Jazzed Up Nutcracker Premieres In Chicago
WDCB’s Gary Zidek previews the world premiere of SUGAR HILL: THE ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN NUTCRACKER.
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A world premiere is offering a new take on what some may consider the most popular ballet of all time. The new work, which is set to debut in Chicago this week. reimagines the story of a young girl who dreams of a nutcracker prince who must battle the mouse king. SUGAR HILL: THE ELLINGTON-STRAYHORN NUTCRACKER was supposed to open in New York last month, but that run was canceled, so it’s scheduled Chicago run starting on Wednesday December 20 will be the world premiere. As you might’ve gleaned from the title, rather than Tchaikovsky’s 1892 compositions, this new adaptation moves to the beat of Ellington and Strayhorn’s jazz-infused Nutcracker Suite that came out in 1960.
Alyce Claerbout, executive producer of SUGAR HILL & vice president of Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc.
