In addition, Clara, who has been renamed Katrina, dreams of the Hip Hop Soulja battling the Hoodrat King. The familiar strains of Tchaikovsky are swapped for eclectic tunes from such artists as Raven-Symone and Carl Douglas as well. This version also replaces the Sugar Plum Fairy with Mama Blackberry and the Land of Sweets with the Blackberry Club.
“‘An Urban Nutcracker is such a great production,” said choreographer and SMAG artistic director Michael Groomes, a former member of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company who co-created the show with Richard Moseley II. “Part of the thought process that originally went into creating the show was to encourage more people to experience the joy of dance on another level.
“Some consider ‘Nutcracker’ very dated since it’s based in the Victorian era and most kids today have no identification with what a nutcracker is — much less seeing a nutcracker as being the most favored gift they could receive. So, we decided to move the story forward to a more modern setting. To us, urban does not represent a singular group of people but a diverse population of people that have and bring diverse cultural elements to an urban environment.”
The production, which embraces the troupe’s affinity for contemporary dance while also embracing such genres as stepping, has been modified to suit a cast of 30 performers. Professional dancers, students and community members from across the Miami Valley participating this year include DCDC, Stivers School for the Arts, Redemption Dance, actor William “Kip” Moore, and belly dancer Deniz.
“SMAG is an entertaining organization here to entertain diverse audiences,” Groomes reminded. “We’ve been providing dance for 13 years and are pleased to bring diversity to the stage. We’re also grateful for the financial support of the Ohio Arts Council who continues to support smaller organization such as SMAG. All of the arts groups in Dayton have to maintain their legacy, but at the same rate, the smaller organizations need major support as well to build their legacy and become a mainstay in the community.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "An Urban Nutcracker"
Where: Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton.
When: 4 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17.
Cost: $20 for adults; $15 for students and seniors.
Tickets/more info: Visit smagdance.org
FYI: The production is sponsored by Commercial Fitness Solutions and MJ's on Jefferson.
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