ST. PAUL, Minn. (July 28, 2017) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Hennepin Theatre Trust are excited to co-present a return engagement of The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a holiday mash-up for the entire family, Nov. 21-22 at the historic State Theatre (805 Hennepin Theatre, Minneapolis). A contemporary re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to the Twin Cities by popular demand following successful runs at the Ordway in 2015 and 2016. Tickets, which start at $28.50, are available now and can be purchased online at HennepinTheatreTrust.org, by phone at 800-982-2787 or in-person at the State Theatre ticket office.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is an evening-length production performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and violinist. Through the spells cast by the mysterious Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker prince travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of a palace of sugarplums into a romance set in 1980s Brooklyn. The dance work celebrates love, community and the magic of New Year’s Eve.

Special guest emcee Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, will perform a short set to warm up the crowd before rapping the introduction to The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

“Over the past two seasons of presenting The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Ordway, we’ve received such positive feedback from audiences. Our patrons have loved the experience of seeing this classic with a modern twist, and beginning new holiday traditions with their families,” said Jamie Grant, Ordway president and CEO. “We’re thrilled to be able to open up the opportunity for that experience to more people by partnering with our friends at Hennepin Theatre Trust.”

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, artistic director of the Brooklyn based theatrical hip-hop dance company Decadancetheatre. It was adapted to contemporary New York City by Mike Fitelson, executive director of United Palace of Cultural Arts and includes hip-hop interludes remixed and reimagined by DJ Boo as well as an on-stage electric violinist. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and executive producer Eva Price."

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway’s Music Theater and Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway’s mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. Together with Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances. For more information, visit www.ordway.org.

Hennepin Theatre Trust, owner of the historic Orpheum, State and Pantages, is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to arts-inspired community cultural development. The Trust is located in the WeDo™ MPLS Cultural District. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.