battle. This battle between Maria-Clara, the Nutcracker (Ryan Nebreja, who delivers a powerful and magnetic performance), the Toy Soldiers, and the rats is a masterclass in intensity and energy, with a magical red gift providing a triumphant twist.
Post-intermission, Drosselmeyer, portrayed with an enigmatic flair by Jaelyn Heath, literally moves the hands of time and transports us back to the Land of Sweets nightclub on New Year’s Eve, 1984. Here, Maria-Clara witnesses the night her parents first fell in love, sparking a deeper understanding of their relationship. The romantic pas de deux scenes are where the choreography truly shines. Set against a backdrop of a starry night, complete with a full moon and falling snowflakes — brought to life by Brandon Stirling Baker’s evocative lighting design — the two generations of couples convey their love through a seamless blend of breakdance and ballet. The beautifully nostalgic projected graffiti visuals, retro YMCA dance moves, and a Steven Urkel-like character in the Land of Sweets scene add layers of humor and connection, making it a true celebration of community and love.
The ensemble cast — including the intensely captivating Tomoe “Beasty” Carr, the rhythmically dynamic Cadence Blackful, the skillful Philip Svirshch, the emotionally compelling Trent Jeray, the exuberant Baptista Kawa, the magnetic Angel “Staccato” Guzman, and the graceful Shantel Urena — brings relentless energy and charisma to every scene.
Ballet and hip-hop may come from vastly different worlds — one born in the courts of Europe, the other in the urban streets of the United States — but The Hip Hop Nutcracker brings them together in an unexpected and thrilling marriage. While this production leans heavily on hip-hop dance to Tchaikovsky’s compositions, there’s potential for a deeper integration of the two forms. Jennifer Weber’s award-winning and innovative direction and choreography fuse the contrasting styles into a cohesive whole. Yet, a more seamless blend of classical music with hip-hop beats, as well as a balanced mix of ballet’s grace and hip-hop’s raw power, could elevate the experience even further.
From the electrifying opening moments to the heartfelt reconciliation at the end, The Hip Hop Nutcracker captures the spirit of community, love, and celebration. Whether you’re a fan of Tchaikovsky, hip-hop, or both, this contemporary twist on a classic tale is an up holiday treat.
Running Time: Approximately two hours, including a 20-minute intermission.
The North American tour of The Hip Hop Nutcracker played December 20 to 22, 2024, at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington. Tickets ($80–$130) were available online, at the box office, or by calling (202) 628-6161.
The cast and creative credits for the touring production are here.
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