A beloved holiday tradition will get an inclusive, 21st-century flair this holiday season as “The Brooklyn Nutcracker” returns for an exciting one-day engagement at The Kings Theatre.
In “The Brooklyn Nutcracker,” the timeless ballet classic “The Nutcracker” is reimagined with a New York flair in a landmark performance that sees the marriage of beloved Nutcracker characters with a modern hip-hop twist.
Boasting the title of “New York’s only culturally inclusive interpretation” of “The Nutcracker,” the performance hosts dancers and musicians of a variety of cultural backgrounds ranging from Chinese to African to Middle Eastern and Native American.
The much-needed modern twists are the brainchild of artistic director Lynne Parkerson, who also opened the production up to include a variety of live musicians who are new to this year’s production.
Audience members will now have the opportunity to hear music from a broad spectrum of cultures, as well as instruments, including violin by Zafir Tawil, accordion by Mikhail Smirnoff, and Yimin Miao on a Chinese bamboo flute called the dizi.
“We are thrilled to bring The Brooklyn Nutcracker back to The Kings Theatre, and to once again share this culturally immersive production with the vibrant Flatbush community,” Parkerson said in a statement. “This year’s performance embodies our commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity through dance, and it serves as a testament to the rich cultures that define Brooklyn.”
During the production, iconic characters like Sugar Plum and the Rat King will take audience members through many of the ballet’s most iconic scenes while also visiting some familiar settings such as the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Flatbush Avenue subway platform.
“We believe that art has the power to unite and uplift, and we are honored to offer a production that reflects the unique spirit and heritage of this remarkable neighborhood,” Parkerson said. “We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening of dance that bridges cultures, inspires hearts, and fosters a sense of belonging within our community.”
This year’s performance of “The Brooklyn Nutcracker” will take place on December 16 and will offer audiences two opportunities to view this must-see holiday celebration: once at 2:00 p.m. and another 7:00 p.m. An exclusive performance will also be given on Friday, December 15 for public schools and senior centers at 11:30 a.m.
