Tchaikovsky’s Score.
Hip Hop Dance.
NYC Style.
About the show
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse 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.
Just like the original, 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.
Grab your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.
2024 Tour Dates
Nov 8
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Cerritos, CA
Nov 12
Washington Center
Olympia, WA
Nov 13
Mount Baker Theatre
Bellingham, WA
Nov 14 - 15
Keller Auditorium
Portland, OR
Nov 17
Morrison Center
Boise, ID
Nov 20
Kauffman Center
Kansas City, MO
Nov 21
BCPA
Bloomington, IL
Nov 22
Uihlein Hall
Milwaukee, WI
Nov 24
Palace Theatre
Columbus, OH
Nov 26
Des Moines Civic Center
Des Moines, IA
Nov 27
Adler Theatre
Davenport, IA
Nov 29
Mahalia Jackson Theater
New Orleans, LA
Nov 30
Smart Financial Centre
Sugarland, TX
Dec 1
The Aztec Theatre
San Antonio, TX
Dec 3
Brown Theatre
Louisville, KY
Dec 4
Connor Palace
Cleveland, OH
Dec 6
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Lowell, MA
Dec 7
The Palace Theatre
Stamford, CT
Dec 8
NJPAC
Newark, NJ
Dec 10 - 15
CIBC Theatre
Chicago, Il
Dec 17
Benedum Center
Pittsburgh, PA
Dec 19
Chrysler Hall
Norfolk, VA
Dec 20 - 22
The National Theatre
Washington DC
Dec 23
Kings Theatre
Brooklyn, NY
Dec 26
Fox Theatre
Atlanta, GA
Dec 28
DPAC
Durham, NC
Dec 29
Altria Theater
Richmond, VA
Meet the Cast
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Angel Guzman is a Hip Hop freestyle dancer with a background as a percussionist from Tampa Florida and currently based out of Orlando. Dancer and choreographer for projects featuring Ravi Drums, Meg Donnelly wand Tyra Banks. 2024 KOD Hip Hop world runner up, and Red Bull Dance Your Style 2 v 2 champion. Core member of Funky Wunks who was featured on the World Of Dance TV show.
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Baptista Kawa is originally from Democratic Republic of Congo. He’s thrilled to do his second tour with HHN. Credits include: Performances with 50 Cent, The Lion King at The Hollywood Bowl, FIFA World Cup Reveal, and an editorial video for Vogue with Lil Nas X. Music videos for Damiano David, Feid and Arman Hovhannisyan. Commercials for Purple Mattress, Samsung and XFinity in collaboration with Bboy Victor. He’s a member of contemporary company Jacob Jonas The Company.
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Cadence spent the first half of her childhood training in gymnastics, track & field and basketball. She took her first dance class at age 12 and knew she’d found her calling. She’s honored to be mentored by Phil Wright, JoJo Gomez, JR Taylor, Free Boogie, Phlex, and others. At age 13 Cadence began her professional career with the WNBA Sparks, where she has spent six seasons as a dancer and one as a choreographer. She considers herself blessed to now be working full-time as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, model, and actor, performing in films, commercials, music videos, and live stage shows.
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Ethan started his journey as a dancer at age 8, training as a B-boy and performing and battling at local showcases and battles. Ethan’s professional career started during high school dancing on tour with artists such as Janet Jackson. After high school, Ethan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a BFA in commercial dance, graduating from Hussain College In Studio Los Angeles in 2021. Since graduating, Ethan’s career as a performer has taken off, performing in movies, on tours, and live on television for the Oscars. Through Ethan’s career, he strives to blend different movement styles, expanding the boundaries of what movement is and can be.
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Hi, my name is Jaelyn Heath. I am originally from Kansas City, Kansas; but I am currently living in Los Angeles, California. Go Chiefs! I began dancing at the age of 3 and happy to say that 18 years later; I am currently a senior majoring in Commercial Dance Theater. I am currently enrolled at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Whenever I am not busy with school I am assisting Tricia Miranda on the weekends at the state of the art dance convention "Radix" as a pro-assistant.
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Born and Raised in Philadelphia PA, Janaè is a professional dancer with 7 years of dance experience and has performed with major artists and award shows. Specializing in Hip Hop and Krump, her dance style focuses more on storytelling and high engery. Janaè has received rigorous training from American Dramatic Academy of LA learning from major choreographers. Janaè is forever inspired by her peers and loves to educate and give back to the dance community.
