It’s the holiday season and The Debbie Allen Dance Academy presents its award-winning, family spectacular, “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker,” starring Tisha Martin Campbell at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on December 6 (7:30pm), December 7 (7:30pm), December 8 (1pm & 7pm) and December 9 (2pm).
“This production has all original music and the rats take over the story,” said director/choreographer and “Grey’s Anatomy” executive producer, Debbie Allen. “Our Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is more of a musical.”
Going on its ninth year, the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” was written, directed and choreographed by Allen. In this adaption of the classic story, three laugh-out-loud, wise-cracking rats take the audience on an adventure through Candy Cane Land, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest, Bollywood, Jazz Land, and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. Along the ride with the rats is a former showgirl, who narrates the story: Myrtle (Tisha Martin Campbell), Harvey (Carlo Imperato), Schmink (Michael Hubela) and Buckey (Debbie Allen). With an original score by Mariah Carey, Arturo Sandoval, Chau-Giang Thi Nguyen, James Ingram, Shiamak Davar, Tena Clark and Thump.
“This year has a brand-new section that was choreographed by Savion Glover, it’s called ‘The Train.’ What is unique to our nutcracker is the fusion of ethnic styles from Bollywood to Candy Cane land to Fairy land and this year we will be adding a huge tap component with Glover’s, ‘The Train.’”
Starring Tisha Campbell Martin, Tichina Arnold, Debbie Allen, Carlo Imperato, Kris Nobles with Jalyn Flowers and Sydney Guine “Kara,” the show includes additional choreography by Terry Beeman, Titus Fotso Kim Hale, Kevin Harris, Chantel Heath, Giana Jigarhan, Trey Knight, Karen McDonald, Cathie Nicholas, Deepa Patel, Elza Prado, Eartha Robinson and Evan Williams.
“Debbie Allen is a magician,” said Denzel Washington about the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” “What she does with those young people on stage is pure magic.”
“Our cast has over 150 dancers,” said Allen. “You’ll see many unforgettable performances that will give you joy and touch your heart.”
Keeping in the spirit of giving, 100 percent of the show’s proceeds will benefit arts education for youth in the greater Los Angeles area. School performances will take place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center at 10am December 5-8.
“We’re excited that we have created a new legacy, a new family tradition with the ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’,” said Allen. “We’re also very excited that Shonda Rhimes will be presenting a behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of [the] ‘Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’ for Netflix.”
The “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” is a three-time Nutty Award-winning production that is not to be missed and promises something for the whole family.
“Next year is our 10th year and already we have people lining up, so get your tickets for this year because year 10 is heating up,” said Allen.
The show runs for 90 minutes.
To purchase tickets, please visit: www.thehotchocolatenutcracker.com or call (213) 972-8550.
