” The Hip Hop Nutcracker” reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** As if he was reading my mind, my husband turned to me on the drive home and asked, “Can you give it 6 stars?” While I think the rules here at Around the Town Chicago preclude me from doing so, I give The Hip Hop Nutcracker 5 stars with zero hesitation and award it all the smiles of the season.

I’m still smiling.

I’m smiling thinking about the music, the energy, the movement, and the lighting. I’m smiling thinking about the beats, the costumes, the video, and the choreography – especially the choreography.

This production brings all the magic and winter wonder of the holiday classic and adds the smooth, slick, and stunning elements of hip hop dance. It’s a fresh and incredibly fun take. Beyond being entertaining, it’s a living reminder that art is all about evolution. In this case, a short story was turned into another short story, which was adapted into a ballet, which has now evolved into this contemporary version…which I love.

I’ve never seen a picture of Tchaikovsky smiling, but I can only imagine he, too, would be smiling if he could see what this team has done with his classic score. That might seem like a bold statement, but last night at The Hip Hop Nutcracker, my husband danced. And, dear reader, much to my disappointment, my husband does not often dance. Special Guest MC, rapper and hip hop icon, Kurtis Blow likely had something to do with that, but the energy of the cast seeping into the energy of the audience definitely factored into it as well.

This is a holiday show your whole family will love. Unless, of course, your family doesn’t love fun. I am already hoping The Hip Hop Nutcracker will return to the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee next year. Meanwhile, you’ll want to mark your calendars, Chicagoans. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is coming your way December 10-15 and you won’t want to miss it. Get your tickets at hiphopnutcracker.com or at broadwayinchicago.com.

★★★★★

The Hip Hop Nutcracker plays at the CIBC Theatre December 10-15. The show runs 2 hours with an intermission.

Tuesday, December 10 – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 11 – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 – 7 p.m.
Friday, December 13 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 15 – 1 p.m.