The Stand
For one night only, the Oncenter will host the traveling tour of “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” on Dec. 30. The remix to Tchaikovsky’s classic features MC Kurtis Blow, b-boy dancers, a DJ and violinist.
The production is choreographed and directed by Jenifer Weber. Mashing up different genres, this fusion of classical music with hip-hop and ballet is a modern take on a family favorite. Meant for community and family of all races and all ages, the cast is full of vibrant characters to tell the story of love and wonder.
What started as a visit to a rehearsal, hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow saw the need for the show to be seen everywhere. He is excited to bring this piece across the country because it still represents how good can defeat evil. Hitting 35 cities this year, the cast has seen the joy it brings everywhere they visit.
“That whole spirit of love that’s in the air is perfect for such a time as this,” he said. “We need that now more than ever.”
With hip-hop being the number one genre in the world, this show presents it in a way anyone can enjoy. The elements of the genre are front and center and celebrate the culture from fashion to dance moves to beats. Coined as king and queen music, Blow guarantees you will leave feeling good and will marvel at the theatrics included in the melodies.
As the true MC he is, Blow is in charge of building the crowd’s hype and preparing the atmosphere for the night. He’ll perform his 1980 “Christmas Rappin”’ along with a medley of old school hip-hop songs not excluding a certain classic called “The Breaks.”
“We are on a mission to bring this joy,” he said. “All my people out there I want you guys to come out and see this because it’s a great event for the whole family.”
Syracuse has the pleasure of hosting “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” for it’s last stop of the year. Ticket prices range from $35 to $67 and can be purchased in person at the Oncenter box office, 760 S. State St., or online at Tickemaster.com
— By Sharee Turpin, Staff Reporter