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Jaylin Sanders is a versatile performing artist who started dancing at six. Although he played various sports, he fully committed to dance after moving to Tennessee in 2016, enhancing his choreography and freestyle skills. By 14, he began working professionally and later moved to Los Angeles. He has since collaborated with renowned artists and brands like Dolly Parton, Marvel, and many more! He also achieved a Top 6 finish on Season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance.
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Portland native Jazmyn Thomas discovered her love for movement at age 13 while watching her first live performance—goodbye to those two left feet! With a BFA in Dance from AMDA College and Conservatory, she’s danced and acted her way through New York and Los Angeles. During the pandemic, Jazmyn embraced the opportunity to reconnect with her Portland roots, dedicating herself to building community and nurturing aspiring dancers in her hometown. Now back in LA, Jazmyn is ready to dive into her next chapter, fueled by passion and a dash of hometown charm!
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Kurtis Blow is one of the founders and creators of recorded rap. A hip hop legend, Kurtis blazed the trail for early hip hop artists and continues to carry the torch for hip hop music in new arenas. Kurtis was the first rapper to be signed to a major label, release a certified gold rap album, tour the US and Europe, record a national commercial, use the drum machine, release a rap music video, and become a millionaire. Kurtis has scored, produced, and acted overseas, becoming an activist, radio personality, and an ordained minister and leader of the Hip Hop Church.
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Originally born in Ukraine, now living in Los Angeles, Philip Svirshch traveled since birth in the Russian circus touring the world with his acrobatic family, after many years of gymnastics and circus his life transitioned into bboying in high school. Philip is now apart of legendary crews such as Phaze 2 crosstown crew and The Squadron which he represents all around the world battling, judging and teaching all around the world showcasing his dynamic style.
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Ryan Nebreja (He/Him) His credits include Tate Gyoji in SUMO (Ma-Yi/La Jolla Playhouse); Tanner in God Will Do the Rest (LATC/Artists at Play), Lance Graham in Mama Mama Can’t You See (Coin&Ghost); Larry Itliong in Sama Sama (East West Players); Roberto Zucco in Roberto Zucco (CalArts); Ensemble in Augustine Machine (Conservatoire National Supérieur d’Art Dramatique Paris/Center of New Performance); He holds an MFA from California Institute of the Arts.
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Shantel Ureña is a dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and teacher from Tampa, Fl based in Los Angeles. She focuses on concert, commercial, and freestyle dance. Beginning in her grandparents' home, dancing to Merengue, she soon journeyed into Ballet, Modern and Contemporary. Later, falling in love with Street +Club styles such as; House, Hip Hop, Animation and Waving. Shantel has toured with Contra Tiempo, actively Battles and performed with artists like; Dua Lipa, Xtina, Ozuna and Google.
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Boo is a Fil-Am DJ based in NY who has shared the stage with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah, The Juggaknots, Common, KRS-1, and Kurtis Blow. His talent as a turntablist has enabled him the privilege of rocking stages in cities from Chicago and Cape Verde to Madrid and Kathmandu. He’s been the DJ for The Hip Hop Nutcracker since inception and is responsible for the remixes heard throughout the show.
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Born in New York, Tomoe grew up in Japan for 10 years. She started her dance training in Japan and she is the first graduate of KiNEXtionS™ from NXGN Studios Japan. Tomoe was chosen as an honorable mention for YoungArts in 2019. She has also danced behind artists Alicia Keys, Swaelee, Jidenna, Freddie Gibbs and has made an impact in the street style battle scene winning Red Bull Dance Ya Style Boston, Jacob’s Pillow, Ladies Of Hip Hop Festival and Step Ya Game Up. Since 2021, she has been traveling the country to battle, do commercial work, and learn from various dancers.
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Trent Jeray raised in Memphis TN a master of the style Memphis Jookin. He was first casted as a soloist in the Cirque Du Soleil shows The Beatles Love and Michael Jackson One on the Las Vegas Strip. He enjoys traveling the world sharing his gifts to inspire and motivate others. Credits:Aerosmith,Pharrell,Justin Timberlake, Bad Buny, Louis Vuitton and more. Instagram: @Trentjeray
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Vicki “La Vix” Chang is a b-girl from San Jose, CA and started breaking at the age of 18. Influenced by the diverse music and dance culture of the Bay Area, Vicki’s dance style has been described as creative and intricate. She enjoys the innovative freedom of breaking and is deeply inspired by her friends and mentors. Vicki is a member of Team USA and has recently collaborated with the Golden State Warriors, Nike, and Jack in the Box.
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VUOKKO performs across North America, the U.K., Europe and Asia. She has toured and recorded with the Baltimore Symphony, The Knights and A Far Cry. Theater credits include Concertmaster positions in the first U.S. national tour of Hamilton and its opening residency in Asia. Festivals include Tanglewood, Ravinia, Naumburg, Newport, Caramoor, Rockport, BBC Proms and Edinburgh International.
