McCain offering celebrated dance spectacle 'The Hip Hop Nutcracker' via livestream
Monday, Nov. 9, 2020
Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium is offering a livestream opportunity to view the Christmas classic with a twist, "The Hip Hop Nutcracker," at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — "The Hip Hop Nutcracker," a contemporary dance spectacle, is being offered via livestream this holiday season by Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium. The livestream will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11.
The live capture, filmed as a part of a partnership with PBS, will allow recurring and new McCain patrons to experience this beloved holiday tradition at home.
Directed and choreographed by Olivier-nominated Jennifer Weber, "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky's timeless music. This evening-length production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop's founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. The show is produced by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center with executive producer Eva Price and co-commissioned by the United Palace of Cultural Arts.
Just like the original "Nutcracker," in "The Hip Hop Nutcracker," Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th-century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Through this remixed and reimagined version of the classic, the "The Hip Hop Nutcracker" takes viewers on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.
"We are thrilled to partner with our friends at 'The Hip Hop Nutcracker' and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to bring this show virtually to our McCain Auditorium audience," said McCain Auditorium director Todd Holmberg. "We are also grateful to receive a portion of each ticket price during these difficult times for arts organizations everywhere."
Tickets are not available through McCain Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased online only at https://www.stellartickets.com/events/hhn-and-mccain-auditorium/hip-hop-nutcracker-manhattan-kansas. The link can also be found on McCain Auditorium's website or Facebook page.
"While I'm saddened we can't take 'The Hip Hop Nutcracker' on the road this year, I'm thrilled we're able to find a way to bring this show to audiences around the country for the seventh consecutive season,” said Price, the show's executive producer. "This will be a holiday season unlike any other. I'm so glad we'll have this comforting, inspiring and inclusive tradition to provide much-need and well-earned joy."
