Hip Hop Nutcracker Returns To St. Paul's Ordway Center

For the second year in a row, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off its holiday season with "The Hip Hop Nutcracker."

Twin Cities audiences were first introduced to the show in 2015, when its two-show run was performed for sold-out audiences.

It returns in 2016 for another two-show run, opening Tuesday evening in St. Paul.

Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, the performance offers a modern take on the classic ballet.

The story still centers around a young woman, Maria-Clara, and her Nutcracker. Maria-Clara is still enchanted by a mystical man, Drosselmeyer, but instead of traveling to fantasy lands she travels back in time to when her parents first met.

The classical score is blended with a solo violin and DJ on a turntable, bringing a touch of syncopated rhythm to the orchestral sound.

Elements of hip hop, break dancing, modern dance and ballet blend together to bring the audience into this New York world.

Rapper and hip hop artist Kurtis Blow also returns to reprise his role as emcee.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker opens Tuesday, Nov. 22. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. There will be one repeat performance at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23. Tickets cost $24 - $92. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Ordway online.