Meet the Creatives
Jennifer Weber
(Director, Choreographer) Jennifer Weber is a Lucille Lortel and Bessie-nominated choreographer . Her work has been performed at Jacob’s Pillow, The Apollo, The Kennedy Center, LincolnCenter, London’s Southbank Center, and The Stanislavsky Music Theatre, Moscow . Recently, Weber was commissioned by New York City Centerto create a new work for NYCB principal dancer Tiler Peck and hip hop legend Lil Buck for the 2018 Fall For Dance Festival . Theatre choreographycredits include KPOP (Ars Nova/Lortel Nom), Teenage Dick (The Public/Ma-Yi) Cruel Intentions (LPR), Stockholm (Stageworks Hudson/US Premier), PBS’s Odd Squad Live! (National Tour), Commercial direction/choreography: Marc Jacobs, CK2, American Express, Uber, Ulta, L’Oreal,Reebok, and Philosophy . Weber is also the creative director of Lifetime’s Bring It Live! national tour.
@jenniferwebernyc
RANDI "RASCAL" FREITAS
(Associate Choreographer) Randi “Rascal” Freitas is a versatile dancer, choreographer and master educator based in Los Angeles, CA. Her experience ranges from industry, to battle platforms, to the freestyle community. Randi has worked with Justin Timberlake, SZA, Travis Scott, Karol G., Target, Toyota , The Grammys and more. She was in partnership with Nike consulting during the creation of the Nike breaking shoe, The Jam. She also was a bronze medalist at the Arizona and Los Angeles Olympic Trial regionals and placed 5th in the Nation. Randi is the founder of Omega Flow Floorwork, a worldwide dance training program, as well as Dancers’ U., a comprehensive training that equips freestyle dance artists with the financial, strategic and creative skills essential to navigate the professional dance world.
MIKE FITELSON
(Writer/Co-Creator) Mike Fitelson is the executive producer at the United Palace, the 88-year-old Wonder Theatre in Washington Heights, Manhattan’s 4th largest theatre. Previously as the executive director of theUnited Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA) he co-created “Hip Hop Nutcracker” with Jennifer Weber. Fitelson has worked to build the Northern Manhattan arts community for 18 years. He co-founded the annual arts festival, the Uptown Arts Stroll, served in every capacity of the Manhattan Times, the bilingual community newspaper of Washington Heights and Inwood, and helped found the nonprofit Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.
KATY FREEMAN
(Costume Designer) Katy started her journey with Hip Hop Nutcracker in 2021 as wardrobe supervisor and is thrilled to be back with the crew as costume designer. She serves as the Costume Director for The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Her costumes have been seen on stages across the US & internationally including, New York City Center, Kennedy Center & Lincoln Center. Noted collaborations have been with Christopher Wheeldon, William Forsyth and Virgina Johnson. George Balanchine’s “Allegro Brillante” is her most recent design for the company. She studied costume design at SUNY Purchase and has a costume studio in Brooklyn where she designs and creates custom one of a kind looks for nightlife personalities, burlesque and drag performers. Her designs can be seen often on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
SAMANTHA C. JONES
(Costume Designer) Samantha C. Jones (she/her) is a Costume Designer and educator with previous design credits at Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Huntington Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, MCC, Manhattan Theatre Club, McCarter Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Jackalope Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Alley Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, First Stage Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Peninsula Players Theater, and others. Her work can be viewed at
www.samanthacjones.com
MICHAEL VASQUEZ
(Company Manager) With 38 years of experience in the entertainment world as a performer for 15 years for Disney and national tours. Then crossing over from a performer to the creative side of the entertainment as a Show Director for Six Flags Entertainment and YLS Productions. Performance Director for Feld Entertainment, Disney Live, and Paw Patrol national tours. On the Company management team for Hairspray, On Your Feet, Moscow Ballet, American Girl Live, and Paw Patrol Live.
COBY CHASMAN-BECK
(Associate Lighting Designer) Coby a New York based designer whose work around the world includes Theater, Opera, Dance, Fashion, Concerts, TV, Film, cooperate retail and Museum exhibitions. International work in Canada, China, Dominican Republic, England, Ireland, India, Italy, Mexico, and Poland. Broadway work on Tootsie, Kiss Me Kate, Hello Dolly!, In Transit, She Loves Me, Time and The Conways, Death of A Salesman, Betrayal (Associate). Off-Broadway/Regional: Princess Ivona, Mutant Olive, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Peter Pan, Godspell, Footloose, Mary Poppins, and Sophisticated Ladies. Recent Museum design for The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Sleeping Beauties, Re-Awakening Fashion, as well as TV/film.
JOHN WEATHERS
(Production Electrician) John is a versatile electrician with extensive experience in touring, theater, and film, with work showcased internationally. His touring credits include acclaimed productions such as Phantom of the Opera, Come From Away, Finding Neverland, Dirty Dancing, and Blue Man Group. In Off-Broadway and regional theater, he has contributed to The 39 Steps, Sticks and Bones, Big River, and April Morning. His film and TV credits include Hocus Pocus 2, Spirited, Madame Web, Good Burger 2, Beetlejuice 2, and The Walking Dead: Dead City. John is grateful for the opportunity to bring art to life and continues to infuse creativity and passion into every project.
TREVOR DEWEY
(Moving Lighting Programmer) Trevor is an accomplished lighting professional passionate about the translation of creative ideas into art. Being the link between a technical world and artistic expression is the core of his drive. His work extends from theater to television to dance and other live events. Touring:Cinderella, Beautiful, Eclipsed. Off-Broadway: Corruption, Patience, HELP, Emojiland, We Are The Tigers. International: Civilization to Nation. TV: BravoCon Live With Andy Cohen, The Capital Emmy Awards.
JENNIFER GALLAGHER, ALLIED
(Marketing Rep) ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING (Tour Marketing & Press) is a full-service integrated marketing agency working with the world's leading entertainment, consumer, and lifestyle brands, including 80+ Broadway shows over three decades. Current tours: Ain’t Too Proud, Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon, Elf, Funny Girl, Hadestown, Mamma Mia!, Mean Girls, Mrs. Doubtfire, Pretty Woman, Some Like It Hot, Wheel of Fortune LIVE! Upcoming tours: Mystic Pizza, The Notebook, The Outsiders, and more.
JOHN TELLEM, TGPR
(PR) Tellem Grody PR is a global public relations agency and family-owned business based in Los Angeles for 30 years. Partners John and Dan are front and center with clients leading TGPR’s team of specialists. From Hollywood to New York and Europe to Australia, TGPR works with national and international clients in live entertainment, consumer products, sports, healthcare, and non-profits around the globe. www.tellemgrodypr.com
MICHELE METZGER
(Assistant Company Manager) Michele Metzger enjoys working in theater management and has worked across theater, opera, and dance. She is thrilled to be returning to the Hip Hop Nutcracker for a second season. Regional credits include The Santa Fe Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, Weston Theater Company, and PlayMakers Repertory Company. Michele is honored to share this show with you. Thank you for supporting live performances!
BUCK MASON
(Production Manager) GM Highlights include Dreamgirls (Tokyu Theatre Orb), Disney’s The Little Mermaid(National Tour), Jekyll & Hyde (Broadway), Miss Saigon (Macau Arts Festival), Peter Pan (Nat’l Tour/ MSG), and Carrie The Killer Musical Experience (LA Theatre). Producer LBE: Angel of Light (LA Theatre), Game for Life (Football Hall of Fame). Film /episodic post-production: Extraction, Citadel, The Gray Man, Cherry,The Act, Relic. Love to his wife of 23 years the illustrious Dana Solimando and kids Hailey and Jude.
MAX WURTZ
(TD Head Electrician) Max Wurtz is a lighting professional who has worked extensively as a technician, operator, and designer lending his expertise across the globe to MSC Cruises, Princess Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and most recently as the Lighting Director for the 2024 US/Canada tour of The Simon and Garfunkel Story.
CHELSEA TINOCO
(Assistant Production Manager) Theatrical Highlights include, PM on The Little Mermaid (National Tour), PM on Jersey Boys (La Mirada Theatre), Prop Master on Mack & Mabel (starring Dermot Mulroney). Film Highlights include, Post-Production Coordinator on Extraction II (Netflix), The Gray Man (Netflix), A Friend Of The Family (Universal), and Citadel (Amazon Prime). Event Highlights include ASM on The Angel of Light Haunt (LA Theatre), Coordinator on Country Campout Weekend (Skyline Production Group). Wishing everyone happy holidays!
IAN WEHRLE
(A2) Ian Wehrle (Sound) is a composer and collaborator for various music direction and sound design for theater. Recent credits include: The Screwtape Letters; Titanic (Surflight Theater); Sunday in the Park with George (Axelrod); The Buddy Holly Story (Tour); Monica Piper's Not That Jewish (New World Stages); A Room Of My Own and Hellman V. McCarthy (Abingdon Theatre Co.); et al. (Columbia Stages & NYFA); Credits at Food Network, FOX, MTV, and PBS. www.soundaffectsdesign.com
JOSH KARP, PRG
(Lighting/ Rigging/ Video) With more than 38 locations in 29 countries on 6 continents, PRG is a global organization obsessed with creating moments that captivate audiences and define culture. Founded by Jere Harris, known as a pioneer for his entrepreneurial spirit and technological vision, PRG sets itself apart by innovating across disciplines and markets. Whether it be a concert, Broadway show, or trade show, we are often the invisible glue that holds shared entertainment experiences together.
@prg.north.america
BRANDON STIRLING BAKER
(Lighting Designer) Brandon Stirling Baker is an award-winning lighting designer working internationally in the areas of dance, opera, and theater. His work can be seen on stages throughout the US and abroad including Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Australian Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Opera Philadelphia, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Semperoper Dresden, Staatsballett Berlin and many others. Since 2010, Baker has designed over 30 world premieres for choreographer Justin Peck. Additional collaborations include new works by Savion Glover, Sufjan Stevens, William Forsythe, Jamar Roberts, Lauren Lovette, Anthony Roth Costanzo, and many others. Baker is the resident lighting designer of Boston Ballet and recipient of the Knight of Illumination Award.
www.stirlingbaker.com
HANA SOOYEON KIM
(Projection Designer) Broadway: The Outsiders (Tony Awards), The Old Man And The Pool, Summer 1976. Off-Broadway/New York: The Harder They Come (The Public Theater) The Visitor (The Public Theater, Lucile Lortel Nom), Eve's Song (The Public Theater), Everything Rises (BAM), Magdalene (Prototype Festival). New music/opera: L’Orfeo (Santa Fe Opera), Sweet Land (The Industry), The Anonymous Lover (LA Opera). Regional: Redwood, Sumo (La Jolla Playhouse), Ants (Geffen Playhouse), OSF, Magic Theatre, A.C.T, among others. Awards: Princess Grace Award, Sherwood Award from CTG, Helen Hayes Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Distinguished Achievement Award among others.
www.hananow.com
ZHARA HOOPER
(Wardrobe Supervisor) Zhara has spent the last several years working in the world of costumes in a diverse range of roles and productions, including plays, musicals, operas, experimental theatre, touring productions, and film. Zhara uses her passion for clothing to enhance the world and storytelling of every production she's a part of. Zhara is thrilled to be involved in this current production and is very excited to be a part of bringing this show to life.
JEREMIAH BISCHOFF
(Production Stage Manager) Jeremiah Bischoff started out in live radio in 2003. In 2008, he moved to Chicago and switched careers to live dance and opera production. He has stage and production managed for American Ballet Theatre, The Hamptons Dance Project, Ballet Hispanico, Isabella Boylston and Friends, Gemma Bond Dance, Ballet Sun Valley, Dance Africa, and American Repertory Ballet, among other companies.
MEP
(Producer / General Manager) Maximum Entertainment Productions is a producing, developing, and management company founded by Avram Freedberg, Mary Beth Dale, and Eva Price; and is joined by Managing Director/General Manager Carl Flanigan. Select credits include Titanique, Redwood, Small Mouth Sounds; Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical; Verso; Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons on Broadway!; The Lion; The Hip Hop Nutcracker; and Colin Quinn: Long Story
www.maximumcompany.com
EVA PRICE
(Executive Producer) Eva Price is an NYCLU/ ACLU honoree and a three-time Tony award-winning, and two-time Olivier award-winning producer. Her productions have garnered 6 Olivier Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, and 19 Tony Awards. Current: & Juliet (Broadway, National Tour); Titaníque (Off-Broadway, International Companies) The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Touring Live Show, Disney +); SHIT.MEET.FAN. (MCC Theatre). Upcoming: Redwood (Broadway); Take the Lead (Paper Mill Playhouse). Selected credits: Redwood (La Jolla Playhouse), A Transparent Musical (Center Theatre Group); Mindplay (Arena Stage & Geffen Playhouse); Jagged Little Pill (2 Tony Awards); Oklahoma! (2 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, Best Musical Revival, National Tour, West End); Tina - The Tina Turner Musical; What the Constitution Means to Me; Angels in America (Tony-winning Broadway Revival starring Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield); Dear Evan Hansen (6 Tony Awards, 3 Olivier Awards); Peter and the Starcatcher (5 Tony Awards) along with several solo shows and critically acclaimed concerts starring The Temptations & The Four Tops; Kathy Griffin; Lewis Black; Colin Quinn; and Hershey Felder.
